When Can I Grout Duraceramic Tiles?

About DuraCeramic

• DuraCeramic tile is manufactured by Congoleum and is made of compressed, crushed limestone with a vinyl overlay. The overlay comes in a variety of looks, including granite and marble. DuraCeramic is said to be warmer, softer and easier to maintain than traditional ceramic tile. Tiles can be installed with or without grout and come in 8-inch by 8-inch or 16-inch by 16-inch sizes.

Preparing for Installation

• Allow boxes of DuraCeramic tile to sit for 48 hours at temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees F to condition them for installation. Ensure all boxes are the same type and color, then open and mix the tiles from several boxes to achieve a good color spread. Tiles have arrows on the back to aid in installation. Lay the tiles out before you glue them down to ensure they are arranged in a pattern recommend by the manufacturer. The substrate should be clean, smooth and level.

Installing

• The manufacturer recommends using Congoleum DS100 DuraSet Adhesive to adhere tiles to walls or floors. Apply tiles to tacky, dry adhesive for floor applications and to slightly wetter adhesive for wall applications. Do not spread too much adhesive at once as it dries quickly.

Grouting

• Because the recommended adhesive dries quickly you can grout almost immediately after installation. Before you spread the grout, roll the floor with a 100- lb. three-section roller. Drag the roller in both directions. Don't wait any longer than one hour after installation to roll the floor. The manufacturer recommends using Congoleum DuraCeramic Premixed Grout. Spread grout evenly and thickly, packing it into the grout line with a rubber float. Apply grout in small sections so you can wipe up the excess before it has time to dry.