There's a Better Way - Fine Homebuilding Reader Quick Tips

Caulking tile the right way

By Billy4142, member

You should never grout any corners in a shower, backsplash, etc.  I’m still surprised at how many people still do this.  It will always crack with expansion and contraction.  Every time.  Caulking is the correct thing to do, but can big a big pain due to the caulking be pushed out onto the grout.  It can make a big mess if you aren’t super careful.  To remedy this, I like to caulk (color match as often as possible) before I grout.  Your corners will never crack, will be water tight in a shower, and you don’t have to be careful when applying the grout.  It will wipe right off the cured caulking with a wet sponge.

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More There's a Better Way - Fine Homebuilding Reader Quick Tips

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Shop Space: Five Readers Share Their Workspaces

These personalized workspaces were designed to fit the unique needs and projects of their makers.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Membership & Magazine

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.