Different Types of Grout
List of the top most popular types of grout found in and around homes today.

What are the Different Types of Grout?

Choosing the Type of Grout to Use: This depends greatly on the style, color of tile, or type of material you have selected. Grout is mainly used to fill in the spaces or joints between tiles. Although there are two main types of grout, Sanded and Non-Sanded, you may also want to consider Epoxy Grout or other Grout Sealants. Another thing to think about when choosing your type of grout will be “joint” sizes. Non-sanded grouts tend to be used on smaller joints and sanded grouts are generally used for larger joints.

Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is impermeable to liquids and doesn’t require sealing. This type of grout prevents the growth of bacteria and limits the amount of cracking. The water resistant properties of epoxy grout is great for quarry tile, ceramic, porcelain, and countertops. Epoxy Grout most often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to large amounts of water.

Cement-Based Grout: This type of grout can either be sanded or non sanded. Both mixtures are acid-sensitive and absorbent. Cement-based grout tends to be polymer-modified which helps to prevent cracking while adding strength.

Other Types of Grout Sealants:

Impregnating Grout Sealant: This type of grout is intended to be used on broken or damaged ceramic tiles, cement base, sanded, non-sanded grout and penetrates especially well into the pores of stone tiles.

Topical Grout Sealants: This type of grout is designed to help seal the surface of tile from water and the accumulation of bacteria cultures. Sealants are intended more to enhance color and finish. Topical grout sealants are to be used on the top of stone and not necessary designed for repair of grout.

Sanded and Non-Sanded Types of Grout:

Sanded Grout: Sanded grout types consist of a cement-based mortar that have small sand grains added to it. Sand improves the strength of grout, especially in joints larger than 1/8th inch. Sanded grout helps to support the weight of heavier material and tiles. This is why it is great for natural stone, marble tiles and glass.

Non-Sanded Grout: Like sanded grout, non-sanded grout is cement based as well. With the added strength of sand removed from this type of grout, it is more widely used in floor tiling and wall tiling projects with grout joint spacing between 1/16th to 1/8th inch.

Important Grout Information: If your type of grout does not have sealant within the grout mixture, you will want to seal it with an appropriate sealer for your project.