Bathroom Tiling Grout

Apologies for posting again, previous question failed to get moderated …

Looking to grout a small en-suite corner wall where the shower tray will be… any advice for the best / most suitable type of grout to use : Acrylic, epoxy or cement? Or any other alternative. Thanks in advance

Asked by Nathan on 1st Apr 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"Mapei cement grout, particularly Ultracolor Plus, is highly regarded due to its durability, ease of application, and resistance to common issues like mold and efflorescence. It's a versatile choice for various tile types and applications, offering a range of colors and features for both aesthetics and functionality."
Answered on 26th May 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 - report
"Best Grout Type for Shower Wall:
✔️ Epoxy Grout is generally the best option for this kind of area. Here’s why:

🟦 Epoxy Grout – Highly Recommended
Waterproof (not just water-resistant)

Resistant to staining, mold, and mildew

Extremely durable, doesn’t crack or shrink like cement-based grout

Great for constant wet areas, like inside a shower enclosure

Drawbacks:

Harder to work with (sets quickly, harder to clean off tiles during install)

More expensive than other types

You need to be neat and confident — or hire a tiler who's done epoxy grouting before

If it’s a small area and you want it to last for years without issues, epoxy is a solid choice.

🟨 Cement-Based Grout (Standard Grout) – Budget Option
Easy to use and widely available

Can be suitable if the area isn’t constantly soaked and you use a good sealer

Needs regular maintenance (re-sealing every 1–2 years)

More prone to cracking, absorbing water, and discoloration

If you go this route:

Choose a polymer-modified cement grout (more flexible, better adhesion)

Apply a grout sealer after curing

🟧 Acrylic Grout – Somewhere in Between
More flexible and water-resistant than cement

Easier to apply than epoxy

Not truly waterproof like epoxy

Good for semi-wet areas, but still not ideal for inside the shower tray zone

🧰 My Recommendation:
For inside or around the shower tray, especially near the bottom edge, epoxy grout is the best long-term choice.

Pair it with high-quality silicone sealant where the wall meets the shower tray (never grout this junction – use silicone)."
Answered on 24th May 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
"All depends on your budget. Epoxy is best..however can be tricky to clean off.."
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Sep 2024 - report
"Hi

We use epoxy as it seems to hold its colour a lot longer than other types."
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 - report
"Hi. Cement grout is the easiest to use and is most commonly used. Epoxy is a little harder to use. I would recommend cement based as it would be easiest to use. All dependent on skill set."
Answered on 4th May 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 - report
"1. Epoxy Grout – Best for showers
• Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, and doesn’t crack or shrink. Ideal for wet areas like showers.
• Cons: More expensive, trickier to apply (sets quickly), and can be messy if you’re not used to it.

Best if you want long-term performance and don’t mind a bit of extra effort during application.



2. Cement-Based Grout (with additive/sealer)
• Pros: Cheap, easy to work with, widely available.
• Cons: Porous—needs sealing to prevent water and mildew issues. Can crack or shrink over time.
• Tip: Go for sanded if joints are >1/8” wide, unsanded if thinner.

Decent for budget jobs, but not ideal for constantly wet areas unless sealed really well.



3. Acrylic Grout
• Pros: More flexible than cement, easier than epoxy, mold/mildew resistant, good for wet areas.
• Cons: Not quite as tough or stain-proof as epoxy, and usually more expensive than cement.

Good middle ground—easier to apply than epoxy, better performance than plain cement."
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"Epoxy grout would be best as it seems to keep it’s colour more however it can be abit harder to clean off when applying."
Answered on 10th Apr 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
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