Grouting a patio might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward process that improves the look and durability of your outdoor space. Whether you're using sand and cement or a specialised patio and paving grout, the steps are similar. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of grouting a patio, from preparation to finishing touches, and answer some common questions along the way.

How To Grout A Patio: 6 Steps

1. Preparing Your Patio for Grouting: Before you start grouting, it's essential to ensure that your patio is clean, dry, and free of debris. Sweep away any dirt, leaves, or loose particles, and use a pressure washer if necessary to remove stubborn stains or residues. Allow the patio to dry completely before proceeding. You also want to be sure that you have all the necessary grouting tools and outdoor tiling tools at your disposal.
2. Mix Your Grout: If you're using traditional cement grout, such as Kerakoll Fugabella, follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing. Typically, this involves combining the dry grout powder with water to achieve a smooth, workable consistency. This is similar to if you use a flowable slurry, like Flowpoint Grout; you’ll want to mix in a bucket a little at a time to achieve a smooth lump-free consistency. If you’re using a ready-to-use brush-in patio grout, such as Joint-It Paving Mortar or Pro Joint Fusion, you will have a ready-to-use formulation that you can empty onto the wet paving slabs and brush-in using a hard bristle brush. As with any product you use, we recommend you check the data sheet on the chosen product page for mixing ratios for area coverage.
3. Apply Grout To The Patio: Once your grout is mixed to the right consistency, it's time to apply it to the patio. Pour your grout mortar over the paving slabs, start to work in a small area at a time so you can keep the area moist and work the product into the joints fully. For traditional grout use a grout float to spread the grout evenly between the joints, working at a 45-degree angle to ensure thorough coverage. Work in small sections to prevent the grout from drying out too quickly. A couple of popular and affordable grout float options include the Pro Tiler Tools Grout Float and the Rubi Grout Float. It’s worth noting that you should ensure that your patio slabs stay slightly damp to reduce the possibility of staining, keep working the grout into the joints so that it all of the little gaps are filled fully to avoid any cracking. If you’re using a flowable grout, such as Ultrascape Flowpoint Smooth or Ultra Tile Pro Grout Flowable, you will need to consider using a grout squeegee such as the PREMTOOL 500mm Rubber Floor Squeegee to help push the grout into the joints.

Cleaning Excess Grout: If you’re using traditional, after applying the grout, use a grout sponge or damp cloth to remove any excess from the surface of the patio tiles. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the grout in the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently in clean water to ensure effective cleaning. If you’re using flowable grout, you’ll want to remove as much excess with a squeegee as you can.
4. Allow The Grout To Dry: Once the grout has been applied and the excess removed, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity, so be sure to check the packaging for guidance. Once dry, buff the surface of the tiles with a clean, dry cloth to remove any haze or residue left behind by the grouting process.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the grout is fully set, the face of the tiles will require a final wash down with a product such as the Fila Porcelain Cement Residue Remover to remove the polymers left behind by the grout. Failure to remove the polymers can leave a haze across the surface of the tiles. If using traditional grout, once dry, use a washboy or polishing machine such as the Raimondi Berta to polish over the tiles until completely clean. To prolong the overall look and the actual life of your grout, you can also apply a grout protector, like the Mapei Ultracare Grout Protector. Explore our range of tile and grout cleaners to improve the longevity of your tile installations. If you’re using flowable grout, such as Flowpoint, that requires to be hosed down and swept away rather than cleaned off with a sponge as this can expose the aggregate in the grout and leave "white spots".

What Type Of Patio Grout Should I Use?

We stock a wide range of outdoor tiling materials for patio grouting, outdoor paving or driveways and terraces, including rapid set, flowable slurry grouts such as UltraScape Flowpoint, UltraTile ProGrout Flowpoint, and Larsen FJM, epoxy grouts like Kerakoll Fugalite, and brush-in tiling grouts like EasyJoint.

Our patio grout selection is ideal for all types of paving including sandstone, limestone, slate, Indian sandstone, granite setts, and concrete slabs.

We also provide a comprehensive range of essential tiling materials, including outdoor tile adhesive, outdoor tile grout, and outdoor self-levelling compound. These products are specially formulated to withstand outdoor conditions and ensure secure tile bonding, reliable joint filling, and a level substrate for your tiling projects. Additionally, our quick-drying screed and slurry primer solutions are designed to expedite the tiling process, reducing installation time while maintaining exceptional quality.

How Do You Grout A Patio With Cement Grout?

Prepare the patio surface, mix the cement grout according to instructions, apply the outdoor tile grout with a grout squeegee, clean excess grout with a grout sponge, and finish by buffing the tiles.

How To Grout A Porcelain Patio?

Use specialised porcelain patio grout such as Joint It Epoxy Grout or UltraTile ProGrout Flowpoint, following the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application. Clean excess grout carefully to avoid damaging the tiles.

Read more: Joint-It Epoxy Grout: A Revolution in Porcelain Grouting

For a clear, overall understanding of how to grout a patio, follow our 6 steps above!

How Long Does Patio Grout Take To Dry?

How To Clean Porcelain Patio Tiles After Grouting?

Use a damp sponge or cloth to remove excess grout from the surface of the tiles, taking care not to scratch or damage them. Rinse the tiles with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Take a look at our range of tile and grout cleaners.