Grout Product Lines Compared: MAPEI, Custom, LATICRETE, TEC, Bostik

The major tile-setting manufacturers each sell the same four grout categories: standard cement grouts, high-performance cement grouts, epoxy grouts and single-component premixed grouts. Compare products within a category, not across them, using the ANSI or ISO standard each one cites. Formulations, names and claims change, so the current technical data sheet (TDS) is always the final word.

How to compare grout lines fairly

Comparing a premixed grout with an epoxy on "stain resistance" or a basic sanded grout with a high-performance grout on "color consistency" tells you about categories, not brands. The category decision comes first. Use epoxy vs cement grout, premixed vs powder grout and epoxy vs urethane grout to settle it, or try the grout type selector. Then, within the category, compare these TDS items:

• Standards cited: ANSI A118.6, A118.7 or A118.3, and ISO 13007-3 class (CG1, CG2, CG2WA, CG2WAF, RG). "Meets" and "exceeds selected sections of" are different claims.
• Joint width range: minimum and maximum, and whether the product is approved for your tile surface (glass, polished stone, metallic).
• Working time, foot traffic and full cure times at the stated temperature, and the installation temperature range.
• Exposure approvals: exterior, submerged, steam rooms, commercial kitchens, freeze-thaw.
• Sealing guidance: required, optional or not recommended.
• Cleaning restrictions and any chemical resistance chart.
• System warranty eligibility: most major makers offer longer warranties when their setting materials, membranes and grout are used together.

For what each standard tests, see grout standards: ANSI and ISO.

Well-known lines by category

The table below lists widely sold product lines that are commonly described in each category. It's not complete, and makers carry other products (regional, commercial and specialty grades) that aren't shown. Where a standard is listed, it's the standard the manufacturer has commonly cited for that line. Confirm it on the current TDS.

Each of these makers also offers other grout products, including additional epoxy grades, colorants, caulks matched to grout colors, and specialty grouts. Bostik, for example, has sold several premixed lines, and LATICRETE, TEC and others sell single-component grouts that aren't listed here. Absence from this table says nothing about quality.

Standard polymer-modified cement grouts

These are the familiar bags of sanded and unsanded grout sold everywhere. They contain dry polymer, so you mix with water only, and they usually come in a wide color range. Differences between brands at this level are mostly color palette, joint range, workability and whether a given version claims A118.7 rather than A118.6. Expect to seal them in wet or stain-prone areas.

When comparing, check whether the unsanded version lists a minimum joint of 1/16 inch or narrower, and whether the sanded version tops out at 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 inch. The sanded vs unsanded comparison covers the selection logic.

High-performance cement grouts

High-performance lines such as Ultracolor Plus FA, Prism, PERMACOLOR Select and Power Grout are designed to meet ANSI A118.7. That standard covers lower water absorption, limits on shrinkage and better color consistency. Many also carry the ISO 13007-3 CG2WAF designation: improved (2), reduced water absorption (W), high abrasion resistance (A), fast setting (F). See high-performance cement grout.

Lines in this category differ in ways the label doesn't always make obvious:

• Binder chemistry: some use blended cements, including calcium aluminate, for faster setting and fewer color problems. That can mean shorter working time in warm rooms.
• Aggregate: fine-aggregate products often cover a wide joint range in one bag, blurring the sanded/unsanded split. Check surface approvals before using them on polished stone or glass.
• Color system: PERMACOLOR Select separates the base powder from a liquid or powder color kit, which lets the distributor stock fewer bags. Others are pre-pigmented.
• Sealing guidance: some makers say sealing is optional for residential use; others still recommend it in wet areas.

Epoxy grouts

Kerapoxy CQ, CEG-Lite and SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout are well-known examples of epoxy grout meeting ANSI A118.3, and the ISO 13007-3 RG class applies to reaction resin grouts generally. Within the category, compare:

• Packaging: some kits have the color in the filler powder; others use separate color packs. Partial-unit mixing rules differ.
• Cleanup method: the specified water, pad and cleaning additive, and the time window for final haze removal.
• Chemical resistance chart: important for commercial kitchens, labs and food plants.
• Exposure approvals: submerged use, exterior and UV stability, especially for light colors.
• Temperature range and pot life at the stated temperature.

Our epoxy grouting guide covers technique that applies across brands.

Single-component premixed grouts

Fusion Pro, Flexcolor CQ, QuartzLock2 and Dimension are examples of grouts sold ready to use in a pail. Their binders vary: some are described as urethane, others as acrylic or hybrid resin systems, and some include glass or quartz fillers that change appearance and texture. Because there is no ANSI standard for this category, each maker selects which A118.7 or A118.3 test criteria it reports. That makes side-by-side claims harder to compare than for cement or epoxy grouts. See premixed grout and urethane grout.

Points that vary noticeably between premixed lines:

• Minimum and maximum joint width, and maximum joint depth
• Time before light foot traffic and before water exposure
• Exclusions: submerged, steam showers, exterior, commercial kitchens
• Minimum installation temperature and humidity guidance
• Shelf life once opened and freeze protection in storage

Color palettes and cross-brand matching

Each manufacturer has its own palette, and similar-sounding names ("bone", "warm gray", "charcoal") rarely match across brands. Even within one brand, the cement version, the epoxy version and the premixed version of the same named color usually look a little different because binders and fillers reflect light differently. Several makers coordinate their palettes across categories and sell matching sealant (caulk) colors, which helps with movement joints. Always check color on a cured sample, not a printed chart or screen. See the grout color guide and try the grout color visualizer for a first pass.

Which should you choose?

Use a sequence rather than a brand preference:

1. Choose the category from tile, joint width, exposure and maintenance tolerance.
2. Shortlist lines in that category available locally from makers whose setting materials you're already using, which helps with system warranties.
3. Check each current TDS for standards cited, joint range, surface approvals, exposure limits and cure times at your expected temperature.
4. Compare cured samples on your tile for color and texture.
5. Buy enough of one product, same lot where possible, for the whole job.

For a category-level view of properties, see the grout type property matrix.