
Epoxy Grout vs. Cement Grout: Which is the Better Choice for Your Project?
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Choosing the right grout is very important for your house. You might use it for the final finishing touches or for repairing cracks in concrete.
But grout is not just a filler for gaps between tiles that makes your floors and walls look better. It also gives stability to the tiles and stops moisture from getting underneath.
You will mostly find two types of this essential building material.
One is the traditional cement grout. The other is the modern epoxy grout. It is important to know the difference between them when you are constructing your house or making repairs.
Let us take a detailed look at epoxy and cement grouting to help you decide.
What is Grouting?
It is simply the process of filling empty spaces or gaps. For home construction, grouting usually refers to filling the gaps between your tiles.
You can also use grouting to make your brickwork stronger. It is also used for repairing cracks in concrete buildings. In such cases, a liquid form of concrete or grout is pushed into the cracks.
Epoxy Grout vs. Cement Grout
Cement grout has been the usual choice in the past. This is a powder made from cement that you need to mix with water.
Epoxy grout is made from two parts, an epoxy resin and a hardener. Because of its chemical nature, it behaves very differently from the normal cement grout.
Epoxy Grout vs. Cement Grout
Feature | Epoxy Grout | Cement Grout |
---|---|---|
Water Resistance | Highly water-resistant / Waterproof | Porous; absorbs water unless sealed |
Stain Resistance | Excellent; non-porous and easy to clean | Prone to staining; requires sealing |
Durability | Extremely durable, high strength | Good durability, but can crack/chip |
Flexibility | More flexible, less prone to cracking | Brittle, can crack with movement |
Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost |
Ease of Use | More difficult; faster setting time | Easier for DIYers; longer working time |
Best For | Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas | Dry areas, budget-friendly projects |
When to Choose Epoxy Grout
You should choose epoxy grout for places that face tough conditions. It has very good resistance to water and stains. This makes it a perfect choice for your kitchen walls, bathrooms, and shower areas.
Epoxy grout is also stronger and does not crack easily. For this reason, it is also great for floors that see high footfalls.
When Cement Grout Makes Sense
The usual cement grouting is still a good and popular choice, especially if you have a limited budget.
Cement grout is best used in dry places like your living room floor or walls. These areas do not get much moisture or tough stains.
Cement grout also takes longer to set. This gives you more time to work, which is helpful if you are doing the work yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is grouting of cement?
Grouting of cement refers to a mix made from cement to fill the gaps. You can use it between your tiles. You can also use it to fill cracks in concrete or brick walls to make them stronger.
How to make cement grouting?
To make cement grouting, you just have to mix the grout powder with water. The packet will tell you how much water to use. You need to stir the mix well. Make sure it becomes a smooth paste with no dry lumps.
Which is better epoxy or grout?
The answer to which is better, epoxy or grout, depends on where you are using it. For places like bathrooms, epoxy is better because it is strong and does not get stained or damaged by water. For dry areas, cement grout is a good choice because it costs less and is easier to use.
Can epoxy be used instead of grout?
Yes, you can use epoxy instead of the normal cement grout. It performs much better, especially when it comes to being strength and resistance to water and stains.
Is epoxy grout 100% waterproof?
Yes, epoxy grout is 100% waterproof. It does not have any small pores, so water cannot pass through it. Cement grout needs a special coating called a sealer to stop water. But epoxy grout creates a waterproof layer all by itself. This makes it a great choice for your shower and other wet areas.