Grout floats can have enclosed, rounded handles in the center of the float or they may have long, open handles that attach to the center or one side of the grout float and extend out from this point. Both styles are suitable options, though grout floats with open handles are easier to use in tight spaces, while enclosed handles offer improved control.

While grouting isn’t difficult, it does require some practice to gain skill at applying it, and it’s admittedly a somewhat tedious task. Here are the basics you’ll need to know: This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. Dampen your grouting sponge, and wipe away excess grout from the tile. Don’t dig or use too much pressure on the grout lines; you just want to remove excess grout from the tile. Rinse your sponge frequently in clean water so it doesn’t build up a coating of grout.Control is key for any type of DIY project, which is why it's necessary to consider the type of handle and whether it has any padding to improve user comfort or a textured grip for enhanced control.

Grout sponges are intended for wiping off excess grout, so when it comes to size, choose a big sponge if you need to worry about cleaning up a large tiled area or opt for a small sponge to reach narrow nooks, crannies, and tight corners. When it comes to grouting tools, size is an important factor to keep in mind because if a grouting tool isn't the correct size it may lead to inefficiencies on big jobs or could prevent you from working in tight spaces. Grout—typically either a mixture of sand, water, cement, and color, or an epoxy base mixed with a hardener—is the filler used to seal the spaces between ceramic tiles on floors, counters, walls, or tub surrounds. Grout helps keep tiles in place but is not the same as mortar, the adhesive that actually glues tile to the underlying surface. At first glance, using a glorified mastic gun to force mortar neatly and directly into a paving joint makes a lot of sense and hundreds of contractors, DIYers and inventors claim to have come up with the idea over the years. While the theory is fine, the problem has always been the mortar, which can be somewhat reluctant at being squeezed through a relatively narrow nozzle and has the unfortunate habit of separating into heavier, denser sands and lighter cement particles, particularly if subjected to the type of mild vibration inherent with a motorised pump system for any length of time. The best way to start building your grouting arsenal is with a whole grouting kit that provides everything you need to get going. These kits will often come with an assortment of floats, containers, bags, and pads necessary to contain and spread the grout evenly onto the work surface. The Barwalt Ultra Grouting System takes the top spot since it is a reliable and affordable kit for beginners and advanced users alike. According to the company, this system can cut down your work time by as much as 50 percent; that's a lot of time you could be spending doing something else.If you are not just replacing grout, but are laying a new tile surface, heed the advice of Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ, who recommends, "For DIY tiling, get a whisk attachment for your corded or cordless drill so you can properly mix your grout and mortar, be sure to seal your tile when your project is complete, and use a mortar that is self-leveling so you're starting off with a completely flat surface before you set the first piece of tile.”