Picking the right grout for your shower walls doesn’t have to be a tedious task.
In this article, we’ve researched some of the best grouts on the current market! From sand-based to epoxy grout, we’ve got you covered no matter your interior design vision.
We’ll take a look at:
- Three different types of grout you should consider
- What the difference is between sanded and unsanded grout
- How to choose your grout color
- How to match the color of your grout to your tile.
Whether you’re revamping your older bathroom or designing a new one, keep reading!
Here Are The 3 Best Grout For Showers
Best Cementitious Grout – Jennifer’s Mosaics White Powdered Grout (Sanded)
If a mosaic tile is calling your name, this white grout is perfect for both indoors and outdoors! It can be used with a wide range of tile materials to provide excellent bond and compressive strength.
Cementitious grout is also easy to mix and apply, creating a polished, refined look once cured.
Pros
Cons
Best Epoxy-Based Grout – Litokol Starlike EVO 215 Tortora Beige Epoxy Tile Grout
If you’re after a grout that doubles as a waterproof sealant and durable grout in one, this versatile epoxy-based option is perfect for you.
Not only does it come in a conveniently re-sealable 2.5 kg package, but it’s also suitable both for a wide range of bathroom walls or tile projects and comes in an aesthetically-pleasing neutral tone to suit any style.
Pros
Cons
Best Premixed Grout – Custom PMG165QT 1-Quart Simple Premium Grout
If you’re looking for a pre-mixed grout that is easy to use without compromising on quality, this one makes a great choice!
Used as a stand-alone or as a grout refurbisher, this stain, shrink, and crack-resistant option offers fantastic water and moisture protection without any added mess.
Pros
Cons
Sanded vs Unsanded Grout
When installing tiles, sanded and unsanded grout are the two main options for filling the gaps between them. The size of the sand particles contained within the grout is what sets them apart.
Sanded grout is a type of grout that contains fine sand particles. For wider tile joints, it is often recommended to use this material because it offers additional strength and helps prevent the grout from shrinking too much as it dries.
When it comes to tiling, this grout material is commonly used for floor tiles and larger wall tiles.
Unsanded grout, on the other hand, does not contain sand particles. With its smooth texture, this type of grout is preferred for narrower tile joints.
It is also easier to work with, making it perfect for vertical surfaces like walls and mosaic tiles with tight spacing.
How to Choose Grout Color
Tile Color
Start by examining the color of the tiles you’ll be installing and where it is going.
Contrasting grout colors can enhance the visual appeal of your tile, but it can also create a cluttered look in a larger space.
In contrast, by matching the grout to the tile color, a small space can appear more spacious.
Tile Size
Depending on the size of your tiles and the width of the grout joints, you may need to choose lighter or darker grout.
For a cohesive look, matching the grout color to the tile color is recommended for larger tiles with narrower grout lines.
However, a contrasting grout color can add personality to smaller tiles with wider grout lines.
Placement
What is the aesthetic you’re looking to achieve?
If you want a clean and modern look for a bathroom, a grout color that closely matches the color of your tile will create a more uniform appearance.
Opting for a slightly contrasting grout color can add character to your space by highlighting the individual tiles. This can be particularly useful in tiled splashbacks, bathrooms, or feature walls.
How To Match Grout Color
Selecting your grout color isn’t as simple as white or black, as when it comes to grout there are endless options for color and texture combinations depending on what you need!
Knowing what type of grout to use will help you speed up the process of selecting the right color. Once you’re certain about the type, you’ll need to consider whether you want to:
Blend
When the grout color matches and blends with the tile, the focus shifts to the beauty of the tile rather than the lines between each piece.
To achieve this, select a grout color that closely matches the main color of the tile.
Contrast
By using different colors for the tile and grout, the eye is drawn to the overall design and layout of the tile.
This may be the best choice with decorative patterns or if you’re looking to make a more eye-catching design statement.
Neutral
Sitting in the middle are your neutral grouts. These versatile and subtle colors come in a wide range of colors from gray to beige and are perfect for any tiling need.
This can suit a wide range of tile colors and styles, and while they are often used in commercial settings such as public bathrooms, they are also ideal in the residential home as well.
FAQs
Does Epoxy Grout Have Problems?
Whilst epoxy grout is well sought after for its durable and versatile nature, it is well known to be more expensive, harder to apply, and prone to discoloration.
Does Grout Need To Be Sealed?
In short: the answer is yes. To prolong the life of your tiles, it’s crucial to use a sealer – especially in areas with high use and moisture levels.
Additionally, it’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and reapply the sealer regularly.
How Long For Grout To Dry Before Sealing
As a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 48 hrs after applying grout before you reach for the sealant.
Are grouts waterproof?
A grout’s water tightness is down to the type it is.
While they offer some level of water resistance, concrete-based grouts are not completely waterproof.
On the other hand, epoxy resin-based grouts are known for their high water resistance – making them a popular choice for dual-purpose applications as both a grout and a sealant.
