Tiles on the walls, flooring, or even counters often have a small gap lining that seamlessly ties in the look of your space, and these reinforcing lines are known as grout. While many homeowners have a bad perception of grout due to its easily dirty nature, grout plays a pivotal role in your structures’ overall architectural integrity. 

What Exactly is Grout?

Grout is a natural stone that has been ground down into a fine powder. It comes in a wide range of colors and often fills in the cracks between tiles or adhered to counters and walls. Many owners do not realize that the grout is crucial to keeping their space properly sealed. Grout acts to fill in the spaces between tiles so that liquids cannot seep through the spaces, which can lead to damage to the flooring surface.

Grout is more of a necessity than an accessory, though it can be used to seamlessly tie the design of a space together when done right. With that in mind, there are three different types of grout you can choose for your home: sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grout. 

Different Types of Grout

Sanded Grout

If you like the look of a beautifully clean grout, you may want to look into getting sanded grout. Sanded grout is the most popular option on the market due to its easy cleaning process, affordability, and sturdiness. 

Sanded grout needs to be sealed after installation, adding a layer of additional maintenance to your home. This type of grout is recommended for homeowners who have time to regularly wipe down their surface and seal the grout to protect it.

Sanded grout is most suitable for light-colored tiles, and when used in conjunction with the right sealants, it can ensure the longevity of your tile with joints that are at least 1/8th of an inch thick or more. 

Unsanded Grout 

Great for smaller joints, unsanded grout has the same polished look as sanded grout, though it lacks the structural density and strength to effectively hold larger joints together. This makes unsanded grout the ideal choice for vertical tiles like shower walls and kitchen backsplashes, as they can hold delicate materials better with little-to-no chances of creating slumps. However, they can come at a higher price tag than sanded grout. 

Epoxy Grout 

Perfect for shower areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and any damp places, epoxy grout offers the most water resistance, sturdiness, and long-term durability of all types of grout. Seeing as it is non-porous, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed, but the best part is that it mitigates bacteria growth and isn’t prone to cracking in the future. 

Epoxy can be tricky to deal with a DIY approach as the substance has a short “open time,” which means you only have a small window to work with it before it becomes too difficult to handle. Epoxy grout is also more expensive, though it’s worth having in your bathroom if you want it looking good as new for years to come. 

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Grout For Your Home

When choosing the right grout for your home, it’s important to consider your personal budget and the design aesthetic you are going for. Sanded grout is the most prominent choice due to its affordability and ease of maintenance, though it falls short for extra protection against water. 

This is why some homeowners decide to go with the extra expense of epoxy grout, though it is much more expensive and may not fit into every budget. If you have a home improvement project that requires a lot of grout, it’s best to consult a professional to help you make the best decisions for your home upgrade. 

How Can We Help You?

Home remodels aren’t easy. In fact, there are a plethora of things to consider. But when it comes to marble and tiles, it’s best to work with the leaders in the industry — Miconi Marble & Tile. 

We have been a family-owned and operated company since 1994. Our team is committed to providing high-quality natural stone and tiles and also helping remodel your kitchen and bathroom to elevate your home. 

Learn more about how we can help you transform your home today!