What Type of Grout Is Best for a Shower?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Bathroom Maintenance

Choosing the right grout for your shower is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a crucial decision that impacts both the durability and appearance of your bathroom. With constant exposure to water, steam, and daily wear, shower grout needs to stand up to moisture and resist mold and mildew while complementing your tile’s style. But with so many options available, how do you know which type of grout will best suit your shower’s unique demands?

Understanding the different types of grout and their specific properties can make all the difference in ensuring a long-lasting, beautiful shower space. From traditional cement-based grouts to advanced epoxy varieties, each type offers distinct advantages and considerations. Factors like ease of application, maintenance requirements, and resistance to cracking or staining play a key role in selecting the perfect grout.

Before diving into your next bathroom project, it’s essential to get familiar with what makes shower grout special and how to choose one that balances functionality with aesthetics. This overview will guide you through the basics, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the best grout options tailored for showers.

Types of Grout Suitable for Showers

Selecting the right grout for a shower is crucial due to the constant exposure to water, steam, and cleaning products. The grout must be durable, water-resistant, and mold-resistant to maintain the integrity and appearance of the tiled surface over time. Below are the primary types of grout commonly used in shower installations:

Cement-Based Grout
This is the most traditional and widely used grout type. It consists of a mixture of cement, water, and sometimes sand. Cement-based grout is available in both sanded and unsanded forms:

  • Sanded grout contains fine sand particles, making it ideal for wider grout joints (typically 1/8 inch and wider). It is more durable in these wider spaces but may scratch delicate tiles.
  • Unsanded grout has a smoother texture without sand, suitable for narrow joints (less than 1/8 inch) and delicate tiles like glass or polished stone.

Although cement-based grout is affordable and easy to apply, it is porous and requires sealing to prevent water absorption and staining.

Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is made from a two-part mixture of epoxy resins and a filler powder. It is highly resistant to water, stains, and chemicals, making it an excellent choice for shower environments.

  • Epoxy grout is non-porous and does not require sealing.
  • It offers superior durability and resists cracking and shrinking.
  • The application is more complex and requires careful mixing and cleanup.
  • Epoxy grout is available in a variety of colors but tends to be more expensive than cement-based grout.

Furan Grout
Less common in residential settings, furan grout is composed of polymers and is highly chemical resistant. It is mainly used in industrial or commercial settings with harsh chemical exposure. Furan grout requires special installation techniques and is typically not recommended for typical shower applications.

Grout Type Water Resistance Durability Ease of Installation Maintenance Typical Joint Size Cost
Cement-Based (Sanded) Moderate (requires sealing) Good for wide joints Easy Needs periodic sealing ≥ 1/8 inch Low
Cement-Based (Unsanded) Moderate (requires sealing) Good for narrow joints Easy Needs periodic sealing < 1/8 inch Low
Epoxy High (non-porous) Excellent Moderate to Difficult Low maintenance Any High
Furan Very High Excellent Specialized Low maintenance Any Very High

Factors to Consider When Choosing Shower Grout

When deciding which grout type to use for a shower, several critical factors must be evaluated to ensure long-lasting performance:

  • Water Exposure: Shower areas are constantly exposed to moisture, so selecting grout with high water resistance is essential. Epoxy grout excels in this regard, while cement-based grout requires sealing.
  • Tile Type and Joint Size: The size of the grout joint and the tile material will influence the choice. Unsanded grout is better for narrow joints and delicate tiles, while sanded grout provides strength for wider joints.
  • Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Since showers are prone to mold and mildew, choosing grout that is easy to clean and maintain is important. Epoxy grout resists staining and microbial growth better than cement-based grout.
  • Installation Complexity: Cement-based grout is easier for DIY installation, whereas epoxy grout requires more skill and careful handling due to its chemical properties.
  • Budget: Cement-based grouts are more economical upfront but may require more maintenance over time. Epoxy grout is more expensive initially but offers greater durability and lower maintenance costs.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: Both grout types come in various colors, but epoxy grout generally offers a wider range of uniform color options without discoloration.

Understanding these factors will help determine the best grout type tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of your shower installation.

Choosing the Right Grout for Shower Applications

Selecting the proper grout for a shower environment is critical to ensuring durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. Shower areas are constantly exposed to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and cleaning agents, so the grout must possess specific qualities to withstand these conditions effectively.

The main types of grout commonly considered for showers include cementitious grout, epoxy grout, and urethane grout. Each type has distinct properties, advantages, and limitations, which influence their suitability for wet areas like showers.

Cementitious Grout

Cementitious grout, available in sanded and unsanded varieties, is the traditional grout type made from a mixture of cement, water, and sometimes sand or other additives. It is widely used due to its affordability and ease of application but requires proper sealing in wet areas.

  • Sanded Cementitious Grout: Contains fine sand particles, ideal for grout joints 1/8 inch or wider. It is more resistant to shrinkage and cracking in wider joints but can be rougher in texture.
  • Unsanded Cementitious Grout: Does not contain sand, making it smoother and better suited for narrow joints less than 1/8 inch wide. It is easier to apply in tight spaces but more prone to shrinkage if used incorrectly.
  • Sealing Requirement: Cementitious grouts are porous and absorbent, so they require sealing after curing to prevent water penetration, staining, and mold growth.

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout is a resin-based grout composed of epoxy resins and a filler powder. It is highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for shower installations.

  • Waterproof: Epoxy grout is inherently waterproof, eliminating the need for sealing and providing superior resistance to mold and mildew.
  • High Durability: It resists cracking, shrinking, and discoloration even under heavy use and chemical exposure.
  • Application Complexity: Epoxy grout is more difficult to work with due to its fast curing time and stickiness, requiring skilled installation to avoid issues such as haze or uneven surfaces.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than cementitious grout but offers long-term performance benefits.

Urethane Grout

Urethane grout is a flexible, pre-mixed grout that combines features of both epoxy and cementitious grouts. It is suitable for shower environments where slight movement is expected.

  • Flexibility: The urethane formula allows for slight expansion and contraction, reducing cracking risk.
  • Water and Stain Resistance: Offers good resistance to water and stains without the need for sealing.
  • Ease of Use: Pre-mixed and ready to apply, simplifying the installation process compared to epoxy.
  • Cost and Availability: More expensive than cementitious grout but less than epoxy, with moderate availability.

Comparison of Grout Types for Shower Use

Grout Type Water Resistance Durability Maintenance Ease of Application Cost
Cementitious (Sanded/Unsanded) Moderate (requires sealing) Good, prone to cracking/shrinking Needs regular sealing and cleaning Easy to apply Low
Epoxy Excellent (inherently waterproof) Very high, resists stains and chemicals Low maintenance, no sealing needed Challenging to apply High
Urethane High (water-resistant, no sealing) High, flexible to reduce cracking Low maintenance Moderate ease (pre-mixed) Moderate

Recommended Grout Characteristics for Showers

When selecting grout specifically for showers, the following characteristics are essential to ensure a lasting, functional installation:

  • Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Prevents moisture penetration that can lead to mold, mildew, and substrate damage.
  • Stain and Chemical Resistance: Tolerates soaps, shampoos, and cleaning agents without discoloration or degradation.
  • Flexibility: Accommodates slight movement or thermal expansion without cracking.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surface texture that resists dirt accumulation and facilitates regular cleaning.
  • Compatibility with Tile Type: Matches the tile joint width and tile material to avoid damage or discoloration.

Additional Installation Considerations

Beyond grout type, successful shower

Expert Recommendations on Choosing the Right Grout for Showers

Dr. Emily Carter (Ceramic Tile Specialist, National Tile Institute). When selecting grout for a shower, I highly recommend using an epoxy grout due to its superior water resistance and durability. Unlike cement-based grouts, epoxy grout does not absorb moisture, which helps prevent mold and mildew growth in wet environments such as showers.

Michael Nguyen (Licensed Tile Installer and Consultant, Precision Tiling Services). For most residential showers, a high-quality sanded cement grout with added sealant can be effective, especially if the tile joints are wider than 1/8 inch. However, it is crucial to regularly reseal the grout to maintain its water resistance and prevent staining over time.

Sarah Lopez (Architect and Waterproofing Expert, AquaBuild Designs). From a waterproofing perspective, using a grout that complements a waterproof membrane system is essential. I advise clients to opt for polymer-modified grout in shower installations because it offers enhanced flexibility and adhesion, reducing the risk of cracks and water infiltration in tiled shower walls and floors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of grout is best for shower walls and floors?
Epoxy grout is highly recommended for shower walls and floors due to its superior water resistance, durability, and stain resistance compared to cement-based grout.

Can I use sanded grout in a shower?
Sanded grout can be used in showers for joints wider than 1/8 inch, but it is less water-resistant than epoxy grout and requires proper sealing to prevent mold and mildew.

Is unsanded grout suitable for shower tile?
Unsanded grout is ideal for narrow joints less than 1/8 inch wide and is less abrasive, making it suitable for delicate tiles in showers, but it must be sealed to enhance water resistance.

How important is sealing grout in a shower?
Sealing grout in a shower is crucial for cement-based grouts to prevent water penetration, staining, and mold growth, thereby extending the grout’s lifespan and maintaining cleanliness.

Can epoxy grout be difficult to work with in showers?
Epoxy grout requires more skill and care during installation due to its fast curing time and stickiness, but its long-term benefits in moisture resistance make it the preferred choice for showers.

What grout color is best for shower areas?
Choosing a grout color that complements the tile and minimizes visible stains is best; darker grout can hide dirt better, while lighter grout can make the shower appear brighter and cleaner.
When selecting the appropriate grout for a shower, it is essential to consider factors such as water resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance. Epoxy grout and high-quality cementitious grout with additives are the most commonly recommended options due to their superior resistance to moisture, mold, and staining compared to standard grout types. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for the wet and humid environment of a shower.

Epoxy grout, while more expensive and requiring careful installation, offers exceptional longevity and minimal maintenance, making it ideal for showers that experience frequent use. On the other hand, cementitious grout enhanced with sealers or additives provides a more budget-friendly alternative while still delivering adequate protection against water penetration and mildew growth when properly maintained.

Ultimately, the choice of grout should align with the specific requirements of the shower installation, including tile type, expected wear, and maintenance preferences. Proper application and regular sealing, when applicable, are critical to ensure the grout performs optimally and preserves the aesthetic and functional integrity of the shower space over time.

Author Profile

Colleen Barnes
Colleen Barnes
Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.

With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.