When shopping for tile floors, there is one mistake people make time and again - forgetting about the grout. Considering the look of the tiles is important, of course, but considering the kind of grout you will need to use is crucial as well. Grout can make or break your floor, so make it a part of your tile shopping trip. These five tips will help you make sure your grout doesn't leave you with a floor you hate.

1. Pick the Best Color

Even if your grouting is going to be very thin, it won't be invisible. For this reason, color matters. Gone are the days when grout came in white or more white. You can find grout in a rainbow off different shades, so choose one that works for your home. A few things to remember about grout color: light colors are easily stained, so they may not be best for high traffic areas, and colors fade over time, so go a bit darker than your end color goal.

2. The Right Tools for the Job

Any home improvement project that is started without the right tools is destined to fail, and grouting is no different. Don't waste your time and money on cheap grout - it's a false economy because you'll end up having to replace it very soon. Before you begin grouting, make sure you have a palette knife and spatula on hand to keep the grout nice and smooth as you go. You'll also want a sponge nearby so you can clean up messes as you go, before they dry.

3. Space It Out

The one part of grouting that may have you reaching for the aspirin is spacing out the tiles. Take a deep breath and take your time making sure you have it just so. Before you start gluing, experiment a little bit to ensure you have the best placement, because once the glue is there, you're committed.

In addition to spacing of the tiles, you'll also need to consider how much grout you want to be visible between the tiles. Thick or thin grout lines are a matter of taste; consistency is far more important. Hardware stores sell spacers that will keep your tiles correctly spaced for you to come back with the grout after the tiles are down. Remember, if your grout looks wonky, your tiles are off kilter. Don't try to get crazy with more grouting to fix it - move the tiles instead. You can install the air compressor and

4. Sealing the Deal

Don't let your hard work go to waste - slap on a coat of sealer to protect your new grout from stains, cracks or other damage. This sealer will protect the grout from damage and stains. Sealing can be a little tedious, but the hard work now will save you from headaches in the future.

5. Keep it Clean

Dirt and greasy build up can be the death of your grout. Every few months, give the grout the royal treatment by scrubbing it was a toothbrush - simply cleaning your floor won't cut it. Every few years, slapping on a new coat of sealant will breath new life into your grout.