What Is the Best Grout? A Homeowner’s Practical Guide to Grout Care
Discover how to choose the best grout for your tile project with practical, expert guidance. Compare cementitious, epoxy, and hybrid options, plus maintenance tips to keep your grout looking new.
Wondering what is the best grout for your project? The best grout isn’t a single brand—it’s a strategy. For high-traffic areas like showers, epoxy grout provides stain resistance and durability; for easy DIY installs and general tile floors, cementitious grout (sand or unsanded) remains dependable with proper sealing. In many homes, the right choice balances performance, ease, and price.
What is the best grout? A practical framing
In the world of tile, the question what is the best grout is less about chasing a single brand and more about matching material properties to your space. Grout sits between tiles to control movement, resist moisture, and influence the final look. The best grout for your project is the one that delivers durability without making maintenance unbearable. This guide from the Grout Maintenance team is designed to help homeowners and DIY enthusiasts weigh the tradeoffs and apply a simple decision framework to showers, kitchens, backsplashes, and outdoor surfaces. We’ll cover how grout type, color, and sealing interact with traffic, moisture, and cleaning routines so you can make a confident choice.
Grout quality matters because small differences compound over time. A slightly tougher formula can save you hours of scrubbing and resealing later. By understanding the core options and their ideal scenarios, you’ll know which grout to reach for when you stand in front of a tile job and whisper, “what is the best grout?”
Epoxy grout is the best all-around choice for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas, while cementitious grout remains a solid, budget-friendly option for DIY projects.
For showers and busy kitchens, epoxy grout minimizes staining and wear. Cementitious grout, when sealed properly, provides reliable performance for general tiling installs and cost-conscious renovations. The right combination depends on the space, budget, and your willingness to maintain the grout over time.
Products
Epoxy Grout Pro Formula
Premium • $20-36 per sq ft
Premium Cementitious Sanded Grout
Mid-range • $6-12 per sq ft
Budget Cementitious Unsanded Grout
Budget • $4-8 per sq ft
Grout Sealer & Maintenance Kit
Maintenance • $10-25 per kit
Hybrid Urethane Grout
Premium • $18-28 per sq ft
Ranking
- 1
Best Overall: Epoxy Grout Pro Formula9.2/10
Top choice for showers and high-traffic areas due to durability and stain resistance.
- 2
Best Value: Premium Cementitious Sanded8.8/10
Solid balance of performance and cost for floors and large tile areas.
- 3
Budget Pick: Budget Cementitious Unsanded7.9/10
Great for DIY projects on walls and backsplashes with proper sealing.
- 4
Maintenance Pick: Grout Sealer & Maintenance Kit7.6/10
Keeps grout looking new with less effort over time.
Got Questions?
What is the best grout for showers and high-traffic areas?
Epoxy grout is generally the best choice for showers and high-traffic zones because of its superior stain resistance and durability. It is less prone to mold and mildew than cementitious options when properly installed. However, it can be more challenging to work with for DIYers.
Epoxy grout works best in showers and busy areas because it resists stains and moisture well. For DIY projects, plan for careful mixing and curing.
Is epoxy grout worth the extra cost?
For bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas exposed to moisture and heavy use, epoxy grout’s longevity often justifies the higher upfront cost. In low-traffic spots, cementitious grout may be more economical while still delivering good performance.
In moisture-heavy or high-use areas, epoxy grout tends to pay off in longer life and easier cleaning.
Do I need to seal epoxy grout?
Sealing is generally not required for epoxy grout because of its inherent chemical resistance. Sealed cementitious grout, however, can benefit from a sealant to limit staining and moisture ingress.
Epoxy usually doesn’t need sealing, but cementitious grout benefits from sealing for moisture and stain resistance.
Can I mix unsanded and sanded grout in a single project?
Mixing grout types within the same project is not recommended because sanding wheel and cementitious formulas have different movement and curing characteristics. Use the appropriate type for each joint as needed.
Stick to one grout type per area for consistent performance.
How do I remove grout haze after grouting?
Grout haze can usually be removed with a mild cleaner and a soft sponge after curing. For tougher haze, a gentle abrasive cleaner may help—avoid harsh tools that scratch tiles.
Haze comes off with the right cleaner and a soft sponge; don’t rush the process.
How long does grout last before replacement?
Grout longevity depends on type, installation quality, and maintenance. Properly installed and maintained grout can last many years, with epoxy typically outlasting cementitious in moist areas.
With good cleaning and sealing, grout can last for a long time, especially epoxy in damp zones.
The Essentials
- Choose epoxy for showers and baths to maximize durability
- Seal cementitious grout to improve moisture resistance
- Consider budget-friendly cementitious options for DIY projects
- Maintenance matters: plan for sealing and cleaning routines
- Test patches before committing to a full install