Brick joints. How to choose perfectly?

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It takes approx. 4 minutes to read this article

Light or dark, similar in color to the brick or contrasting, concave or convex? The choice of grout for brick is of great importance and you need to think carefully about this decision. Use our tips!

What is grout used for?

In construction industry grout means nothing else than a joint between bricks in a wall. Usually it is 1-2 centimetres thick and even less if we have clinker bricks. Although we apply it at the end, it is worth spending more time on its selection because it is the grout (and not only the bricks themselves) which largely influences the effect and how our brick wall will look like in the end.

The grouting should start with cleaning the wall from any dirt, and then coat the bricks (ignoring the gaps) with special oil. Next, we apply grout to the horizontal joints, then the vertical joints – precisely, thoroughly and patiently. There is no need to hurry with this activity. At the end, we remove (preferably immediately) the remains of the grout which we soiled bricks and we wait about 24 hours for its full hardening. Then, all we need to do is to impregnate it with a special product and we are done. We can enjoy the effect.

How to choose the color of grout for bricks?

While choosing the best grout, you should pay attention to its color. In spite of appearances, it is really important. If we decide upon the same color as the bricks, then we will obtain uniform surface, where bricks and joints will merge into whole.

We can also bet on a much lighter or darker color and then we will create a stronger mosaic effect where each single brick will be clearly highlighted, as if framed by grout.

>> See also: How to replace tiles?

You should therefore choose the one that more closely matches your preferences and expectations. We can always use ready-made patterns or try the given grout on a small fragment of our wall, which is not too exposed, and see if the given color is the right one.

For example, white grout for white bricks will make the wall seem almost smooth and uniform, giving the impression of space, cleanliness and freshness. You can also go crazy and bet on some specific color.

If we have a classic red brick, then it is worth to emphasize and highlight its structure with white or greyish grout. The one in the color similar to the brick, or even black will also work great.

Grout shape – types

What remains is to choose the shape of the grout. It is important that it allows rain to flow freely down the wall and blocks rainwater from penetrating deep into the wall, if you are using it on the exterior walls of a building.

We can choose from among the following grouts

  • concave – the most popular, the upper and lower part is flush and the middle part is recessed for about 2-3 millimeters, thanks to which we gain the play of light and shadow on the wall, the effect of three-dimensionality, which results in the fact that depending on the sun position it will change its appearance;
  • flush with the surface of the brick – they give the effect of uniform and coherent wall, smooth surface without any convexity or concave shape; they are suitable for modern arrangements
  • protruding – the upper and lower part is flush and the middle part is convex, sticking out in front of the face of the brick; ideal for buildings stylized as old, rustic; unusually original and interesting;
  • angled – the upper part is withdrawn and the lower part is flush with bricks; such shape enables the rain to flow freely on the wall without accumulation of rain;
  • backwards – this is one of the joint shapes which is very impressive and spacious but definitely not suitable for application on external walls, in this case neither the upper nor the lower part is flush with the brickwork, additionally the central part is moved backwards by about 2-5 millimetres.
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