The cost to regrout a shower is around $1,500 on average but can range from $600–$2,500, depending on your shower size, tile type, grout material, and local labor rates. While you can save money by regrouting your shower yourself, hiring a tile contractor can save you time and offer higher quality results.
Grout is a mixture of cement and water with other fine particles, such as sand or resins, that seals gaps between shower tiles. Years of moisture eventually lead to cracked, discolored, or moldy grout, and regrouting can help restore your shower’s appearance without a complete renovation. Learn more about the cost to regrout a shower in our detailed guide.
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Cost by Grout Type
The grout you choose for your shower affects your budget. Epoxy and other high-end grouts cost more initially but resist water better and last longer than cheaper options. This means you won’t need to regrout your shower as often. Some kinds of grout need special installation techniques, which raises labor costs. Here’s an overview of what different grout types will cost you:
- Sanded grout ($6–$8 per square foot): This type of grout has sand mixed in for strength. Sanded grout works best for wider lines over one-eighth of an inch but could scratch certain shower tiles like marble or glass.
- Unsanded grout ($5–$6 per square foot): This grout has a smooth texture that works best for narrow lines under one-eighth of an inch. Without sand particles, it won’t scratch glass or polished stone but might shrink while drying and needs more maintenance.
- Cement grout ($5–$7 per square foot): An old-school formula that comes in multiple color choices. Cement grout soaks up water easily and can get stained or moldy unless sealed properly.
- Polymer grout ($6.50–$10 per square foot): A cement grout mixed with acrylic or latex for more flexibility and water protection. This grout needs less maintenance than plain cement versions.
- Epoxy grout ($8–$12 per square foot): A grout made from resins that fight water, stains, chemicals, and mold. Epoxy grout is harder to put in but lasts longer than other options. However, it costs more both in materials and labor.
- Furan grout ($12–$18 per square foot): This special acid-resistant formula is mostly used in factories and labs. It can handle harsh chemicals but smells bad during installation.
- Quarry-type grout ($7–$9 per square foot): A heavy-duty grout with chunks of aggregate, and is primarily made for quarry tiles in high-traffic areas. It’s usually too robust for home showers.
What Factors Affect Shower Regrouting Cost?
If you’ve tried cleaning your grout without luck or see signs of damage, you may have to regrout your shower entirely. Several factors can impact what you’ll pay to regrout a shower. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare a proper budget for your bathroom fix-up.
Shower Size
Bigger showers need more grout and take longer to finish. A standard 3-by-3 foot shower might cost $500 to regrout, while a large master bath could reach over $2,000. Most contractors charge either by square footage and time or a flat rate based on the size of your shower.
| Shower Size | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 9 square feet) | $560–$1,400 |
| Standard (9–16 square feet) | $700–$1,750 |
| Large (16–25 square feet) | $770–$1,950 |
| Extra large (25+ square feet) | $1,000–$2,375 |
Tile Considerations
Your shower tiles play a big role in regrouting costs. Size, spacing, and material type can all change how much work and materials you’ll need. Learn more about how tiles impact regrouting costs in the following sections.
Tile Size
Having small tiles creates more grout lines, meaning more work and materials. A shower with tiny one-inch mosaic tiles will cost much more to regrout than the same space with larger 12-inch tiles.
Tile Spacing
The width of your grout lines matters, too. Skinny lines, say around one-sixteenth of an inch, need careful work and special unsanded grout. Wider quarter-inch lines use more grout but make for faster installation. Contractors often charge more for wide-spaced tiles because of the extra materials, even in some cases where the work is a bit easier.
Tile Type
The type of tile you have changes what grout works best for your shower. Some tiles need special grout to stick properly, for example, and harder tiles handle regrouting better than delicate ones. Learn more about regrouting costs by tile type below:
| Tile Type | Cost Range per Square Foot | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic and porcelain | $5–$8 | $400–$800 |
| Natural stone | $6–$10 | $400–$600 |
| Glass | $8–$12 | $500–$800 |
| Mosaic | $15–$20 | $1,000–$1,300 |
| Marble | $12–$18 | $960–$1,300 |
Each kind of shower tile has different characteristics that impact the ideal grout type and regrouting time. For example, you can use most types of grout with ceramic tiles, but unsanded grout works best with glass. Learn more:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles: As the most common shower tile material, ceramic works with most grout types and holds up well to regrouting.
- Natural stone tiles: These porous tiles, like limestone or travertine, need special sealants and grout. Their edges chip easily during regrouting if you’re not careful.
- Glass tiles: Glass requires unsanded grout to avoid scratches. They’re often small with precise spacing, making regrouting harder.
- Mosaic tiles: With tiny pieces that create tons of grout lines, mosaic takes much longer to regrout because of all the detail work.
- Marble tiles: Marbile scratches easily and needs gentle treatment, so we recommend getting it regrouted by a professional.
Labor
Labor makes up most of your regrouting bill at about 60%–80% of project costs. Professionals charge $10–$25 per hour on average, but rates may vary by location. Considering a regular shower takes about 4–8 hours to regrout, labor would run $140–$480 for small jobs and up to $900 for bigger ones. Many companies have minimum fees of $200–$300, no matter the project size, and most quotes include materials.
Other Materials
In addition to grout, you’ll need a cleaning solution to remove residue, special tools to remove the old grout, a grout float to install new grout, a heavy-duty sponge, and buckets. Material costs vary depending on quality and brand, but you can expect to spend $25–$165 or more.
The biggest variable here is the tool you use to remove existing grout. The cheapest option is a grout rake, also known as a grout saw. However, power tools will get the job done faster. Power tool options include a rotary tool or an oscillating multi-tool.
Regrouting vs. Retiling
The average cost of tiling a shower is about $1,800–$5,000. Retiling a shower will be a few hundred dollars more once you factor in $2–$5 per square foot to remove the old tiles. Regrouting shower tiles costs significantly less, with an average price range of $700–$1,500.
If the tiles themselves are damaged, retiling is the better option. You might also spring for new tiles as part of a full bathroom remodel. If the tiles are still in good condition, but the grout is chipping or discolored, regrouting is a cost-effective alternative.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) vs. Professional Regrouting
Regrouting a shower yourself can save you an average of $300–$800 on labor costs. Materials cost around $100–$200, including a grout saw or oscillating tool, float, sponges, buckets, and eye protection. As for the process, you remove old grout, clean the lines, apply new grout, and seal everything after the grout cures. We recommend that first-timers set aside a full weekend for regrouting, which typically takes 8–16 hours of actual work.
Hiring a professional brings better tools and know-how, plus a quicker turnaround time of 4–8 hours. While more expensive than a DIY project, spending $700–$1,500 on professional grouting buys expertise and saves time during your weekend. A professional can more easily avoid mistakes like bad mixing, leaving old grout behind, or wiping the new grout too soon. Many professionals also often guarantee their work for 1–2 years, which means they will fix any related issues during that time. Consider using a pro if you have expensive tiles, an uncommon shower layout, or don’t want to do this type of home improvement project on your own.
While the best regrouting method for you will depend on your project capacity and budget, both approaches can improve the appearance of your shower and prevent water damage.
How Do You Save on Shower Regrouting?
A few strategic choices and careful planning can save you money on shower regrouting:
- Do it yourself. You can save on labor costs by undertaking some or all of the project yourself.
- Choose large, thin tiles. Choosing larger, thinner tiles will save you money when it’s time to regrout.
- Do a partial regrout. Reduce the overall cost by regrouting only damaged sections.
- Bundle projects. Bundle regrouting with other tile repair jobs in your home.
- Shop for deals. Look for sales on grout for your DIY job and ask contractors about discounts and specials. Comparison shop to find the best deal.
Additional Cost Factors
A few other factors might affect your regrouting budget. Knowing about these things can help you avoid sudden expenses when fixing up your shower.
Caulking
Grout caulking is a flexible material that’s applied where tiles meet other surfaces to seal the space between them. Tile caulking is usually color-matched to the grout and comes in both sanded and unsanded versions to match the grout used. Expect to pay $10–$25 per tube of grout caulking, which should be sufficient to seal a standard shower.
Grout Restoration
If the grout is still structurally sound but has minor discoloration or stains, consider grout restoration rather than full regrouting. Deep cleaning the grout or applying a color seal may be enough to rejuvenate your shower. Expect to pay a professional $0.50–$3 per square foot to clean your tile shower, while color sealing services cost around $500.
Sealing
Cement-based grout is porous and requires sealing to prevent water absorption and staining as well as to extend its life span. Sealing grout costs about $2–$5 per square foot, depending on the sealant’s type and quality. Epoxy and polymer grouts typically do not require sealing.
Read more: Shower Remodel Cost
How Do You Hire a Pro?
If you hire a pro, we recommend requesting a detailed quote from at least three different providers. Compare their pricing, services, and reputation by browsing their portfolio and online reviews. Ask for references from previous clients. Discuss the scope of work and their experience. Make sure anyone you hire is properly licensed and insured in your state, and get a written contract spelling out the project details, timeline, cost, and warranties.
Is Shower Regrouting Worth the Cost?
Regrouting is worth the cost if you want to clean up your shower without doing a full renovation. While materials for DIY regrouting can cost a few hundred dollars, paying $700–$1,500 for professional regrouting work keeps water from damaging your walls and subfloor, which could cost thousands to fix. For showers with tiles in good shape, regrouting can make your bathroom look fresh while protecting your original investment.
The overall value you get for this type of project depends on your situation. Homeowners with solid shower tiles with crumbling grout can benefit most from regrouting. If you have cracked shower tiles or plan to update your bathroom soon anyway, you might put your money toward a bigger renovation instead. However, if your grout is shot but the tile is fine, regrouting makes practical sense for both home value and everyday use.
FAQs About Regrouting a Shower
Is it cheaper to regrout or retile?
It is generally cheaper to regrout than to retile. Regrouting costs an average of $700–$1,500 while retiling costs $1,800–$5,000 on average.
How long does regrouting take?
Regrouting time depends on the shower’s size and condition. Generally, professionals can complete the task in eight hours or less, while DIY projects may take a whole weekend. Using a grout that needs sealing, such as cement, will add three days to your project as you need to wait 48 hours after installation to seal the grout and another 24 hours for the sealant to dry.
What is the best way to regrout a shower?
The best way to regrout a shower is to remove the old grout, carefully clean the tile surface and grout lines, mix and apply the new grout, remove the excess, and then let the grout cure. You may also need to apply silicone caulk and sealant.
Who do you hire to regrout a shower?
We recommend hiring a tile contractor to regrout a shower. You can hire a general contractor, but for best results, stick with someone with the proper equipment and expertise.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on contractor estimates from Angi and other market research into project pricing.
