What is the best grout around a tub?

Author: Blaise Kovacek  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains.

What grout do professionals use?

Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”

Should bathtubs be grouted or caulked?

Definitely caulk, for sure. Fill your tub to the top with water before you caulk to make sure the weight of the water deflects the tub down, that way the caulk will be under compression most of the time and when you take a bath it won't stretch and tear.

What is the most durable grout?

Epoxy Grout

Mixing also starts the grout setting up, so it has to be applied quickly in small batches. Epoxy grouts meet or exceed industry standard, ANSI A118. 3. Epoxy grout is considered the most durable and robust of all the grouts and has superior stain and chemical resistance.

Do I really need a grout float?

Grout Float: A reliable grout float is your go-to tool for packing the grout into the joint. Make sure you have one on hand for precise application.

How to Caulk a Tub with GE Tub & Tile: Pro tip!

What type of grout float is best?

Types of Grout Floats

Choose your pad's hardness according to your project: Soft: Best suited for glass, marble, and other surfaces prone to scratching. Medium: Suitable for most ceramic tiles and all but the most delicate surfaces. Hard: Ideal for rough stone, hard tiling, and surfaces that are resistant to scratches.

What happens if you don't seal grout?

If grout is not sealed, it can absorb water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It can become unsightly and ruin the entire design of your space and be hazardous to your health. If you have young children or tiles in an area where you eat, you need to ensure that they are as clean as possible.

What is the best grout to use in showers?

Waterproof epoxy grout is ideal for showers and bathrooms because of its bonding power. Epoxy grout won't crack, stain, or shrink, making it an ideal solution for wet environments.

Is epoxy grout better than regular grout?

Epoxy grout won't crack, shrink, or discolour, making it ideal for applying in wet areas, such as showers. It's also highly resistant to the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. As an added bonus, unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed, due to its non-porous nature.

What is the lifespan of grout in a shower?

A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.

What kind of grout do you use for a bathtub?

Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains.

What to use instead of grout?

Caulk. Unlike grout, caulk is a latex-, silicone-, or acrylic-based product that, even after setting, maintains some flexibility, which is great for areas that need to accommodate movement and expansion, such as a bathroom or other moisture-dense places.

What kind of caulk should I use for a bathtub?

Similar to a shower, the best type of caulk for bathtubs is a silicone sealant caulk. This is because it will prevent water damage, leaks, or mold growth. A silicone caulk is also very flexible, which makes it ideal for the rapid temperature and humidity changes in a bathroom.

What is the best waterproof grout?

Being naturally water-resistant, Epoxy grout is an excellent choice if you plan on laying tiles in your front or back garden. Epoxy grout is made up of a unique blend of a filler powder form grout and epoxy resins, making it the best grout to use for outdoor projects.

What is the most expensive grout?

Epoxy grout is also the most expensive grout choice, however, it doesn't need a sealer, which can save time and money in the long run.

How do I choose the right grout?

Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect. The shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting color is best.

What are the negatives of epoxy grout?

The main disadvantage is that it is harder to use than cement grout, requiring the mixing of several components in specific ratios. This leads to the second con in that if the application is done incorrectly, it can be harder to remedy as epoxy grout is less flexible than cement and has a shorter working time.

Can I put epoxy grout over old grout?

epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project. Because epoxy grout is so much stronger than other types of grout (particularly cement grout), you won't even need to remove all of your old grout. You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout.

How long does epoxy grout last in a shower?

How long will epoxy grout last? An epoxy tile grout, such as SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout, can last up to life of the installation depending on the grout chosen and the application type when properly applied and cared for using a suitable maintenance program.

Should I use sanded or unsanded grout in my shower?

While you can use either sanded grout or unsanded grout for vertical tiles such as bathroom or shower walls, unsanded grout sticks better to vertical surfaces with less of the slump associated with sanded grout. Also, if you have a minimal width between each tile, you'll want to go with unsanded.

What is the most popular grout?

White grout is always a popular choice and creates a fresh look when used with any tile colour. As you can see below on the left, used alongside darker tiles such as Manton Hollow from our Savernake collection, white grout accentuates the grid pattern of the tiles.

What grout won't crack?

Q. 4 Is there a grout that won't crack? ⇒ Epoxy grout is water and stain-resistant grout that is less susceptible to cracking and damage. It also does not require any sealing as compared to those made with cement.

Why do contractors not seal grout?

Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.

What grout sealer is best for showers?

To seal to perfection, we recommend using Universeal Grout and Tile Protector. This product is a solvent based sealer designed to deeply penetrate your grout. It is effective in preventing stains from oil and water-based liquids and it will not discolour your tiles.

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