Whether you're freshening up a tired bathroom or tiling a brand new kitchen splashback, one thing trips up a lot of DIYers before they've even picked up a trowel: choosing the right grout.
It might seem like a minor detail, but grout does a lot of heavy lifting. It seals out moisture, keeps tiles aligned, and plays a big part in how your finished space looks. Pick the wrong type and you could end up with cracked joints, stubborn staining, or water getting where it shouldn't.
In this first part of our grouting guide, we'll walk you through the main types of grout and how to choose the right one for your project. Then in Part 2, we'll take you through the grouting process itself - step by step.
What Is Grout?
Grout is the material that fills the joints between tiles. It keeps moisture and dirt from working their way underneath, helps tiles stay in place over time, and gives your tiled surface a clean, finished look. The type you choose should reflect where your tiles are, what they're made of, and how much upkeep you want to do.
The Main Types of Grout
Cementitious Grout
The most common choice for both DIYers and professional tilers, cementitious grout is a cement-and-water mix that comes in two forms:
- Sanded grout — Contains fine sand particles for added durability. Best for floor tiles, wider joints (over 3mm), and areas that see a lot of foot traffic.
- Unsanded grout — Smooth in texture and designed for narrow joints (under 3mm). The right pick for wall tiles and delicate surfaces like glass or polished stone, where sand could scratch the finish.
One thing to keep in mind: cementitious grout is porous, so it needs sealing after installation to stop moisture and stains from getting in.
Epoxy Grout
For areas that really take a battering - bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens - epoxy grout is the gold standard. Made from epoxy resins rather than cement, it's waterproof, stain-resistant, and doesn't need sealing.
The downside is that it's more expensive and noticeably harder to apply, so it's often better suited to confident DIYers or professional tilers. But if you want a finish that lasts and stays easy to clean, it's worth the extra effort.
Urethane and Hybrid Grouts
A newer option that's gained popularity for home projects, pre-mixed urethane and hybrid grouts come ready to use straight from the tub. No mixing, no sealing - just scoop and spread. They offer good flexibility and stain resistance, making them a great choice for splashbacks and smaller DIY jobs.
Furan Grout
A specialist product you're unlikely to need at home. Furan grout is designed for industrial environments - laboratories, commercial kitchens, factories - where tiles are exposed to strong chemicals or extreme temperatures. It's tricky to install and almost always handled by professionals.
How to Choose the Right Grout
Still not sure which type you need? Ask yourself these five questions:
- How wide are the joints? Joints wider than 3mm need sanded grout for stability.
- What are the tiles made of? Polished, glazed, or delicate tiles need unsanded grout to avoid scratching.
- Where are the tiles going? Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas all benefit from water-resistant or epoxy grout.
- What colour works best? Light grout brightens a space but shows dirt more readily; darker grout defines the tile pattern and hides grime better.
- How much maintenance do you want? Epoxy and hybrid grouts are low-maintenance; cementitious grout needs resealing periodically.
Ready to Get Grouting?
Now that you know which grout to use, it's time to put it to work. In Part 2 of our grouting guide, we cover everything you need to know about actually applying grout — from the tools you'll need to the technique that gives you sharp, professional-looking joints.
Read Part 2: How to Grout New Tiles →
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