Epoxy Vs Cementitious Grout
“Regular” cement grout, is made from a cementitious powder mix and epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. Epoxy grout is extremely durable and almost completely stainproof. Regular grout is not waterproof, so unlike epoxy grout, it can absorb water when it's wet and stain somewhat easily.
Our showers are completely waterproof before any tile or covering is installed. We strictly follow manufacturer guidelines and TCNA standards when prepping our showers to ensure there are no possibilities of compromise anywhere in your shower. With epoxy grout and a non-porous covering such as porcelain or ceramic tile, your shower will essentially have 2 layers of waterproofing. The layer beneath the tile will be fully waterproof and the tile itself (with epoxy grout) will also be almost completely waterproof. So those who are skeptical about the capabilities of waterproofing products on the market can gain some added comfort by utilizing epoxy grout in their space.
Epoxy grout is generally considered stain proof, whereas cementitious grout requires routine sealing to remain stain resistant. The cementitious grout that we prefer to use utilizes an ultra-fine grit sand aggregate meaning that the pores are smaller. The smaller pores as well as a couple other features will ensure that our cementitious grout will be stain resistant from the time it is installed. We do offer grout sealing services, but typically we’ll recommend that the homeowner perform this themselves simply because the process is so simple that it may not be worth the money spent to have a professional do it. We send our customers our “Platow Tile Maintenance Booklet” after the project has been completed, which contains a section on how to perform routine grout sealing.
The two most notable downsides of using epoxy grout are the cost & appearance. The cost of epoxy grout is not only higher for the product itself but the labor cost attached to epoxy grout is higher due to the fact that there are several processes required to apply epoxy grout correctly, and many of our grouting tools will be thrown out once the grouting has concluded. Epoxy grout can have either a smooth or sanded appearance. The sanded look is similar to that of a cement-based grout. However, the main concern in appearance comes down to consistency. When applying epoxy grout, there is a very specific formula that cannot be altered and very specific timeframes that each task must be done in. This essentially means that we cannot affect the consistency of epoxy grout, and this may equate to grout lines having a “concaved” or “scooped” look to them. If using cementitious grout, there are several techniques and tactics that can be used to provide a flush appearance bringing the grout even to the surface of the tile. Because there are pros and cons to both grouts your decision will likely be come down to what’s most important to you: cost, look, or sustainability.
For additional information or assistance you can reach out to us by phone, email or online submission!