Adding hardwood floors to your home while keeping your existing tile in the next room can make a beautiful contrast while increasing your home’s value. However, there are a few important things you need to know before you start this project, in order to make sure that the end product is everything you envisioned.
First and foremost, you’ll need to know how to fill the grout gap between the two types of flooring once they’re finished. SVB is breaking down all the tips you’ll need to know in order to accomplish this task quickly and seamlessly.
Related Read: 8 Tips for Moving Heavy Objects without Scratching your Hardwood Floors
What Is A Grout Gap or Grout Line?
Before you start a project of adding wood flooring next to tile, know that after the wood is laid, there will be a small, unavoidable gap between the two types of flooring.
This is typically called a grout line or a grout gap, and it will need to be filled in order to achieve a seamless look between the two types of flooring.
When to Expect a Grout Gap In Your Wood Flooring Project
Anytime a hardwood edge meets a tile edge, this small crack will not only be natural, but necessary to achieve a smooth transition. Whether the tile is in a bathroom, kitchen, or around a fireplace where the wood butts up to the tile, there will be a grout line that needs to be filled. However, the common question we receive from homeowners is who’s supposed to fill this grout gap?
Who to Hire to Fill Grout Gaps
Many assume that because this task must be done after your hardwood floors are finished, that your wood flooring company will be responsible. However, this is a common misconception. To eliminate this gap, you must schedule your tile company to return to your home and apply grout to this space.
The reason your tile company should be in charge of this task is due to the tricky process of matching grout colors. The tile company that installed your tile will have a record of the exact type and color of tile and grout used on the original installation. Using the original grout color will maintain the continuity of your floor, while also hiding the new grout line.
Related Read: 6 Tips for Preparing Your Wood Floors for Fall
When to Schedule Your Tile Company to Fill Grout Gaps
To avoid wasting time, schedule your tile company to come right after the wood flooring installation, but only once the wood has had time to cure. It is crucial to make sure the timing is right, and we suggest consulting with your wood floor company for further instruction. Adding this small amount of grout will only take a short time, so scheduling the return of your tile company should be a simple add-on to finish up your remodeling job.
At SVB Wood Floors, we want to make your remodeling project as smooth and seamless as possible.
