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Installer & Pro Supplies

Grout Colors: How to Choose the Right One

Grout is a small share of the surface and a big share of the look. The same tile can read clean and seamless or bold and graphic depending on the joint color you pick. Here is how to choose a grout color, what each color direction means for upkeep, and the brand color ranges our team can review with you.

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Samples carry a shipping charge and a deposit, confirmed by our team before anything ships.

How to choose a grout color

Start with the effect you want, then check it against how the space will be used.

Left panel: grout close to the tile color blends in. Right panel: contrasting grout outlines each tile.BlendContrast
Illustration with generic, unbranded colors.
  • Blend (grout close to the tile color) quiets the grid. It suits busy patterned tile, natural stone and small spaces where you want the tile to read as one surface.
  • Contrast (grout noticeably lighter or darker) outlines every tile. It suits simple shapes like subway, hex or large-format tile when the layout is the feature. It also makes any uneven joints or lippage easier to see.
  • Match the room, not just the tile. Pull a grout that also works with cabinets, counters and fixtures, not only the tile sample.

White vs. gray grout and maintenance

On floors, light grout shows traffic and spills sooner; mid-tone grays, taupes and beiges are more forgiving day to day. Crisp white joints look sharp on walls and backsplashes where they see less wear. If you want a light color on a busy floor, choose a stain-resistant formula. Several of the grouts below are designed so they do not need a sealer; check the data sheet for yours.

Why the chart is never the final answer

Printed and on-screen color charts are a starting point. MAPEI notes that porous tiles such as ceramic, marble, limestone and travertine can pull moisture and cause "lighter colors and color inconsistencies," and that mixing shortcuts, like an off grout-to-water ratio, affect final color. Lighting shifts color too. Always grout a sample board with your actual tile before you order.

Where to find the grout color charts

We link to each manufacturer's official chart rather than copying them, so you always see the current range.

MAPEI grout colors: Ultracolor Plus FA

MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA is a fine-aggregate, fast-setting, polymer-modified grout that MAPEI describes as "color-consistent, nonshrinking, efflorescence-free." It covers joints from 1/16" to 3/4", is rated for interior, exterior and pool use, and MAPEI says a sealer is "not typically required." See the full range on MAPEI's grout and caulk color palette (opens manufacturer site in a new tab).

LATICRETE grout colors

  • PERMACOLOR Select: a two-part cementitious grout where you add the color kit to the base. LATICRETE offers it in "40 standard LATICRETE grout colors, over 100 top competitive colors" plus custom colors through its ANYCOLOR program, and says it never needs sealing.
  • SPECTRALOCK 1 Pre-Mixed Grout: pre-mixed with epoxy-level stain resistance (not an epoxy grout), in 40 standard colors per LATICRETE. See our epoxy grout guide.

Browse the LATICRETE Color Selector (opens manufacturer site in a new tab).

UZIN grout colors

TEC Design FX Grout

A ready-to-use grout made for glass, mosaic and metal tile, offered by TEC in Silver, Crystal and Bronze. TEC Design FX Grout (opens manufacturer site in a new tab)

Manufacturer product information. Availability, colors, sizes and quantities are confirmed in your written quote.

Source: manufacturer data. MAPEI grout and caulk color palette · LATICRETE Color Selector · UZIN XtraColor · TEC Design FX Grout

Outside the Flathead Valley? We ship flooring and tile.

Northern Lights Design supplies flooring and tile to homeowners, builders and designers in markets without a local showroom. Start with samples, get a written quote, and we'll arrange shipping to your project. Terms are confirmed in your written quote.

Our approved shipping covers flooring and tile. Ask our team about setting materials such as grout, levelers and spacers when you request your quote.

How regional project delivery works

Start with samples

Tell us about your tile, substrate and project, and our team will review the products and put them in a written quote. Northern Lights Design supplies materials only; we do not install.

Request samples & a quote

Samples carry a shipping charge and a deposit, confirmed by our team before anything ships.

Grout Colors FAQ

On floors, mid-tone colors like gray, taupe or beige tend to hide everyday dirt better than bright white. Pair any color with a stain-resistant formula for the best results.

White gives a crisp, clean line and works well on walls and backsplashes. Gray is more forgiving on floors and softens contrast with most tile. Grout a sample board with your tile to decide.

Tile porosity, mixing and lighting all change the final color. MAPEI notes porous tiles can produce lighter colors and inconsistencies. A sample board with your actual tile is the only reliable check.

LATICRETE says PERMACOLOR Select is offered in over 100 competitive colors plus custom matching through its ANYCOLOR program. Ask us when you request your quote.

Our approved shipping covers flooring and tile. Ask our team about grout and other setting materials when you request your quote; terms are confirmed in your written quote.

Northern Lights Design supplies materials only and does not provide installation. Always follow the manufacturer's current product data sheet.