What type of grout should I use?

Sanded cement grout: for joints 1/8 inch and wider. Standard choice for floor tile. Must be sealed. Cost: $10-$20/bag. Unsanded cement grout: for joints less than 1/8 inch. Best for wall tile and polished stone. Must be sealed. Cost: $10-$20/bag. Epoxy grout: best for showers, backsplashes, and anywhere you want zero maintenance. Waterproof, stain-proof, no sealing. Harder to apply. Cost: $30-$80. Premixed urethane: good middle ground. Easy to use, stain-resistant, no sealing. Cost: $30-$50. For most residential projects: sanded cement grout (sealed) is the standard and most affordable. For showers and low-maintenance: consider epoxy or urethane.

How do I clean grout?

Regular maintenance: wipe with damp cloth after use. Mop with pH-neutral cleaner weekly. For stained grout: make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to grout lines. Scrub with a stiff brush (old toothbrush for small areas). Let sit 10-15 minutes. Rinse clean. For stubborn stains: hydrogen peroxide (spray on, let sit 10 minutes, scrub). Commercial grout cleaner (follow product directions). Steam cleaner (very effective, no chemicals). For grout that is beyond cleaning: grout pen (colors over the stain, $5-$10). Grout stain (recolors the grout completely, $15-$30). Regrout (remove old grout and apply new). Prevention: seal grout after installation and annually. Wipe up spills quickly. Use a squeegee in the shower after each use.

Yes, if you have cement grout (sanded or unsanded). Cement grout is porous and absorbs water, stains, and mildew without a sealer. When to seal: after grout cures (minimum 72 hours, ideally 2 weeks). Re-seal: every 1-2 years (or when water stops beading on the grout). How to test if sealer is needed: drop water on the grout line. If it absorbs within a few seconds: seal is needed. If it beads up: the seal is still working. Exceptions (no sealing needed): epoxy grout. Urethane grout. These grouts are inherently waterproof and stain-resistant. Sealer cost: $10-$30 per bottle. Covers 100-200 sq ft. Application: brush-on or spray. Takes 15-30 minutes per room.

What grout color should I choose?

The safe choice: medium gray. Works with almost any tile color. Hides dirt and stains better than white. Does not compete with the tile. The classic choice: white grout with white tile. Clean and bright. Requires more cleaning. The trending choice: dark gray or charcoal with white tile. Creates contrast. Highlights tile pattern. Hides dirt well. Rules: match grout to tile for a seamless look (great for large format tile and floors). Contrast grout with tile to highlight the pattern (great for subway tile and mosaic). When in doubt, go slightly darker than you think: grout always looks lighter when installed than the sample chip suggests.

Article

Tips

Grout Guide: Types, Colors & Maintenance

Lumberama Editorial Team, Tile & Grout Specialists Oct 19, 2026 9 min read

Grout Types

Cement grout (most common): Sanded: for grout joints 1/8 inch and wider. Sand provides strength and reduces shrinkage. Most common for floor tile. Cost: $10-$20 per bag. Unsanded: for joints less than 1/8 inch. Smoother finish. Best for wall tile and polished stone (sand can scratch). Cost: $10-$20 per bag.

Epoxy grout: Two-part resin and hardener (no cement). Extremely durable, stain-resistant, waterproof. Does not need sealing. Harder to work with (shorter working time). Best for: showers, kitchen backsplashes, commercial. Cost: $30-$80 per unit.

Urethane grout (premixed): Ready to use out of the bucket. Stain-resistant. Flexible. Does not need sealing. Easier to apply than epoxy. Cost: $30-$50 per unit.

Furan grout: Chemical-resistant (industrial use). Extremely durable. Rarely used in residential.

Choosing Grout Color

Match the tile: Grout close to the tile color. Creates a seamless, uniform look. Makes the space feel larger. Hides grout imperfections. Best for: large areas, floors, clean modern look.

Contrast the tile: Grout color that contrasts with tile. Highlights the tile pattern and layout. Shows the individual tiles. Best for: subway tile, mosaic, interesting patterns. Example: white subway tile with dark gray grout.

Neutral (gray): Medium gray works with almost any tile. Hides dirt better than white. Does not compete with the tile. The safest choice.

Common colors: White: clean, classic, shows dirt easily. Light gray: versatile, hides dirt, popular choice. Dark gray: dramatic with white tile, very popular. Charcoal/black: bold, modern, shows dust. Beige/tan: warm, natural stone look.

Grout Maintenance

Sealing: Cement grout MUST be sealed (porous, absorbs stains). Apply sealer after grout cures (72 hours to 2 weeks). Re-seal annually (or every 2-3 years for high-quality sealer). Epoxy and urethane grout: no sealing needed. Sealer types: penetrating (best, protects from within). Topical (creates a coating on top, can peel). Cost: $10-$30 per bottle (covers 100-200 sq ft).

Cleaning: Regular: wipe with damp cloth. Weekly: clean with pH-neutral cleaner and brush. Deep clean: baking soda paste + scrub brush. Or commercial grout cleaner. Steam cleaning (very effective). Avoid: bleach on colored grout (can lighten). Vinegar on natural stone (acid damages).

Repair: Cracked or crumbling grout: remove damaged grout with grout saw or oscillating tool. Regrout the affected area. Stained grout: try cleaning first. Grout pen or grout stain can refresh the color. Full regrout if staining is severe. Cost: DIY regrout: $30-$100 (tools and materials). Professional regrout: $5-$15/sq ft.