A rapid-setting flowable grout for robust jointing to BS 7533 standards
The most comprehensive list of Flowpoint help and FAQs available online. As Flowpoint stockists, our experts answer common questions on all the latest Flowpoint grades, including Porcelpoint, and which pavers to use them with, together with how to mix and apply this quality slurry grout for seamless paving joints every time.
Explore the full Flowpoint range, including pallet deals, for more details:
About Flowpoint grout
What are the benefits of using Flowpoint?
Flowpoint is a rapid-setting flowable grout that is applied as a wet slurry to fill the joints between all types of paving slabs and setts.
The main benefits of using Flowpoint grout are:
- A rapid-setting slurry grout with an initial set of 15–30 minutes (at 20ºC)
- Open the area to foot traffic in 1 hour, vehicle traffic in 4 hours
- Achieve joints with exceptional bond strength that last up to 40 years
- Conforms to the strict standards of British Standard BS 7533
- Mix quickly on site with water in a bucket, one bag at a time
- Economical and simple to use once you know how
- Ideal for both domestic and commercial paving projects
- Use with all types of manufactured and natural stone (except darker limestone)
- Use on any outdoor paving project: patios, driveways, terraces, pavements and pedestrian areas
- Strong enough for driveways and areas receiving vehicle traffic
- For non-permeable paving projects only
What is Flowpoint made from?
Flowpoint is a cement-based product that is made from a mixture of Portland cement (made from concrete, stucco, mortar and grout) and a blend of special aggregates.
Flowpoint ECO and Premium ECO are made from 20% recycled glass and ideal for those environmentally conscious projects as they significantly reduce the amount of virgin aggregates consumed direct from a mine or quarry.
A bag or tub of Flowpoint comes as a premixed, dry product, which is combined with water to create a smooth flowable grout.
What are the benefits of meeting British Standard BS 7533?
Using a high-spec grout that complies with the strict demands of British Standard BS 7533 offers peace of mind that your project is built to last.
Additionally, if you’ve been contracted to work on a major paving scheme, you may find that the project manager, architect or engineer requires you to work to these standards.
Flowpoint is part of the Ultrascape BS 7533 Mortar Paving System, which includes Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar and Pro-Prime Slurry Primer. When used together you have the reassurance that the system has been tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory to verify its performance qualities.
Remarkably, the manufacturer Ultrascape says that Flowpoint will last beyond 40 years without needing to regrout when used as part of this system. Always follow the full instructions.
What types of pavers can Flowpoint be used with?
Flowpoint grout can be used with pavers and slabs made from:
- Sandstone
- Indian stone
- Slate
- Porcelain (due to narrower joints, use either Flowpoint Fine, Smooth or Porcelpoint)
- Limestone (but not darker limestone*)
- Granite setts
- Concrete slabs
- Clay pavers
- Plus, any other man-made or natural stone, regardless of their finish
If using Porcelpoint grout, this is specifically designed for use with porcelain tiles, slabs and stone.
* Do not use Flowpoint or Porcelpoint with darker limestone, such as black limestone, as it can lead to a slight oxidisation. Get in touch if you would like advice on the best grout to use with darker limestone.
Is Flowpoint grout permeable?
No. As a cementitious-based grout, Flowpoint is non-permeable, meaning it doesn’t allow water to pass through it once set.
Does Flowpoint prevent weeds?
Absolutely! All grades of Flowpoint, including Porcelpoint, are cement-based grouts that prevent weed-growth between paving joints.
When applying Flowpoint, make sure the joints are fully filled – with no gaps or cracks – to prevent weed growth.
Does Flowpoint stain pavers?
Not at all.
However, when applying Flowpoint, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the paving surfaces and joints damp and thoroughly clean-off any excess mortar.
Follow these tips to avoid any stains or efflorescence:
- Clean and dampen the paving joints and surfaces with water
- Keep the area damp with a light misting of water during application (never use excessive amounts of water – just enough to keep the area damp)
- Use a rubber squeegee to immediately remove any excess paving grout
- Use either a sponge machine or a brush and lots of water to remove any hardened mortar from the surfaces
- After 30 minutes of applying the grout (and once it has fully hardened), clean the surfaces thoroughly to remove any spots and prevent staining
Do you have the Flowpoint technical datasheets?
Yes, all of the technical datasheets can be downloaded from our product pages.
Explore the Flowpoint range to find the product you want. You’ll see the link to the datasheet within the top section of each individual page.
When buying Flowpoint
Which grade of Flowpoint should I use for my project?
Choose from one of the following grades of Flowpoint grout. Outlined are the main reasons you would opt for each grade, the required joint widths and grout colours available (see below for more on the colour options).
Grade | Specification | Joint widths* |
Flowpoint Standard25kg bag | The standard Flowpoint rapid-setting grout. | 5-50mm wide |
Flowpoint Premium Standard25kg bag | A premium-grade Flowpoint Standard with alternative colour options. | 5-50mm wide |
Flowpoint ECO25kg bag | Made from 20% recycled materials for eco-friendly projects. | 5-50mm wide |
Flowpoint Premium ECO25kg bag | A premium-grade Flowpoint ECO with alternative colour. options | 5-50mm wide |
Flowpoint Smooth25kg bag | Ideal for narrow joints and use with porcelain. A smoother finish than Standard/ECO. | 3-50mm wide |
Flowpoint Premium Smooth25kg bag | A premium-grade Flowpoint Smooth with alternative colour options. | 3-50mm wide |
Flowpoint Fine20kg tub | A super-smooth finish with no visible aggregate. Specifically designed for porcelain. | 2-50mm wide |
Porcelpoint Porcelain Grout20kg tub | Another super-smooth grout with no visible aggregate. Specifically designed for porcelain. | 2-50mm wide |
* Joint depths for all grades of Flowpoint must be 20-200mm deep.
What are the colour options?
The various grades of Flowpoint grout are available in the following four colours:
- Natural Grey
- Charcoal
- Limestone
- Stone Grey
Please note: each of these grout colours varies slightly depending on the grade of Flowpoint you are using. See the colour swatches below as a guide.
Natural Grey and Charcoal
The Flowpoint Natural Grey and Charcoal grout colours are available in the standard grades of Flowpoint Standard, ECO and Smooth, plus Flowpoint Fine.
Limestone and Stone Grey
Flowpoint’s Limestone and Stone Grey colours are available in the premium grades of Flowpoint Standard, ECO and Smooth, plus Porcelpoint Porcelain grout.
Which Flowpoint grade is best for slimmer joints?
If you’re working with slimmer joint widths, possibly for slimline porcelain tiles, then you’ll need a Flowpoint grade that is designed specifically for these sizes.
Flowpoint Smooth, Premium Smooth, Flowpoint Fine and Porcelpoint are all smoother grades of Flowpoint that are ideal for slimmer joint widths.
Whereas the Flowpoint Smooth options are for joint widths of 4-50mm, Flowpoint Fine and Porcelpoint have a much finer consistency with no visible aggregate, allowing them to be used with joint widths of 2-50mm.
Which Flowpoint is best for porcelain tiles?
When working with porcelain, choose either Flowpoint Fine or Porcelpoint grout for the high-fluid consistency and no visible aggregate. Both have been developed with these contemporary tiles in mind and offer a sleek, indoor look to outdoor paving.
Flowpoint Smooth and Premium Smooth offer a much smoother consistency than Flowpoint Standard or ECO. These formulas will also suit the look of more contemporary materials and gardens.
How many bags or tubs do I need for my project?
The quickest way to see how much Flowpoint or Porcelpoint grout you need is to use the handy calculator before adding the grout to your cart.
Once you’ve chosen the grade of Flowpoint for your project, see the calculator on the page to enter the area of paving, slab dimensions and joint dimensions. You’ll then see exactly how many bags or tubs you need for the project.
If you still need a hand with estimating how much Flowpoint you need, get in touch with your measurements and we’ll calculate this for you.
Discounts on pallet deals
For those working on larger projects, you can save when buy Flowpoint or Porcelpoint in bulk. Full pallets even benefit from free delivery.
View all Flowpoint full pallet deals and part-pallet deals.
Do you offer discounts for buying in bulk?
Yes! We have a number of great deals on buying Flowpoint grouts in bulk, plus deals on bedding mortars and primers.
Here are some quick links to help you save money when buying for a few jobs at once:
- Full pallet deals on Flowpoint – with free delivery!
- Part-pallet deals on Flowpoint
- Deals on bedding mortars and paving primers
Free delivery is available on all purchases of full pallets and other selected lines. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team.
Why are the Flowpoint Premium formulas more expensive?
Ultrascape recently launched a Flowpoint Premium range of two new colour options. You may have noticed that it’s slightly more expensive than the other grouts in the range.
While the formula itself is exactly the same, the price difference is down to the alternative grout colours in this range. Specialist pigments are used to create the colours Limestone and Stone Grey in their purest forms. It is these dyes that are more expensive, which is then reflected in the final price.
Before use
What's your advice on laying the right foundation?
As with all grouts, it’s essential that the slabs or pavers are laid on a solid foundation. Also, each slab must be in full contact with the bedding layer below.
When working with Flowpoint and Porcelpoint, use a non-permeable bedding mortar such as Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar.
You’ll also need to ensure each slab is in full contact with the bedding layer below. It’s highly recommended that you use a quality slurry primer, such as Pro-Prime Slurry Primer.
Using a Flowpoint grout with Eco-Bed and Pro-Prime will ensure your project is completed to BS 7533 standards, lasting up to 40 years without needing to regrout.
Read the full advice on laying a patio, including the tools required for the job.
Do I need to use a slurry primer?
Yes. Before laying your slabs, we highly recommend using a high-spec slurry primer such as Pro-Prime Slurry Primer to securely fix each slab to the bedding layer below.
Be sure to paint the full underside of each slab before fixing it in place.
Find out why using a primer is so important.
Do I need to seal the paving first?
When using Flowpoint grout or Porcelpoint, it’s not absolutely necessary to seal the paving first.
However, if you’re using more porous stones – such as slate or black granite –pre-sealing the pavers with ProJoint Pre-Grout Sealer can help to prevent grout staining.
Note: Flowpoint and Porcelpoint grouts are not suitable for use with darker limestone such as black limestone.
What are the best weather conditions for working with Flowpoint?
You can apply Flowpoint in almost all weathers, but application works best on cooler days and during light rain. The extra water helps to keep the area damp and stops the grout from hardening too quickly.
Important note on rain: if the paving joints are filling up with water, then the rain is too heavy for you to grout.
The minimum temperature for grouting with Flowpoint or Porcelpoint is 5ºC and rising. Never grout if there’s a risk of the temperature dropping below this.
While the Flowpoint grouts can be applied in warm weather, temperatures above 20ºC drastically shortens their setting time. At 20ºC the grout will take as little as 15 minutes to set. If you’re new to using Flowpoint, you may want to wait for a cooler day to give yourself a breather.
Here are a few important things to be aware of when grouting on colder and warmer days:
During cold weather
- The minimum outdoor temperature must be at least 5ºC and rising
- Never grout if there is frost on the ground or a risk of the temp dropping below 3ºC
- Grout later in the day when the weather should be warmer
- Check the hose pipe and sponge machine you’re using are free from frost
- Mix the formula for longer to add more heat
- Allow for a longer curing time, always checking the grout is ‘touch-dry’ before cleaning it off
During warm weather
- Be aware that the grout will set within as little as 15 minutes at 20ºC
- On warm days, grout early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler
- Water on the slabs will evaporate on warm days – you must take extra care to always keep the surfaces damp (but not saturated)
- Grout small areas at a time so you can easily monitor the dampness of the slabs
Read the full advice on choosing the ideal weather for working with grouts.
Can my team be trained on how to apply Flowpoint?
If you’re a business and are interested in using Flowpoint, we periodically arrange training days with the manufacturer.
Sign up for our email alerts to hear about forthcoming Flowpoint training days. Alternatively, get in touch and we’ll let you know when one comes up.
Here’s a little summary of a previous training day so you know what it entails.
Can I apply a sealer over Flowpoint?
Yes, you can use a sealer over Flowpoint.
Paving Guard is a surface sealant that forms a protective barrier against oil and grease. It can even protect against stains from dog poo and reduces the risk of gum sticking to the paving. Paving Guard is solvent-free.
How to apply Flowpoint grout
How do I apply Flowpoint grout?
Follow these 10 steps on how to apply Flowpoint grout to a patio or paving project. It’s well worth watching the 2-minute video below to familiarise yourself with the steps.
How to apply Flowpoint
- Clean the paver surfaces and joints so they are free from debris and any pooled water.
- Pre-soak the paving joints and surfaces with water to ensure they are damp – a light spray of water should do the trick.
- Add the specified amount of water to a bucket (4.25 litres for Flowpoint Standard, ECO, Smooth and any of the Premium range; 3.4 litres for Flowpoint Fine and Porcelpoint), and then add-in the dry formula.
- Using a force-action mixer or paddle mixer, mix for 3–5 minutes until the consistency is smooth and free of lumps.
- Ensuring the area is still damp, apply the mixture immediately by carefully forcing Flowpoint into the joints using a rubber squeegee or using a Berta Sponge Machine – Flowpoint can set within as little as 15 minutes (at temperatures of 20oC) so you will need to act fast.
- Move the Flowpoint slurry grout constantly around the patio surface to top-up joints where the mortar has sunk.
- Use the rubber squeegee to remove as much of the paving grout from the surface of the slabs – still keep the surfaces constantly damp to prevent the grout from hardening.
- Use a brush and lots of water – or alternatively a sponge machine – to remove any grout that has hardened on the paving surfaces.
- Once the mortar is touch-dry in the joints (usually after 30 minutes, dependant on temperature), clean the surface of paving slabs thoroughly to remove any spots of mortar and prevent staining. Two cleans are generally needed (unless you’re using a sponge machine).
- The pavers are ready to walk on after 1 hour and can receive car traffic after 4 hours (longer if the outdoor temperature is less then 20ºC).
Important notes
- Before and during application, extra water is needed to dampen – rather than saturate – the paving joints and pavers and stop the wet slurry from hardening on the surfaces.
- After application, use a spray hose or washboy for two wash cycles to remove excess Flowpoint from the surfaces and prevent stains. If using the Berta sponge machine, this can be done in just one pass.
- When using a pressure washer or hose, take care not to apply too much pressure directly into the joints. The idea is to keep the paving surfaces damp and remove any grout from the surfaces. Do not aggravate the setting grout in the joints themselves.
After applying Flowpoint, you can use a sponge machine straight away to remove any grout from the surface of the paving.
Using Flowpoint Fine or Porcelpoint?
What tools or equipment do I need?
When applying Flowpoint or Porcelpoint grout, you will need:
- Large bucket for mixing (with Flowpoint Fine and Porcelpoint, just use the tubs they come in)
- Large measuring jug (add only the exact amount of water to the mix)
- 110v paddle mixer
- Jet washer or hose pipe with a spray nozzle
- Long-handled rubber squeegee – a Neoprene squeegee for best results
- Small trowel for application
- Rubber float to remove grout from awkward areas
- Sponge for cleaning around the edges
- Recommended: A buddy on-hand to keep the area damp while you apply the grout
Optional time-saving equipment
If you’re grouting a large area or are regularly installing paving, then it’s well worth investing in some extra kit to save you time and money.
The Berta ADV Sponge Machine is by far the best time-saving device for cleaning off Flowpoint. In fact, this electric sponge machine cleans off grout at a rate of 100m2 per hour, allowing the pros to lay, grout and finish large projects in just a day. The Berta is even available to hire (contact us to arrange).
The next best option is a pedalo washboy, such as the Large Pedalo Washboy from Raimondi. Although not as fast as a Berta, it’s still more efficient than using a bucket and sponge alone.
Why is it important to add the water to the bucket first?
Always start out by first adding the specified amount of water to the bucket, and then pouring in the formula for mixing. Otherwise, you’re likely to find clumps in your mixture if you add the formula first and then the water.
What if I have excess Flowpoint and it has nowhere to go?
While grouting a patio, you might realise you have too much Flowpoint grout on the surfaces.
If this is the case, you can either push the excess Flowpoint into:
- The next area you will be paving.
- A grassed area: use a shovel to lift a patch of adjacent grass and run the excess wet slurry into it. Re-lay the grass once the product has set.
- An impervious bunded area: once set, remove and dispose of the dried excess grout.
Never push excess Flowpoint down a drain and take care to ensure the slurry does not inadvertently enter any nearby drains. It is a rapid-setting grout and will create a permanent blockage.
How long does Flowpoint take to set?
As rapid-setting grouts, it can take as little as 15 minutes for the initial set of Flowpoint or Porcelpoint grout, at which point you will need to wash-off the excess grout (see the full instructions above).
Once all of the excess grout has been cleaned away during the final wash, the area can receive foot traffic after 1 hour and vehicle traffic after 4 hours.
Please note: these are minimum setting times for when the outdoor temperature is 20ºC. It will take a little longer for Flowpoint to set during colder temperatures.
How do I know that the grout is 'touch-dry' in the joints?
Before beginning the first clean-up, you must ensure that the grout has completed its initial cure. This can take 15-30 minutes (depending upon the outdoor temperature).
Check whether the mortar is ‘touch-dry’ by placing the pad of your thumb onto the grout to see whether it has set enough. If you see a thumbprint in the grout, it’s too soon to wash it off.
Once there aren’t any indentations, begin to gently wash-off the excess grout focussing on removing the slurry from the paved surfaces (see the full instructions above).
Always remember, outdoor temperatures will affect the setting time of the grout. See the weather advice above for more details.
Storage instructions
What is Flowpoint's shelf life?
An unopened bag or tub of Flowpoint grout can be used for up to 8 months.
Where should I store Flowpoint grout before use?
Unopened bags or tubs of Flowpoint must be stored off the ground in cool, dry conditions of temperatures between 5˚C and 30˚C. Ensure the supplies are stored in an area free from drafts, frost or damp.
Paved areas for hot tubs and spas
What's the best base for a hot tub?
An above-ground hot tub must be placed on a solid and level surface that can support the weight of a filled tub and the people sitting in it. A well-laid patio made of either natural stone or concrete can support this weight. For extra stability and longevity, it is important to use a quality bedding mortar and strong jointing compound that won’t disintegrate – we recommend Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar and Flowpoint wet slurry grout.
Never place the tub on grass or concrete ground as the unstable and uneven surface can cause warping and water spills. Timber decking is an option, but it needs to be extremely well designed and reinforced to carry the weight of a hot tub.
Speak with a qualified landscaping contractor who can help you create a safe and solid foundation for your hot tub. If you want to discuss the options with us, drop us a line and we’ll be in touch.
What should a hot tub sit on?
If you are installing an above-ground hot tub, a concrete or natural stone patio is an ideal option. Above all else, the foundation must be both solid, level and strong. Together, Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar and Flowpoint wet slurry grout provide the right amount of stability and longevity for a patio to withstand the extra weight for years to come.
Your new hot tub needs to be placed onto a level base to ensure that the weight of the tub, water and people within it are displaced across the ground evenly. Without a level base, your hot tub is likely to warp and it will cause unnecessary strains on the tub’s structure. An uneven base also risks water spilling over the side.
Should I place a hot tub on patio pavers?
Yes, a hot tub can be placed on patio pavers. For extra stability, longevity and to handle any water spills from the hot tub itself, our experts recommend using:
- Concrete or natural stone pavers
- A stable, solid foundation with Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar
- A strong, long-lasting jointing compound with Flowpoint wet slurry grout
It is always best practice to create a full, level bed for the patio using a quality bedding mortar. One of the added benefits of using Flowpoint wet slurry grout is if there are any gaps or inconsistencies in the bedding mortar, Flowpoint will find its way to them and make the patio even stronger.
Will my patio withstand a hot tub?
Although most hot tubs are relatively light when empty, your patio will also need to withstand the weight of the water in the tub plus the maximum weight of the number of people who will be in the tub at any one time.
When deciding whether your patio will withstand the weight of a hot tub, you should consider the:
- Type of patio pavers
- Condition of the pavers
- How level the area is
- Bedding mortar below the pavers
- Strength of the jointing compound used between the pavers
Our paving experts recommend creating a strong foundation for your patio using either natural stone or concrete pavers. The foundation must be level and solid – Ultrascape Eco-Bed Bedding Mortar together with Flowpoint slurry grout offer the right amount of stability. Flowpoint grout will also withstand any water spills from the hot tub itself.
Is an above-ground hot tub or excavated spa the best option?
It really depends on your budget and how quickly you want the spa experience in your garden. An in-ground hot tub will involve contractor costs including excavation, waste removal, plumbing and tiling, which may take some time to plan and complete. An above-ground hot tub can be overall a cheaper and quicker installation. You just need a solid, level surface that is strong enough to withstand a hot tub full of water and people. Concrete patio pavers – or natural stone pavers – are an affordable and durable choice.
Further help and advice
If you still have a question about Flowpoint, the recommended tools and equipment to use, or any other products in the Ultrascape range, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.
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