Cement Based Grouts
For thousands of years, tile setters have used grout as an essential part of any successful installation. Using the sand strata method, tiles would be laid on a bed of tamped sand, with a bond coat of wet mortar. This wet mortar also served to fill the joint between the tiles.
As methods and products evolved, grout became a separate product with a different composition from setting mortars or thin-sets. The main difference being that mortar has lime in it and grout does not. Grout is composed of water, cement, and sand.
The most common type of grout on the market today is cement based grout. This type is used in most residential installations.
This has been the standard for decades, and will continue to be. Cement based grout is sold in "sanded" and "unsanded" varieties.
Sanded grout has more course aggregates, meant for wider joints, while unsanded has a fine aggregate meant for thin joints. While it gets the job done, there are some drawbacks.
Cement based grouts are porous and require sealing to prevent staining. Efflorescence (visible mineral salts on the surface of the grout) is a common issue with any cement based product.
Mixing powdered grout releases chemicals into the air that are then breathed in by the installer, and potentially anyone else in the work area.
When mixing, the installer needs to take great care to ensure the mixture is correct, and consistent throughout the entire installation.
An incorrect ratio of water to grout can cause excess efflorescence, inconsistent colour, pin holes, and other issues. Most contractors leave the grout installation to their unskilled help, which does not turn out well.
Advancements in composition mean cement based grouts can offer very solid performance over the life of the installation. The key is choosing the correct one for the type of installation you are planning, and carefully following the manufacturers instructions.
We use and recommend Laticrete's Permacolor Select when choosing cement based grout for your project. Colours can be matched, customized or selected from the range of 40 available colours. Sealing is not required and it is eligible for lifetime warranty coverage.
Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grout is a 3 part product, an epoxy resin, hardener, and coloured silica filler are mixed together at time of installation.
This is the most durable, stain resistant type of grout available. It is most commonly used in corrosive industrial settings where high chemical and stain resistance is required.
It also has many uses in commercial buildings, and residential homes. Different formulations exist for residential and industrial applications.
Epoxy is completely stainproof, never needs to be sealed, and its colour is always uniform. It's easier to clean than standard cement based grouts, and cures harder.
The only drawbacks to choosing epoxy grout are the increased upfront cost, and more difficult installation when compared to cement based grouts. You must mix the entire package contents at once, and cannot stop or only grout a section at a time.
Pre-mixed Grout
Pre-mixed grouts are now widely available, and each are made differently. Some are acrylic based, others are urethane based.
Being one unit requiring no mixing, the installation is quicker and cleaner. The installer is able to grout small sections as required, or a huge floor, without worrying about wasted material.
Premixed grouts are very colour consistent, being coloured the same way as epoxy grout.
The softer composition of premixed grouts is one reason they can be problematic. They usually are not rated for submerged or steam shower applications because the constant water exposure breaks down the grout.
Pre-mixed grouts often fail in showers when they are used for extended periods of time in a day, by multiple users.
One pre-mixed grout offers performance that is comparable to epoxy grout, and is way easier to work with.
Laticrete's Spectralock 1 pre-mixed grout is stainproof in residential applications, has no efflorescence, and is suitable for submerged applications. It is also eligible for lifetime warranty coverage.