The Battle of the Grouts: Epoxy vs. Cement

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There are two types of people in this world: those who use epoxy grout and those who don’t. Actually, that’s not true. There are three types of people: those who use epoxy grout, those who use cement grout, and those who have no idea what either of those things is.

For the uninitiated, epoxy grout is a type of grout made with a mixture of epoxy resins and fillers, while cement grout is made with Portland cement and other additives. Both have their pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. But before we get into that, let’s answer a question that’s probably on your mind: why do I need to use grout in the first place?

Why Use Grout?

Grout is primarily used to fill in the joints between tiles. It not only gives your tile work a finished look but also prevents water and debris from getting into the spaces between tiles, which could cause damage or staining. In other words, it’s kind of like caulk for your tiles.

There are two main types of grout: Epoxy and Cement

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout is made with a mixture of epoxy resins and fillers. It’s extremely strong and waterproof, making it ideal for areas that see a lot of water or foot traffic (like showers). Because it doesn’t absorb water, it’s also resistant to mold and mildew – which is great news for anyone with allergies or asthma. On the downside, epoxy grout can be difficult to work with because it sets quickly. And because it’s so hard, it can be tough on your tools – and even tougher on your hands. There are lots of color choices with Epoxy grout from standard greys all the way to vibrant purples and pinks. We have not even started to discuss the possibilities of Glitter!

Cement Grout

Cement grout is made with Portland cement and other additives. It’s less waterproof than epoxy grout but more resistant to staining – making it a good choice for areas where there isn’t a lot of water but you still want to avoid stains (like backsplashes). Cement grouts come in both sanded (for joints larger than 1/8″) and unsanded varieties (for joints smaller than 1/8″). Sanded cement grouts are also more resistant to shrinking and cracking than unsanded varieties. The biggest downside to using cement grouted is that it can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth if not sealed properly – which means more work for you down the road.

So, which type of grout should you use? That depends on the project you’re working on, your personal preferences, and your budget. If you’re looking for something strong, waterproof, with fun colors and glitter go with epoxy grout. If you’re looking for something that’s stain-resistant but still easy to work with, go with cement grout. And if you have no idea what any of this means, maybe stick to something simpler – like painting walls or rearranging furniture.

Stay tuned for more tile information in future articles and product updates. If you have any questions about any of our products, give us a call at (347) 820-2113 you may contact us on our website.

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