Technical Focus: The Evolution of Grouts and Mortars

Generally viewed, grouts and mortars are enormously overlooked compared to their more colorful ceramic tile, stone and glass tile counterparts. With the advancement in tile manufacturing, there has been the introduction of more composition types and larger sizes. These larger format tiles have gained popularity and are more commonly used, yet the grouts and mortars go much less noticed. More mortar selections for tile bonding provide consumers and installers the best fit and more of a selection than past installations.

Grouts types have also changed to give consumers and installers various degrees for performance. There are existing groups of installation products with a “system warranty” to offer levels of protection. The “one-size-fits-all” mentality is no longer a default response. The consumer and installer have much better technology products to select from.