Grout

Grout is the material used to fill the joints between tiles on walls and floors. Once the tiles are fixed in place with adhesive, grout is worked into the gaps to seal them, prevent moisture getting behind the tiles, and give the tiled surface a clean, finished appearance.

Types of grout

• Cement-based grout — the most common and affordable type. Available as a powder that you mix with water. Works well for most residential tiling. Can be sealed after curing for better stain resistance.
• Epoxy grout — a two-part resin-based grout that is completely waterproof and highly stain-resistant. More expensive and harder to work with, but ideal for wet areas like showers, and for areas prone to staining like kitchen floors.
• Pre-mixed grout — ready to use from the tub. Convenient but more expensive per square metre than powder grout.

Choosing grout colour

Grout colour has a bigger impact on the finished look than most people expect:

• Matching grout (same colour as the tile) — creates a seamless, uniform look that makes the overall surface the focus
• Contrasting grout (different colour from the tile) — highlights the tile pattern and individual tile shapes. Popular with metro/subway tiles using dark grout.
• Mid-tone grout — a practical middle ground that does not show dirt as quickly as white grout

Grout vs. silicone sealant

A common mistake is using grout where silicone sealant should be used. Grout is rigid and will crack at movement joints — places where tiles meet a different surface (bath, shower tray, worktop) or at internal corners. These joints should always be sealed with flexible silicone, not grout.

Maintaining grout

Grout in wet areas (showers, around baths) is prone to discolouration and mould over time. Regular cleaning helps, and sealing cement-based grout after installation adds protection. If grout becomes badly stained or crumbles, it can be raked out and replaced — a job called regrouting — without replacing the tiles themselves.