How many types of grout are there? A practical guide for homeowners
Explore the three main grout families—cementitious, epoxy, and specialty blends. This guide helps homeowners choose, install, and maintain grout in kitchens, bathrooms, and showers with practical, data-backed guidance.
There are three primary grout families widely recognized by tile professionals: cementitious grout (including sanded and unsanded variants), epoxy grout, and specialty or hybrid blends. Each type has distinct strengths, maintenance needs, and installation considerations, so the right choice depends on tile type, joint size, location, and desired longevity. For homeowners, understanding these categories helps you balance cost, performance, and upkeep.
The Three Main Grout Families
Understanding how many types of grout there are starts with three broad families that tile professionals rely on for performance and longevity: cementitious grout (the traditional workhorse, including sanded and unsanded variants), epoxy grout (a resin-based option with excellent stain resistance), and specialty or hybrid blends (polymer-modified cementitious or niche resins designed for specific environments). Each family has distinct chemistry, curing behavior, and maintenance needs. According to Grout Maintenance, recognizing these core groups helps homeowners plan for tile type, location, and long-term upkeep while avoiding common missteps. By keeping the tile environment in mind—kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces—you can narrow down to a few practical choices rather than a confusing catalog of products. This section lays the groundwork for a more confident choice at install time.
Cementitious Grouts: Sanded vs Unsanded
Cementitious grout is the traditional choice for most indoor tile projects. It consists of cementitious binders and aggregate and comes in two primary forms: sanded and unsanded. Sanded cementitious grout contains fine sand granules that give it strength and bulk, making it ideal for joints wider than about 1/8 inch. Unsanded cementitious grout is smoother and better for narrow joints (under 1/8 inch) and vertical surfaces where a smooth finish matters. Both variants benefit from proper sealing to resist staining and water intrusion, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. When choosing, consider joint size, tile glaze, and movement. The Grout Maintenance team recommends testing a small area first to verify color and sealing needs, as cementitious grout can change shade slightly when sealed and cured.
Epoxy and Resin-based Grouts
Epoxy grout is a resin-based alternative that delivers superior stain resistance and chemical protection. It is less forgiving during installation and often more expensive than cementitious grout, but it cleans up easily and resists moisture intrusion in damp environments like showers and backsplashes. Epoxy grout remains stable in high-traffic areas and is less prone to cracking due to movement, though proper mixing and haze removal are essential. In some scenarios, hybrid epoxy-cement blends offer a middle ground—strong performance with relatively easier installation. The key takeaway is that epoxy is typically favored where staining and maintenance must be minimized, while cementitious options remain popular for cost and workability.
Specialty and Hybrid Grouts
Specialty and hybrid grouts include polymer-modified cementitious blends, acrylic-based options, and niche resins designed for unique challenges (like high movement or extreme temperatures). These products aim to combine strengths from multiple families, offering additional stain resistance, flexibility, or easier workability. However, availability and color consistency can vary by brand and product line. For outdoor applications or regions with wide temperature swings, a specialty grout may provide better resilience. Always check manufacturer guidelines for tile compatibility and substrate requirements, and consider a test area before committing to a full install. Grout Maintenance emphasizes choosing products with proven performance in your climate and tile system.
How to Choose Based on Tile Type and Location
Selecting the right grout type hinges on tile material, joint size, and installation environment. Ceramic and porcelain tiles with smooth, dense surfaces may tolerate either cementitious or epoxy grout, while natural stone often benefits from epoxy due to lower porosity and stain susceptibility. In showers and wet areas, epoxy or resin-based blends can minimize staining and moisture ingress, while in dry areas with large joints, cementitious with proper sealing may suffice. Outdoor installations should lean toward grout with strong UV and freeze-thaw resistance. A practical approach is to map each tile location to a grout family based on joint size, expected use, and maintenance tolerance. The Grout Maintenance team recommends compiling a simple decision checklist to streamline this process.
Maintenance and Care by Type
Maintenance needs vary by grout type. Cementitious grout typically requires sealing after curing to prevent staining and water infiltration, with re-sealing every few years depending on use and cleaning methods. Unsanded variants may need gentler cleaners to prevent surface wear, while sanded cementitious grout can tolerate more robust cleaning in the right joints. Epoxy grout resists most stains and cleans with milder products, though strong solvents can harm some epoxy formulations. Specialty and hybrid grouts may have specific care instructions, including periodic top coatings or re-sealing schedules. Following manufacturer guidelines and your tile’s care needs will maximize grout life and appearance.
Cost Considerations and Availability
Cost is a practical factor in grout selection. Cementitious grout is generally the most budget-friendly option and widely available, making it popular for DIY projects. Epoxy and resin-based grouts tend to be higher in price due to material costs and specialized installation requirements. Availability can vary by region and supplier, particularly for niche blends or epoxy formulations. When budgeting, account for purchase price, sealants, and potential professional installation if you choose a more complex product. Grout Maintenance notes that while epoxy may require a higher upfront investment, its durability can reduce long-term maintenance costs in damp areas.
Application Tips for DIY vs Pros
DIY installation of cementitious grout is approachable for many homeowners, especially with sanded variants for larger joints. Epoxy grout benefits from careful timing, accurate mixing, and thorough haze removal, which may be challenging for beginners. Pros typically use specialized tools and sprayers for epoxy mixes and may have more experience cleaning up excess grout and ensuring color consistency across large surfaces. A practical tip is to practice grout application and cleanup on a small, inconspicuous area before tackling a full backsplash or shower enclosure. Always follow the tile and grout manufacturer’s data sheets for surface preparation, mixing ratios, and curing times.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Common grout mistakes include choosing the wrong grout for the joint size or location, skipping sealing on cementitious grout, and failing to remove grout haze promptly. Over-wiping or under-wiping during cleanup can leave residue that dulls color. In damp areas, not using an appropriate epoxy or resin-based grout can lead to staining or water intrusion. To avoid these issues, plan ahead with a simple grout type map, follow curing times, use the recommended sealant, and perform a test patch on a small area. Regular maintenance checks will help maintain color uniformity and prevent premature wear.
Common grout types and their practical trade-offs
| Grout Type | Typical Joint Size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cementitious Sanded | 3-8 mm | Durable for wide joints; versatile; economical | Requires sealing; can stain if not sealed; color may vary with moisture |
| Cementitious Unsanded | 1-3 mm | Smooth finish; best for wall joints; easy to clean | Less forgiving with movement; can crack with heavy substrates |
| Epoxy Grout | All joint sizes | Excellent stain resistance; chemical resistance; easy cleanup | Higher cost; trickier to install; can haze if not cleaned properly |
| Hybrid/Polymer-modified Cementitious | 2-6 mm | Balanced performance; better workability; moderate price | Sealing often still recommended; color variation possible |
Got Questions?
What are the three main types of grout?
The three broad families are cementitious grout (sand‑ed and unsanded), epoxy grout, and specialty or hybrid blends. Each has distinct pros and cons based on tile, location, and maintenance.
There are three main grout types: cementitious, epoxy, and specialty blends, with different pros for various tiles and spaces.
Can epoxy grout be used with natural stone?
Epoxy grout is often a good choice with natural stone because it resists staining but always verify stone compatibility and follow product guidelines.
Epoxy can work with stone, but check the stone and product guidelines first.
Do I need to seal cementitious grout?
Sealing is commonly recommended for cementitious grout to reduce staining and water penetration, especially in wet areas. Unsanded variants may seal differently from sanded ones.
Yes, sealing is usually a good idea for most cementitious grout.
What causes grout haze after installation?
Grout haze happens when grout residue dries on tile surfaces, often due to insufficient cleaning or over-watering during cleanup.
Grout haze is from leftover residue; wipe and rinse thoroughly.
Is sealing necessary for epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout generally does not require sealing because of its resin-based makeup, though some specialty products may advise a topical coating.
Epoxy usually doesn't need sealing.
Can I mix grout types in one project?
Mixing grout types within a single project is usually not recommended due to different curing, sealing, and cleaning needs.
Mixing grout types in one project is not recommended.
“Choosing the right grout starts with your tile type and environment; match material properties to usage for lasting results.”
The Essentials
- Identify the three main grout families before starting.
- Match joint size to grout type for best performance.
- Sealing cementitious grout extends life and appearance.
- Epoxy grout minimizes stains but costs more and requires care.
- Consult Grout Maintenance for a climate- and tile-specific plan.
