If you’re replacing your bathroom tiles, then you will quickly learn that you’ll also need brand new grout. Like many household items that go unnoticed, you may not recognize what grout actually is. Grout is literally the glue that holds your bathroom tiles together. Unfortunately, grout is also available in many varieties. So, it’s best to understand just how grout works. We’ve carefully researched the best grout selection for your bathroom.
The best type of grout for your bathroom is typically epoxy grout, but also consider your budget and tile type. Different kinds of grout can accommodate different tile materials and tile spacing. If the tiles are less than 1/8-inch apart, this requires un-sanded grout. If they are farther apart than 1/8 inches, you should use sanded grout; however, sanded grout can damage delicate tile materials. Traditional grout made out of cement demands sealant, and tougher grout will cost more to install.
While grout may appear to be a mundane tool, it can also affect the aesthetic appeal of every tile in your bathroom. And because grout offers so many options, you’ll also need to learn the corresponding advantages. Read more to learn if you’ll need powdered, mixed, sanded, or waterproof grout.
What is the best type of grout to use in a bathroom?
Epoxy grout is generally considered the superior product for bathrooms. Epoxy grout remains the most durable and practical option, despite some of the headaches that come with it. The larger investment is likely going to be worthwhile in the long run.
This is because weaker grout will demand more sealant. Also, weak grout will probably need replacing over time. Stains and water absorption can eventually erode the material. Even cleaning products can ultimately cause irreparable damage to grout of lesser quality. Bathrooms simply accumulate far too much foot traffic and stains.
Epoxy grout is also available in sanded and un-sanded options, just like typical cement-based alternatives. This means that epoxy grout can still be used with tiles of any spacing and material.
But remember that you will usually need the pros to install epoxy grout. Epoxy grout will actually cure in less than a few hours, which means that it quickly becomes difficult to work with.
What type of grout to use on the shower floor?
The tiles on your shower wall will not take very much wear and tear. The floor, however, will probably be asked to withstand daily traffic. Therefore, you are unlikely to choose fragile floor tiles. This means that epoxy grout is also the best choice for your shower floor. Epoxy grout will require less cleaning, and chances are, you want to avoid cleaning the shower floor as much as possible. Check out this post to learn about some easy ways to clean your grout. Epoxy grout will also absorb more water, which is the purpose of your shower.
And don’t forget, epoxy grout will completely cure within the same day. That means you won’t have to wait very long to get back in the shower. This is especially useful for households that must share a single bathroom.
Is there waterproof grout?
Click here to see this dark gray epoxy grout on Amazon.
If you want to use new grout in your bathroom, then you definitely need to ask yourself about a waterproof option. Conventional grout is cement-based, and thus requires sealant in order to boost the water resistance. Without the sealant, this grout can easily become discolored or even break apart altogether.
Fortunately, epoxy grout doesn’t need additional sealant. Epoxy grout can be twice as durable as any cement-based product. This strength is simply a result of the class of resin that makes up its chemistry. Epoxy grout can resist stains and water damage. When you clean epoxy grout, its texture and appearance will barely be affected.
However, please bear in mind that epoxy grout is also more expensive. Epoxy grout is also likely to cost more for installation. This is because epoxy grout hardens far too quickly for casual consumers. Anyone looking to save a few bucks by trying a DIY installation may wreck the bathroom tiles.
What is the difference between sanded grout and un-sanded grout?
Sand is a crucial component of the type of grout you use. Sand is primarily used with grout in order to increase durability. However, grout can also potentially erode or even shrink over time. Sand will also help reduce that issue.
Sanded grout is ideal for tiles that are spaced farther apart. This is because sand adds more to the grout’s body, allowing the grout to remain sturdy when it expands. Sanded grout is also less expensive, making it ideal for smaller budgets.
Click here to find this white sanded grout on Amazon.
However, sanded grout can also be coarse and irritating when used with delicate tiles. For example, the sand will damage tiles that are made of glass. So, if your budget prioritizes fancy tiles, you will likely want to consider un-sanded grout instead.
Un-sanded grout replaces the sand with more polymers. This results in a grout that is less durable, overall. However, un-sanded grout can also fit into smaller spaces between tiles. And you won’t have to worry about rough sand that can cause damage to your tiles.
Is powdered grout Better Than Ready Mixed?
Firstly, you should consider that pre-mixed grout is more expensive. This is because the grout is ready to use right out of the bucket, and requires no preparation on your part. Pre-mixed grout is also consistent in its appearance.
Sometimes, pre-mixed grout may not even require sealant. This is because some pre-mixed options are sold with ingredients like urethane, which will already reinforce adhesion. Just bear in mind that urethane will need more than a few days to cure, which means that you’ll have to wait a little longer to use your bathroom again.
Click here to see this sanded powdered grout on Amazon.
Powdered grout will need to be mixed with water before you use it. This is because the water causes a chemical reaction that will harden the powdered grout. That process may become frustrating if you don’t mix in the right amount of water. You may find yourself unable to create the right thickness to work with comfortably.
Still, powdered grout can be stored for longer periods of time. This means that powdered grout can be used for multiple jobs or touch-ups over the years. And since powdered grout is cheaper, it is probably a better deal if you plan on working with a large room with many tiles. Otherwise, the price tag can quickly skyrocket. Also, you can actually add in your own personalized color to powdered grout. If you want to get artsy, you can read this post to learn if the floor and wall grout should match.
Summary
Grout isn’t just the glue for your tiles. It can be a pretty accent in your bathroom. And if you’ve already invested in lovely tiles, you don’t want to ruin them with the wrong grout. Grout may feel easy to overlook, but it can really tie your bathroom together. It’ll also keep your tiles safe. Now that you know which grout is best for you and your bathroom, you’ll have a brand new room in no time!