Grout Type Selector: Which Grout Should I Use?
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The right grout follows from five facts: how wide the joints are, how wet or harsh the location is, whether the tile surface scratches or stains, what you care about most, and how much working time you can handle. Answer them below for a ranked shortlist with reasons.
How the selector decides
The selector starts with hard limits, then weighs preferences. Joint width rules out whole families: unsanded grout cracks in joints of 1/8 inch and wider, and sanded grout cannot be packed into joints narrower than about 1/8 inch. Location rules out more: single-component premixed grouts are not made for submerged service, and severe chemical exposure points to epoxy or furan. Tile surface comes next, since sand scratches glass and polished stone, and epoxy is hard to clean off rough faces. Priorities and experience then rank what is left.
The underlying property comparisons are published in the grout type property matrix, and the full reasoning is in which grout do I need.
| Condition | Excluded or penalized | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Joint under 1/8 in | Sanded cement | Sand particles cannot pack into narrow joints, leaving voids. |
| Joint 1/8 in or wider | Unsanded cement | Without aggregate the paste shrinks and cracks in wide joints. |
| Pool or submerged | Premixed and urethane, unsanded | Not designed for continuous immersion. |
| Glass or high gloss | Sanded cement (strong penalty) | Silica sand is harder than glass and many glazes. |
| Commercial chemical exposure | Most cement and premixed grouts | Acids, fats and hot washdown attack cementitious paste. |
Frequently asked questions
Is epoxy always the best grout?
No. Epoxy has the best stain and chemical resistance, but it is harder to apply, can darken porous stone edges, and some formulations are not suited to exterior sun. For many dry walls and floors a high-performance cement grout is the better balance.
What if two options score the same?
Choose the one whose data sheet covers your exact conditions (joint range, exterior or submerged rating, cure before water). Product-level details beat category-level scoring.
Does the selector save my answers?
No. It runs entirely in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.
Sources and standards
- ANSI A118.3, A118.6 and A118.7 grout specifications; ISO 13007-3 grout classifications.
- TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation (grout selection guidance).
- Manufacturer technical data sheets for representative products in each category.
Grout Atlas guidance is checked against ANSI A108/A118 and ISO 13007 requirements, the TCNA Handbook and manufacturer technical data sheets. Product formulations change, so confirm details on the current data sheet for the product you buy. Spotted an error? Report a correction.