Grout consumption for tile joints per 1 m2: calculation rules

Ceramic tiles today are one of the most popular finishing materials, with its help you can not only protect walls or floors from negative effects, but also create a unique surface design. But, technically, laying tiles is impossible without the presence of seams, the structure of which must be smoothed out. For this, various types of grout are used, the consumption of which cannot be determined by eye, therefore, for such purposes, special calculation methods are used.

Joint mortar is a special mixture based on various substances. It is an important element, as it connects all the components of the surface into a single whole picture.

Using tile grout allows you to solve several problems:

• The mixture prevents moisture penetration under the finishing material. This prevents the base from being damaged and quickly clogged with debris.
• Additional fixation of the masonry. This is due to the fact that grouts are made from various binders, which are also present in the assembly glue.
• Creation of decorativeness. Mixtures are available in various colors and shades, which allows you to choose them for a specific tile style. The filled seams smooth the surface beautifully, making it pleasant and attractive.

The use of grouting is an integral part of the tile laying technology, requiring the selection of only high-quality material and its correct location.

Finishing tiles are not a whimsical material that lends itself perfectly to processing. This allows the use of various substances as grouts that adhere perfectly inside the seams. Depending on the composition, such solutions can be divided into several subspecies, which will be discussed below.

• Cement. Mixes of this type are the cheapest and most readily available. The product is based on ordinary cement and sand, and various dyes are also added here to change the color of the product. The disadvantage of cement grouts is the minimum plasticity of the mortar. But this is leveled by their long drying period, which makes it possible to cook large volumes, because in most cases they quickly deteriorate. Today, various latex components are added to the composition to improve these characteristics.

• Dispersion solutions. The products are overpriced, but with much better quality plasticity. Grouts are sold already in the form of ready-to-use formulations, which excludes their own mixing.
• Epoxy grout. The main components of the mixture are epoxy resin and silicon hardener. The advantage of this product is the high quality of plasticity and adhesion to tiles. You need to work with it very quickly, since the fugue hardens quickly. Therefore, grout is prepared in small portions. The solutions are versatile and resistant to various chemicals.

Depending on the condition, the products are divided into ready-made and dry products. The first type of mixtures are sold in the form of semi-liquid solutions, which, after opening, are ready for use as intended. Dry grouting is more common as it allows you to prepare mixes in small batches.

The rate of grout use is not a standard value, as it depends on several factors:

• Mix type. Here, the main indicator is the specific gravity of the material. Some solutions are lightweight, but take up significant volume. However, there are quite dense products (based on cement), which have a much higher specific gravity.
• Seam depth and width. The volume of the gap that needs to be filled with a solution depends on these indicators: the larger these values, the higher the flow rate.
• The total length of the seams. Many sources indicate that the volume depends on the size of the tile. But these factors are interchangeable: the larger the area of ​​one element, the fewer joints will turn out. Therefore, the total length of the seams will decrease proportionally.
• Tile thickness. The volume of the seam that needs to be filled directly depends on this factor. It should be noted that it will not work perfectly to calculate it, since it does not have an ideal geometric shape.
• Filling technology. Some specialists use special syringes that allow the mixture to be injected directly into the canal. An alternative is to use a spatula, with which the mortar is simply pressed between the tiles. With this method, the consumption increases, since it is rather difficult to control the accuracy and quality of filling.

The quality of the joint and the durability of its service depends not only on how well the groove is filled, but also on the characteristics of the grout itself.

A good product must meet several characteristics:

• Elasticity. When applied, quality mortars should fit well between the tiles. It is important that the consistency of the product is not thick or runny. Experts recommend giving preference to grouts that remain plastic even after hardening. They easily take up the loads arising from the thermal expansion of the tile, which leads to a narrowing or widening of the gap.
• Strength. A good grout should retain its structure after curing. If the material crumbles and falls out, then its use will not solve the problem and over time it will have to be completely replaced.
• Waterproof. Quality products have a high water repellency. If the solutions allow liquid to pass through, then they will not be able to qualitatively protect the wall, which can become moldy.

Today, all basic calculations are based on standard values ​​that are collected in special tables. They are characterized by different parameters, but the principle of their construction is quite simple.

Tab. 1 Tile consumption

Manufacturers take into account the geometric parameters of the seam, as well as their frequency per unit area. It should be noted that, depending on the type of solution, the flow rate may differ slightly, but there are no cardinal changes several times.

The tile calculation technology is quite simple, since it boils down to calculating the volume of the seam itself.

For these purposes, the following formula is applied:

O = ((Shp + Dp) * Tp * Shsh * 1.6) / (Shp * Dp), where:

• Шп - the width of one whole tile;
• Дп - the length of the same element;
• Тп is the thickness of the tiles;
• Shsh - seam width;
• 1.6 is the filling factor of the solution. In some cases, it can vary from 1.4 to 1.7, depending on the composition. Calculate it in grams or kilograms per unit volume.

The formula allows you to calculate the consumption per 1 m2, so all parameters should be converted into meters from millimeters or centimeters.Let's calculate the number of products using the example of a tile measuring 20 * 20 cm. In this case, the optimal joint width is 4 mm, and its thickness is 2 mm.

First of all, you need to find out the quadrature:

1. To do this, initially 0.2m * 0.2m, which will be equal to 0.04 sq. m.
2. At this step, you need to find out the volume of the seam. The length of the recess is 0.4m (20 + 20cm). The volume will be equal to: 0.4m * 0.004m * 0.002m = 0.0000032 m3.
3. The amount of grout taking into account the coefficient is: 0.0000032 * 1.6 = 0.00000512 tons.
4. Consumption per unit area is: 0.00000512 / 0.04m2 = 0.000128 t / m2. If translated into grams, then the figure reaches 128 g / m2.

When performing calculations, it is important to take into account the dimension of all values. Today, many sites indicate many adjusted parameters that are not real. If a person is not sure that he can cope with such a task, then it is better to entrust it to an experienced specialist.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that when calculating the amount of mixture for the whole room, it is better to calculate the length of the seams and find their volume. If this algorithm is applied to small tiles, then it can give a large error. This is due to the fact that when finding the volume, the docking sides that were previously involved in the analysis will be re-considered.

The grout market is quite rich in various modifications of mortars. All of them are designed to solve specific problems. Among all this diversity, several popular brands should be distinguished:

• "Litokol". The company produces cement and epoxy mixtures. The first group is perfect for floor tiles. If marble, smalt or mosaic is used for cladding, then an epoxy grout will be the best option here, which does not fade and retains its original properties for a long time even under the influence of negative factors.
• Ceresit. Many mixes can be found under this brand, but they are all universal and suitable for any type of tile. Particularly popular is the CE-40 grout, which not only retains color, but also prevents the development of fungus on the surface. Among the advantages are frost resistance and abrasion resistance.

Grout consumption is a relative indicator that cannot be accurately calculated. Therefore, it is better to use data from special tables, which will allow you to purchase the required amount of a substance with a small margin. They can be placed by the manufacturer on the packaging of these materials.

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