When it comes to tiling, adding the grout is the finishing touch, but if you’ve never tiled before, then you might be wondering exactly how long it takes for the grout to dry.
While it might seem like such a simple question would warrant a simple answer, the reality is that many factors can alter the time it takes for grout to dry, so all of these will need to be factored into things before coming up with a specific answer.
For example, things such as the type of grout used, as well as some of the environmental factors, like the humidity, and the temperature, all of which need to be considered when determining the time it’ll take for your grout to dry.
Although grout can be dry to the touch rather quickly, the curing time is extremely important, especially in busy areas and the home, and even more so in bathrooms and other high-moisture environments.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive look into the drying times of grout and will tell you exactly how long you’ll need to wait before you can begin to use your freshly grouted areas.
The Standard Drying Time For Grout
If you’re planning on using the typical grout that you can pick up from your local hardware store, then you’ll find that the grout itself will be touch dry within 1 to 2 hours, which will help to resist any dust and debris.
For the grout to be completely dried and cured, you’ll need to wait somewhere between 48 to 72 hours, so you shouldn’t have to wait more than 3 days before your newly tiled area is ready to use.
Of course, this still depends on some factors, with the first one being that you know how to mix grout properly. If you happen to add too much water to your grout mix, then you’ll end up waiting a lot longer for it to cure (and it’ll also be less effective at holding tiles).
Environmental factors also play a part in the time it takes for grout to dry. So if you’ve grouted tiles in a humid environment, such as your bathroom, then it will naturally take a little longer to cure.
The same goes if your house lacks any heating, or is generally pretty cold, which will also increase the time it takes for the grout to cure.
Different types of grout can dry faster than others too. For example, epoxy grout is much stronger and more durable than cement grout, but is also non-absorbent, which means that it cures quicker too, typically within 24 hours.
How Can You Tell When Grout Is Dry?
So, if you’ve recently grouted a section of tiling, then you’re probably wondering how you’re meant to tell if the grout is dry and has cured completely.
Thankfully, being able to tell is easy enough, and once you’ve grouted a couple of times, you’ll soon understand the signs of dry grout.
The first way to tell is simply to look at the grout. You see, grout tends to be much darker in color when it’s wet, and since grout usually gets applied in batches, you’ll soon see the difference between a dry and a wet patch of grout.
Of course, each manufacturer will usually provide an estimated drying time on the packaging for the grout, so always check that to see when your grout should be dry by.
What Happens If Grout Gets Wet Before It’s Dried?
You should never expose grouting to moisture before it has had time to fully dry and cure, but of course, mistakes can happen. In this case, it’s important to understand exactly what can happen to your grout if it does happen to get wet before drying fully.
Unfortunately, exposing grout to water so early on can cause some problems, many of which are difficult to deal with, and not something you want to have to be doing.
The biggest issue is that exposure to water will lead to a significant reduction in the strength of the grout, from there, it will eventually start crumbling, before falling out completely.
The grout isn’t the only victim in this scenario, as its weakened strength will also lead to a lack of adhesion, which means that you could also risk losing tiles, which means they’ll then need replacing should they break.
You’ll ultimately need to remove the grout entirely, before eventually re-tiling, which is a tiresome job once, let alone twice!
How Long Before I Can Shower In A Freshly Grouted Shower?
Having a freshly tiled shower and bathroom is always a great feeling, so it’s natural for you to feel impatient to use it, but how long should you wait before you can shower in a freshly grouted shower?
The answer to this all hinges on whether or not you plan on sealing the grout, but if you’re not, then you’ll need to wait for at least 72 hours before you shower, which will ensure that not only the grout has had enough time to cure, but that the grout doesn’t get compromised by being exposed to water.
If you are going to seal the grout, then not only will you need to wait for 72 hours for the grout to cure, but for an extra 24 hours for the seal to work too.
How Long Before I Can Walk On Freshly Grouted Floor Tiles?
Although it can depend on the grout used, you can usually walk on grouted floor tiles within 24 hours, although it’s best to stay off them for as long as possible until they’re cured, as it’ll help to prevent disturbing the grout too much.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this guide to grout’s drying time has helped. Just remember, you should always wait for it to cure before exposing it to moisture!
Hey! My name is Luke. I am the Co-founder of PowellCustomHomes.com, it’s great to have you here at our site. With a combined 20 years of experience, we can help you build the home that you want, specific to your requirements and lifestyle.
No task is too small. We can guide you and offer advice, no matter if you are filling in gaps in the wall, hiding cords, or simply fixing up construction mistakes. We love to help, and strive to do so in any way that we can.
