Exploring Different Tile Grout Options: Which is Best for Your Tile Flooring?

Tile Flooring in Ottawa, ON from Advantage Flooring

Tuesday, August 05, 2025-

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When installing tile flooring, most attention goes to the tiles themselves—the color, size, texture, and style. However, the grout you choose plays an equally important role in both the appearance and performance of your floors. Grout is more than just a filler between tiles; it’s a protective barrier, a design detail, and a structural element that holds everything together. The right grout can enhance your tile’s beauty, while the wrong choice could lead to maintenance headaches down the road.\

Understanding the role of grout in tile flooring

Grout fills the gaps between tiles, ensuring they remain securely in place and preventing debris, moisture, and dirt from seeping underneath. Beyond functionality, grout also influences the visual flow of the flooring. A contrasting grout color can make each tile stand out, while a matching shade can create a seamless, unified look.

The right grout should be durable, stain-resistant, and suited to your tile material and environment. Let’s explore the different grout types available and their unique benefits.\

Cement-based grout: The classic choice

Cement-based grout is one of the most commonly used options and comes in two main varieties: sanded and unsanded.

Sanded grout contains fine sand particles, making it more durable and ideal for wider joints (1/8 inch or more). It’s often used for floors where foot traffic is high.
Unsanded grout has a smoother texture, making it perfect for narrow joints (less than 1/8 inch) and delicate tiles like glass or polished stone that could scratch from sand.

Pros: Affordable, widely available, and easy to work with.
Cons: Requires sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption.\

Epoxy grout: The high-performance option

Epoxy grout is a premium choice made from epoxy resins and a hardener, resulting in a highly durable and stain-resistant product. It’s ideal for areas exposed to moisture and heavy wear, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.

Pros: Extremely resistant to stains, moisture, and chemicals. No sealing required.
Cons: Higher cost and requires experienced installation due to its quick setting time.\

Furan grout: The industrial-grade solution

Less common in residential settings, furan grout is made from polymers similar to epoxy but with added chemical resistance. It’s primarily used in industrial environments where floors are exposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures.

Pros: Exceptional durability and chemical resistance.
Cons: Requires professional installation, limited color options, and not suitable for typical home applications.\

Urethane grout: The flexible alternative

Urethane grout combines flexibility with impressive stain resistance, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications. It comes pre-mixed, which simplifies installation and ensures consistent results.

Pros: Flexible, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing.
Cons: More expensive than cement-based grout and not always suitable for submerged applications like pools.\

How to choose the right grout for your tile flooring

When selecting grout, consider the following factors:

Tile material: Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and glass each have different needs.
Joint width: Wider joints often require sanded grout, while narrower joints work better with unsanded options.
Location: High-moisture areas benefit from epoxy or urethane grout, while dry, low-traffic areas can use cement-based varieties.
Design goals: Matching grout blends tiles together; contrasting grout makes patterns pop.
Maintenance preferences: Some grout types require sealing and more upkeep than others.\

Maintaining your grout for long-lasting beauty

Regardless of the type of grout you choose, proper maintenance is key. Regular cleaning with a mild pH-neutral cleaner can prevent discoloration and grime buildup. For cement-based grout, resealing every 1–2 years helps maintain water and stain resistance. With epoxy or urethane grout, cleaning is simpler, but regular care still preserves its appearance.\

Final thoughts on grout selection

Grout is more than a finishing touch—it’s a vital part of your flooring’s structure and style. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, you can choose a grout that not only complements your tile but also withstands the demands of your space for years to come.\

Ottawa’s trusted flooring experts are here to help

At Advantage Flooring, over a decade of owner-led expertise ensures that every flooring project is completed with style, quality, and precision. Serving Ottawa, Manotick, Nepean, Kanata, and Orleans, our team brings the showroom to your home with our shop-at-home service. Whether it’s hardwood, laminate, engineered, or tile, our installations are backed by a commitment to environmental responsibility, safety, and customer satisfaction. Contact us today to explore flooring solutions that blend beauty with lasting performance.