Choosing the correct grout is essential for protecting and maintaining tile floors. Whether you’re working on a bathroom wall, kitchen backsplash, or floor installation, understanding the different types of grout and their applications will help you pick the right one for your home.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of grout available, factors to consider when choosing grout, and tips for application and maintenance.
Understanding Grout Basics
Before diving into the specifics of grout selection, it’s a good idea to understand the fundamentals of what grout is and why it’s important in tile installation.
What Is Grout?
Grout is a mixture of cement, water, and sometimes sand or other additives used to fill the gaps between tiles. It serves multiple purposes, including securing tiles in place, preventing water and debris from getting underneath, and creating a finished look for your tiled surface.
Pro Tip: David Goodman, the tile contractor for This Old House’s Nantucket project, explains why grout matters more than most people think: “Not only does grout fill the voids, it makes the floor, wall, or countertop stronger by bonding the tiles together and preventing the edges of a tile from chipping and cracking.”
The Importance of Proper Grout Selection
Choosing the right grout is critical for several reasons. The appropriate grout will:
- Complement the style and color of your tiles
- Enhance the overall appearance of your tiled surface
- Protect against moisture infiltration
- Provide durability and longevity to your installation
- Resist stains and mildew growth
Making the wrong choice can lead to cracking, staining, or premature deterioration of your tiled surface, potentially requiring costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Types of Grout
Grout formulas generally fall into two main categories: cement-based and resin-based.
Cement-Based Grouts
Cement-based grouts are the traditional option and have been used for many years. They come in powder form and are mixed with water or a polymer additive before application.
Resin-Based Grouts
Resin-based grouts are newer alternatives that offer specialized performance, such as improved water resistance or increased stain resistance. These include epoxy grouts and premixed flexible grouts made with acrylic or urethane resins.
To suss out a grout’s type, look for its ANSI A118 standard on the package label or online data sheet. Standard cement grouts carry the Type A118.6 designation, while two-part epoxy grouts are labeled Type A118.3. Note that premixed grouts don’t carry this standard yet.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Grout
When picking out grout, we recommend considering the following factors.
Tile Material and Location
Your tile and the surrounding room will be the most important factors in choosing your grout. For example, glass or polished stone tiles may require unsanded grout to prevent scratching, while floor tiles in high-traffic areas might benefit from a more durable, stain-resistant option. Tiles in bathrooms will require a waterproof option.
Joint Width
The width of the gaps between your tiles, known as grout lines, should be the next thing you think about. Narrow joints (1/8 inch or less) typically require unsanded grout, while wider joints benefit from sanded grout for added strength.
Moisture Exposure
Areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchen backsplashes, require grout with enhanced water resistance. You might opt for a high-performance cement grout or a resin-based option in these locations.
For the most demanding wet environments, such as steam showers and pools, two-part epoxy grouts (Type A118.3) are the gold standard. According to This Old House Magazine, epoxies are stain-proof, waterproof, and chemical resistant—they cure hard yet retain some flexibility, and they never need sealing. Premixed single-component grouts with acrylic or urethane resins are a more DIY-friendly alternative; once cured, they remain flexible, adhere well, and absorb very little water.
Color Considerations
Grout color ]is functionally an accent piece to your tile, affecting the overall color composition of the surface. Consider whether you want the grout to blend in with the tile or create a contrasting effect. Remember that lighter colors may show stains more easily, while darker colors can be more forgiving in high-traffic areas.
Interior designer Patti Watson of Jamestown, RI, offers several practical approaches to grout color in This Old House Magazine: Pair white tile with gray grout for an aged look that highlights hand-cut edges. Consider picking up a detail like the veining in a stone vanity top—grout in the same color will help unify the space. And in small spaces where high contrast could look busy, match grout color to the tile so the tile recedes. Before committing, borrow grout sticks from your supplier to preview the final effect.
Pro Tip: David Goodman, a tiling expert featured in This Old House Magazine, tries to steer clients toward neutral grout shades: “You may not be madly in love with gray, but chances are you won’t hate it, either.” If you do choose a bold color, Goodman recommends grouting up a sample section of tile on plywood and living with it for a few days. “I tell people to look at the color in lots of different lights—natural, incandescent, fluorescent,” he says.
Cement-Based Grout Options
Cement-based grouts are versatile and widely used in many tile installations. There are two main types to consider:
Standard Cement Grouts
Standard cement grouts (Type A118.6) are suitable for areas that aren’t likely to get wet or soiled by food. They’re a good choice for bathroom walls and other low-moisture areas. These grouts are relatively inexpensive, costing around $15 to $25 for 25 pounds, and are forgiving to use, making them ideal for DIY projects.
The cost data for this article are averages taken from listed prices at home improvement stores, such as Lowes and Home Depot.
High-Performance Cement Grouts
High-performance cement grouts (Type A118.7) offer improved durability and stain resistance compared to standard options. They suit floors, kitchen backsplashes, countertops, shower enclosures, and even steam showers.
While more expensive (around $20 to $35 for 25 pounds), they set faster and provide better protection against moisture and stains.
Resin-Based Grout Options
Resin-based grouts offer enhanced performance in certain areas and come in two main types:
Premixed Flexible Grouts
Premixed flexible grouts are ready-to-use products that don’t require any additional mixing. They’re made with either acrylic or urethane resins and offer excellent flexibility and water resistance. These grouts are ideal for DIY projects as they’re easy to apply and clean up as you go.
Prices range from $65 to $80 per gallon, depending on the formula’s quality and features.
Two-Part Epoxy Grouts
Two-part epoxy grouts consist of two resins that, when mixed, create a highly durable and chemical-resistant grout. They’re ideal for areas requiring maximum stain and water resistance, such as commercial kitchens, pools, and steam showers. Epoxy grouts are more challenging to work with and typically cost between $18 and $35 per pound, making them better suited for professional installation.
Pros and Cons of Different Grout Types
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each grout type can help you make an informed decision for your specific project.
Advantages of Cement-Based Grouts
- Affordable and widely available
- Available in unsanded options for use with scratch-prone tiles
- Easy to use, making them suitable for DIY projects
- Familiar to most tile installers
Disadvantages of Cement-Based Grouts
- Limited color options compared to resin-based grouts
- May not be suitable for high-moisture areas without proper sealing
- More prone to cracking, staining, and mildew growth
- Require sealing after curing and periodic resealing
For floors and higher-traffic areas, consider high-performance cement grout instead of standard formulas. According to This Old House Magazine’s 2022 Reno Planner, added polymers give this cement grout better stain resistance and more consistent color while helping prevent efflorescence—where salts rise up and whiten the grout over time. Even with the polymer boost, plan to seal it once or twice per year.
Benefits of Resin-Based Grouts
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Excellent stain and water resistance
- More flexible, reducing the risk of cracking
- No sealing required
- Premixed options are easy to use for DIY projects
Resin-based grouts include acrylics, urethanes, and epoxies—most with sand-like aggregates added—and they cure either by evaporation or a chemical reaction between resins. Premixed, single-component grouts with acrylic or urethane resins come ready to use in DIY-friendly buckets, while two-part epoxy grouts (Type A118.3) must be mixed on-site but are tough enough for demanding installations like steam showers and pools.
Drawbacks of Resin-Based Grouts
- Epoxy grouts can be challenging to work with and may require professional installation
- May not be suitable for use with certain natural stone tiles
- More expensive than cement-based options
- Some types may yellow when exposed to sunlight
Grout Application and Maintenance
Proper application and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and appearance of your grout. Here’s how to go about it.
Tools Needed for Grouting
Essential tools for grouting include:
- Bucket
- Clean cloths or towels
- Grout float
- Mixing paddle (for cement-based grouts)
- Sponge
Grout Application Techniques
To apply grout effectively:
- Mix cement-based grout according to manufacturer instructions.
- Apply grout diagonally across tile joints using a rubber float.
- Remove excess grout from tile surfaces.
- Clean tile surfaces with a damp sponge after initial setting.
- Allow grout to cure according to manufacturer recommendations.
Cover only as much area as you can get back to before the manufacturer’s specified setting time has elapsed. Some premixed polymer resins set in 30 minutes or less, and they will stick to the face of the tile if you don’t wipe them in time. When cleaning, wipe the haze with a barely damp, well-squeezed sponge rinsed often in clean water—don’t be too aggressive, or you’ll pull grout out of the joints. Wait for the grout to haze over again, then repeat until the tile is clean.
Sealing and Cleaning Grout
For cement-based grouts, apply a sealer once the grout has fully cured to protect against stains and moisture. Clean grout regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain its appearance and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Resin-Based Grout Maintenance
Resin-based grouts generally do not require sealing, but they still need cleaning to look their best. Use a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent to remove any dirt or stains.
Spot Repairs and Replacements
Any type of grout may call for occasional repairs. Remove the damaged grout and replace it with a matching type to keep the tiled surface looking uniform.
Specialized Grout Applications
Certain tiles or specific areas in homes may require a specialized type of grout for the best results. Mosaic, outdoor, and heated tiled areas need additional consideration.
Mosaic Tiles
Additional care and specialized grout may be necessary for mosaic tiles, which often have many narrow joints. Unsanded grout can be beneficial here to fill the tiny gaps without scratching the tile surfaces.
Outdoor Tiled Areas
For outdoor areas, choose a grout that can withstand the elements. High-performance cement grout or epoxy grout are ideal due to their durability and weather resistance.
Heated Floors
For homes with heated floors, you’ll need to choose a grout to accommodate the expansion and contraction caused by temperature variations. A flexible grout, such as a premixed urethane option, is particularly suitable for this application.
Our Conclusion
Choosing the wrong grout can cause cracking, peeling, and other problems, so you’ll want to plan carefully. Consider factors such as tile material, location, joint width, and moisture exposure when making your selection. While cement-based grouts offer affordability and ease of use, resin-based options provide enhanced durability and stain resistance.
