I get that the grout lines in counter tops with tile can look dirty. No one likes that.

[Tikki]

What I don't get is when the grout lines of a tile back splash or shower surround are purposely grouted with a dark grey or black grout.
Does that not look 'dirty', also?

Tikki

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. No. Because done like that, all of the grout lines are evenly dark.

Whereas lighter grout gets dirty very unevenly. And that very unevenness tells you the darker lines have ground in dirt.

I know. I have a tiled floor, which I love, but I really ought to bleach some of the grout lines.

Oh, and the dirty grout lines is probably a major factor in the popularity of solid counter tops, whether laminate, granite, or whatever.

[Tikki]

3. Finally saw in a model home with black grout around white subway tile....

in a shower surround and a kitchen back splash...Maybe the way it
was applied but, it looked messy and dirty.

Like you said, you can bleach and scrub a lighter grout clean and even do a touch up, but
once black grout is applied, it's there.

Just something that would bug me.

Tikki

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. If the grout looked messy, then it was badly applied.

Grout should never look messy.

And dark or black grout versus a lighter one is a matter of personal taste.

[Tikki]

5. I guess it is a matter of personal preference.

Tikki

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Yep. Completely a personal preference.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Next time you (or someone you love) are grouting spring for the professional stuff - epoxy grout.

It doesn't take stains like the cheap white grouts.