In this video, we go over some tips as we walk through the install process. Read on for some additional tips!
1. Pressing Too Hard Into Tile Edges when grouting.
When you’re pushing grout into the joints, especially at the corners and perimeter, it’s easy to press too aggressively into the surface of the tile.
The goal is to fill the joint without leaving excess on the tile surface.
2. Not Shaping the Joints
Grout isn’t just filler — it needs to be finished with shape and consistency. When grout isn’t struck or tooled properly, it can create uneven lines, concave joints, or lumps that trap water and attract dirt.
After you pack the grout, use a rounded tool or even your fingertip (wrapped in a damp cloth) to smooth the joint and create a defined line.
3. Wiping Too Late
Timing is everything. If you wait too long to wipe the tiles, the grout begins to stiffen and becomes harder to remove from the surface. You end up with extra haze and leftover grout smears — just like in the video.
The trick is to wipe once the grout has firmed up slightly, but before it skins over.
4. Wiping Too Early
The opposite problem is wiping too soon. If you remove excess grout before the joints have set up, you can pull grout right out of the line. That weakens the joint and can leave gaps that collect water.
You need that sweet spot — when grout is soft enough to clean but firm enough that it stays in the joint.
5. Mixing Grout Too Wet
Too much water in the mix weakens the grout and increases shrinkage. That leads to pinholes, cracking, and premature wear.
I always mix to a slightly thicker but still workable consistency, especially on shower floors where water exposure is constant.
6. Mixing Grout Too Dry
On the flip side, if the mix is too dry, it becomes crumbly and hard to spread. Dry mixes don’t flow into joints as well, and you’re more likely to miss low spots or create hollow areas behind the surface.
Aim for a peanut-butter-like consistency that adheres well to the float and fills joints fully.
For detailed best practices on grout performance and standards, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) maintains comprehensive guidelines on grout selection and mixing.
7. Forgetting to Remove Tile Residue Before Grouting
Before you grout, make sure any surface residue — like shipping glue or protective film — is completely cleaned off the tile faces. That residue will trap grout and make cleaning much harder later.
Always do a pre-grout cleaning pass.
8. Not Protecting the Floor While Grouting Walls
In the video we mentioned that if grout dripped onto the floor and dried, it would create another cleanup and even damage the surface finish. Protective plastic or cardboard over lower tiles and the shower floor keeps that from happening.
Simple prep prevents unnecessary headaches.
9. Ignoring Corner Transitions
Corners and change-of-plane transitions are high-movement areas. If you solid-grout a corner instead of using a flexible sealant, that joint will crack over time. It’s better to caulk with a flexible silicone in corners and vertical transitions.
10. Not Cleaning Up Grout Haze Properly
A second clean-up pass after initial wiping helps remove haze. If you stop after the first wipe, you’re leaving behind a film that dulls tile and hides grout lines.
Use a slightly damp sponge on the second pass, rinsing often for best results.
11. Assuming All Grout Is the Same
There are grout types for different applications:
- Unsanded grout (tight joints)
- Sanded grout (wide joints)
- Epoxy grout (high moisture areas)
Choosing the right grout for the joint width and shower conditions makes a huge difference in performance.
For more insights on grout types and performance expectations, check out this grout guide:
https://manntile.com/shower-grouting-done-right/
Let’s wrap it up!
Grouting isn’t a “finishing touch” — it’s a critical performance layer that influences durability, appearance, and water management in your shower.
The clip in the video highlights just one small mistake — grout left rough and unshaped — but that same issue shows up in lots of other ways if you don’t pay attention.
By focusing on proper consistency, timing your wipes correctly, shaping the joints, protecting surfaces, and choosing the right materials, you’ll end up with grouting that looks professional and performs for years.
Great grouting starts with patience, attention to detail, and knowing what common mistakes to avoid. If you follow these tips, you’ll see a world of difference in your finished shower.