Discolored grout is the biggest drawback to living with tile. Grout is porous and tends to absorb water when the seal breaks down. This can lead to discoloration, mold, or water penetrating the grout and getting behind the tile. Sealing and regular cleaning help keep grout joints stain-free. Mike Lee of Brighton Restoration, Salt Lake City, Utah, recommends a light bleach and water concentrate for white grout and a light vinegar solution for colored grout.
Some natural stone tiles have issues with staining from coffee, hot oils, or lemon juice. They, too, require regular sealing. Glazed tiles, like porcelain, have their own finish and don’t require surface upkeep.
Tile can be scratched or chipped. Edges are especially vulnerable to dings from pots, pans, or barstools. Ceramic tiles tend to chip more easily than others. A tile surface can be repaired by replacing damaged tiles with new ones. This typically involves chiseling out the damaged tile and replacing it with a similar tile. For that reason, it’s good to squirrel away a few tiles for possible future repair. It’s also important to remember that all tiles for a project should come from the same batch, identified by batch number, to ensure that the color and finish are the same.
