When it comes to epoxy grout, durability is the name of the game
Epoxy grout is a resin-based blend of epoxy, silica fillers, and hardeners that creates a non-porous, water-resistant surface for your tile installations.
Epoxy grout costs three to five times more than cement-based grout, so budget accordingly when planning your tile project.
You'll need to work quickly when using epoxy grout because it dries fast, making cleanup challenging if it stains porous surfaces.
Hiring a local tile professional keeps your installation on track with proper mixing and application, helping your epoxy grout last up to 20 years.
Epoxy grout is a highly durable, resin-based grout that’s easy to maintain. It’s a worthy competitor to cement-based grouts, but is it the right choice for your tile installation project? Read on to see what epoxy grout is all about, including its advantages, disadvantages, and how well it stacks up to cement-based grout.
Epoxy grout is a type of grout used to install tiles on floors, walls, and other surfaces. Yes, choosing an attractive yet durable tile should be top of mind. However, it’s the proper choice of grout that will prevent moisture from seeping in and maintain tile stability even as temperature fluctuations cause them to expand and contract.
Unlike cement-based grouts, epoxy grout is a mixture of epoxy resin, silica fillers, pigments, and hardeners. This blend of ingredients creates a highly durable, non-porous grout that stands up well to water and stains, making it a good choice for high-moisture and high-traffic areas in your home.
For starters, epoxy grout is non-porous, so it stands up well to water and stains. When it cures, it creates a rigid, compression-resistant base for tiles, allowing them to remain firmly in place even as temperature changes cause tiles to shift.
When used correctly by a professional tile contractor or an experienced DIYer, an epoxy grout tile installation can last between 15 and 20 years. Plus, epoxy grout doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance as cement-based grouts, so it will look better for longer with much less work on your part.
Epoxy grout is a costly option, and not by a little. It can cost three to five times more than cement-based grout. Its thick consistency can make installation more difficult, so it's often a grout we recommend for pro installation. Additionally, the thickness is better for tile installations with wider joints, so choose a different type of grout if your joints are less than 1/8-inch wide.
Epoxy grout dries fast. While this sounds like a benefit, it actually makes the job harder. You’ll have to work quickly if you choose to DIY, especially with cleanup (epoxy can stain porous surfaces). Although epoxy grout is easy to clean and maintain, it might show signs of yellowing and other wear over time.
Despite its durability and easy maintenance, epoxy grout might not be the clear choice over cement-based grouts for certain tile installations. Let’s take a look at how they stack up:
| Feature | Epoxy | Cement |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity | Non-porous (water-resistant) | Porous (not great for wet areas) |
| Maintenance | Little required | Needs regular sealing |
| Installation | Challenging | DIY-friendly |
| Preparation | Machine mixing needed | Can mix manually |
| Dry time | Faster | Slower |
| Ideal tile type | Sealed | Natural stone |
| Cost | More costly | More budget-friendly |
One thing to mention is that you can find some premixed epoxy grouts on the market. However, depending on the size of your tile installation project, premixed grouts can also be budget-breaking.
There’s no doubt that you should consider using epoxy grout if your goal is a tile installation that’s easy to maintain and will look great for years, if not decades. For these reasons, it can be worth the extra cost. However, the size of the project and the type of tile you intend to use should determine whether you go with epoxy grout or cement-based grout.
Epoxy grout can be difficult to work with, especially if you are just getting started as a DIYer, so we recommend leaving your tile installation in the hands of a local tile contractor.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriorsIt was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring SolutionsWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileFor several months I was looking for somebody to tile a wall in my master bath and move lighting fixtures, and could not find anybody who was responsive. I contacted Rowe through Home Advisor and within days they came by to assess the job and provide an estimate. The cost was very...
Rowe House DevelopmentIt went very well! The end product was amazing and we keep getting a lot of compliments from friends! M&E were very professional and they made sure we were happy with the product before leaving. They met with us in our home and at the tile shop to make sure we were okay with our tile and...
M&E RemodelingInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCVery pleased with the service and level of professionalism. Courteous and very unobtrusive in performing service. Unlike several other companies, Bradford Xteriors was willing to perform work on a three story home with a clay tile roof. <br />
Bradford XteriorsThis company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...
My Handy Mate LLC Improvement & RemodelingHe did the tile work and he was good at it. He used other subcontractors for the rest of the work (like putting in the cabinetry) and they were okay but not great. He was a great guy! He was easy to work with and had a good eye for the detail of his work. There were a couple of things that I...
Brian Miller Custom RemodelingI was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
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