The lines between the floor tiles are never straight, and the tiles themselves look incomplete. A special kind of solution or mixture called grout is used between tiles and other materials to hide irregular edges and different-sized tiles. Grout for outdoor tiles and indoor tiles are a bit different as in the exterior, grout and tiles are exposed to different weather conditions. It should be able to withstand the different conditions and heavy traffic.

So, if you want to know how to grout your outdoor tiles, read this article till the end. You’ll get the complete process of outdoor tile grouting. But make sure to use the special ingredients as they are able to give strength to your grouts and paving materials.

But before starting the process, let’s check what all tools and materials you’ll need while grouting your outdoor tiles.

List of Tools and Materials

Before grouting external tiles, ensure you are ready with all the tools and materials. Below is the list of all the materials and tools you’ll need during the grouting process.

Grout
Electric drill and mixing paddle (if you use cement-based grout for outdoor tiles)
Grout float
Caulking gun
Cleaning sponge
Sponge paint brush
Bucket
Grout sponge
Microfiber cloth
Grout sealer (as needed)
Utility knife
Sealant for sealing

How to Grout Your Outdoor Tiles?

Once you are done collecting all the tools and materials, it’s time to check the outdoor tiles’ grout process.

Cleaning
Cleaning is the first and foremost step while grouting your outdoor tiles. Using a utility knife clean the gaps between the tiles, so there won’t be any thin-set mortar left. You should remove the thin-set because it is of different colour and will show if not removed. So, you must clean the tiles before grouting.
Caulking
Use commercial silicone caulk or another flexible outdoor sealer created for this application to fill the grout joints. With your finger, smooth the caulked joints to resemble filled grout lines. Let the caulk settle and cure overnight. Caulking is an essential step in installing porcelain tiles or natural stone.
Mixing
Grout for outdoor tiles is of different types. Some use pre-mixed grout, and some prefer cement-based grout. So, if you use cement-based grout, mix it with water and liquid additives in a bucket. Mix the grout well so it can be filled in between the tiles. Once you’ve filled the grout, let it settle for a few minutes. However, the process is pretty simple if you use pre-mixed grout. Just open the grout box and start filling in the gaps.
Filing the Grout Joints
Always start small. Start with a small area, say 3×3 or 4×4 feet at a time. Use a grout float to scoop up some grout and apply it to the tile’s surface. Spreading the grout uniformly over the tile faces and grout joints requires holding the float at a 45-degree angle to the tile surfaces and moving it diagonally across the joints. Make several passes with the float in various diagonal directions to press the grout firmly into the joints.
Sweep Away Excess Grout
Repeating the process as it was in the previous step, but it will be a bit different this time. Hold the float at a 90-degree angle to the tile, move diagonally and remove excess grout from the surface.
Cleaning the Tiles
If you are using cement-based or pre-mixed grout for outdoor tiles, it is recommended to clean the surface. Don’t wet the surface. Just moist it to clean the surface and smooth the joints. Make sure you do not remove the grout. If you are not confident enough to clean the surface, take help from a professional.
Repeat the Process
Once you are done grouting in a small area, repeat the complete process for the rest of the surface.
Again, Clean the Surface
Cleaning the porcelain tiles or any other tiles is easy. You just need a damp cloth and start cleaning the surface. After you’ve filled the joints in the remaining areas, you should again clean the entire surface with a damp sponge.
Polish the Tiles
Allow the grout to dry as instructed, and then use a microfiber cloth to buff the tile surfaces to eliminate the grout haze. Remember that the grout joints don’t need to be polished. Just buff the tile surface for a shiny and smooth surface.
Sealing
It must be sealed if you use cement-based grout for outdoor tiles. You can use any grout sealer to seal the joints. Whether you are using a paver sealant or grout sealer, you should always deal in quality products.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t have trouble grouting your outdoor patio if you carefully follow these instructions. However, you should always take care of the direct sunlight hitting the grout as it will set up the grout more quickly than expected. When the sun is not hitting the tile, it is ideal to grout. Before grouting over greater areas, start in a relatively small area if the weather is hot.

Grout for Outdoor Tiles – 10 Easy Steps to Fill the Joints