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Refreshing a tiled floor doesn’t always mean replacing the entire floor! The grout between the tiles can have a major impact on the space, and changing old grout for a newer mix is a fantastic way to refresh bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Regrouting tiles can be time-consuming, but it’s a DIY-friendly job, and it’s a great way to make old spaces look new again. In this article we’ll go over how to regrout floor tiles and the tools you’ll need to make your grout lines look brand new again!
The Materials You’ll Need for Regrouting Floor Tiles
Regrouting floor tiles is a fairly simple process that only needs a few tools. To regrout the floor or wall tiles in your home, you will need:
- Grout saw
- Utility knife
- Oscillating multi-tool with grout saw blades (optional but recommended)
- Ear and eye protection
- Drop cloths
- Dust mask
- Replacement grout mix
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Buckets
Removing old grout from between your tiles is an extremely dusty job. The dust can be harmful to your lungs if you breathe too much, so it’s especially important to wear a dust mask while removing grout. You can reduce the amount of dust in the air by using a shop vacuum to collect the dust as you work.
Preparing the Work Area for Tile Regrouting
There are no two ways around it—regrouting tiles is a messy task. We strongly recommend using a power tool such as an oscillating multi-tool, but that does mean you’ll produce plenty of dust along the way. Before you start, make sure you cover any surfaces with a painter’s canvas drop cloth. If you’re worried about dust escaping into other rooms, you can hang thin plastic drop cloths from the ceiling to contain the mess.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Regrout Floor Tiles
Once you’ve gathered your tools and secured the area, it’s time to get to work! Regrouting living room tiles is a straightforward process with just a few steps:
1. Remove the Old Grout
There are no tricks to removing grout; you just need to begin scraping the old material away. This can be done with a specialised hand tool called a “grout saw,” but we strongly advise using a power tool to get the job done.
To remove the old grout, attach your multi-tool with a grout saw blade and move the tool along each grout line with the blade held perpendicular to the tiles. Be careful not to crack or chip any of the tiles. It’s a good idea to use a shop vacuum to get rid of any dust and grout debris as you work.
2. Clean Up the Grout Lines
After you’ve removed most of the grout, it’s time to go back and remove any leftover. On the second pass you can angle the blade slightly to get closer to the edges of the tiles. Focus on removing as much of the old grout as possible. If you can’t reach an area with a power tool, you can use a utility knife to scrape the material away.
3. Vacuum the Area
With the old grout removed, you need to thoroughly vacuum up any debris and dust. Excessive dust can prevent the new grout from sticking properly, so make sure the area is clean before you proceed!
4. Mix Your New Grout
Once the cleanup is complete, you may start preparing your new grout. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing powdered grout. You want to add just enough water to create a smooth paste.
5. Regrout the Empty Joints
Using your grout float, scoop up some of the grout into the gaps between the tiles. Holding your float at a 60-degree angle, spread the grout into the joints evenly, working diagonally across the grout lines to ensure each joint is filled properly. Repeat this process until all the joints are filled.
6. Clean Your Tiles
Take a damp sponge and a bucket of water and begin cleaning the excess grout off the tiles. Make sure your sponge is only slightly damp—too much moisture will pull the fresh grout out of the joints. Rinse your sponge as needed and replace the water when it gets dirty. You don’t need to clean the surface perfectly at this stage; just remove the majority of the extra grout.
7. Buff Away Grout Haze
Once the grout has dried, there will be a slight haze left on the surface. The haze can be polished away with a soft cloth, and the job is done!
Common Questions About Regrouting Tiles
Can You Regrout Tiles Without Removing Old Grout?
While it’s possible to apply new grout over existing grout, this approach isn’t recommended for long-term results. New grout may not stick properly to old grout, leading to cracking and crumbling over time. For the best results when regrouting bathroom tiles or regrouting shower tiles, always remove the existing grout first.
How Long Does Regrouting Floor Tiles Take?
The time required for regrouting depends on the size of the area. For a standard bathroom floor (about 40 square feet), expect to spend about 4-6 hours removing old grout and another 2-3 hours putting in new grout. Larger areas like living room tiles will take much longer, so plan your project accordingly.
When Should You Consider Regrouting Shower Tiles?
Consider regrouting shower floor and wall tiles when you notice:
- Cracked or collapsing grout lines
- Persistent mold or mildew that is difficult to remove
- Discoloration that cleaning can’t fix
- Water seeping behind tiles (indicating grout failure)
Regrouting shower floor areas is especially important as these areas experience the most water exposure and foot traffic.
DIY vs Professional Regrouting Services
While regrouting floor tiles is certainly a DIY-friendly activity, there are situations where professional services might be the better option:
| Aspect | DIY Regrouting | Professional Regrouting |
| Cost | Lower initial cost (materials only) | Higher cost (labor + materials) |
| Time Required | 1-2 days for average bathroom | 3-6 hours for average bathroom |
| Tool Investment | Need to purchase specialised tools | No tool investment needed |
| Risk of Tile Damage | Higher risk for beginners | Minimal risk with professionals |
| Finish Quality | Varies with skill level | Consistently high quality |
| Warranty | None | Often includes service warranty |
When comparing regrouting tiles before and after professional work, the difference is often noticeable. Professionals have specialised tools and extensive experience that allow them to finish regrouting projects more quickly and consistently. They can also help you select the best type of grout for your specific use, whether you’re grouting shower floor tiles or regrouting living room tiles.
Get Ready for Your Next Project with Floor Tiles from Stone3!
Regrouting floor tiles is time-consuming, but the outcome is definitely worth it! Replacing old, stained, or crumbly grout can breathe new life into your space. For any help you need planning your project, feel free to get in touch with the team at Stone3!
Our tile experts supply a wide variety of stunning floor tiles, bathroom tiles, and living room tiles, plus grout and tile adhesives. Whether you’re replacing a kitchen splashback or revamping your entire home, we can provide the products and advice you need. You can reach us online or visit our Brisbane and Melbourne showrooms at any time!