The two most common home tiles: what makes them different, how to clean them and where their grout matters most.
Ceramic and porcelain are both made from clay fired in a kiln. Porcelain uses finer clay, is fired hotter and ends up denser and less absorbent, which makes it tougher and better for floors, showers and outdoors. Ceramic is usually lighter, softer and easier to cut, and is common on walls and in lighter-duty floors. Both come glazed in endless colors, textures and wood and stone looks.
For care, the key fact is that the glaze is nearly waterproof, so the tile rarely needs sealing, while the grout does. Glazed tile cleans easily with neutral cleaners, though rough textures hold soil. Unglazed porcelain can be porous on the surface and may benefit from sealing. Chips show white in ceramic and the tile color in through-body porcelain. Whichever you have, the grout lines decide how clean the whole surface looks, which is where our services focus.
Low maintenance.
Tougher floors.
Grout is.
Safe daily care.
Deep clean yearly.
Look and wear.
Take the quiz, check a problem or ballpark a budget.
Which Grout Service Do I Need? QuizAnswer five questions about stains, cracks, mildew and goals to see whether you need cleaning, sealing, recoloring or regrouting.Try it 
Grout Calculator: How Much Grout Do I Need?Enter tile size, joint width and depth and your area to see pounds of grout, bags, sealer and caulk to plan for.Try it 
Grout and Tile Budget PlannerPick a project and a size and get a ballpark planning range.Try it It is denser and more durable, which suits floors and outdoors. Ceramic is fine for walls and light use.
Glazed porcelain usually does not. Its grout does.
Use a neutral pH cleaner and rinse well. Deep clean periodically.
Grout and tile guideSanded GroutThe workhorse for floors and wider joints: cement grout with fine sand for strength and shrink resistance.Learn more 
Grout and tile guideUnsanded GroutSmooth cement grout for narrow joints and delicate tile, with a creamy texture and a gentle touch on…Learn more 
Grout and tile guideEpoxy GroutResin-based grout that resists stains, acids and moisture and never needs sealing, with a higher price and a…Learn more 
Grout and tile guideUrethane GroutA flexible, pre-mixed grout that resists stains and cracking, a middle ground between cement and epoxy.Learn more Call us and we will look at every surface, test the grout and tile and give you a clear plan and a written scope for cleaning, repair or restoration.
