Choosing between epoxy and cement grout may seem like a trivial decision, but it holds significant implications. The grout you select for your shower today is the same one you will be scrubbing, cursing at, or replacing in just three to five years. Make the wrong choice for your specific needs, and you will incur the cost of regrouting once again.
With over a decade of experience regrouting Sydney showers, we provide an honest comparison of these two products. Here, you will discover what each option actually offers, when it's appropriate to use them, the costs involved, and our personal recommendations for our own bathrooms.
Comparative Overview: Epoxy Grout vs Cement Grout
| Feature | Epoxy Grout | Cement Grout |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent — almost non-porous | Poor — absorbs stains, especially in showers |
| Mould Resistance | Excellent — mould can’t take hold easily | Moderate — porous surface gives mould a foothold |
| Lifespan in a Wet Area | 15–20 years before any regrout needed | 5–8 years before staining and breakdown |
| Cleaning Required | Water and a soft cloth is usually enough | Bleach, scrubbing, sealers — ongoing |
| Initial Install Cost | Higher (specialised product + skilled installer) | Lower (DIY-able, less expensive product) |
| DIY-Friendly | No — needs experience to apply cleanly | Yes — most homeowners can handle it |
| Colour Options | Wide — including blacks that stay black, metallics, even glitter | Limited — neutrals only, fades and stains over time |
| Best For | Showers, splashbacks, wet floors, family bathrooms | Dry areas, low-traffic tiles, budget jobs |
If you are regrouting a shower, the optimal choice is almost always epoxy grout. However, if you are working on a guest powder room that sees minimal use, cement grout may suffice.
Understanding Durability: The Clear Advantages of Epoxy
The main drawback of cement grout is its porosity. Water can seep through, leading to mould growth, staining, and degradation over time. The harsh cleaning chemicals typically used, such as bleach, vinegar, and commercial sprays, contribute to the gradual breakdown of the grout. Consequently, every cleaning session wears it down a little more.
In contrast, epoxy grout is non-porous, meaning water simply sits on its surface, stains can be easily wiped away, and mould has no grip to establish itself. A soft cloth and warm water are often all that is needed to maintain its pristine appearance, keeping it looking as fresh as the day it was installed.
The difference in lifespan is quite remarkable:
- Cement grout in a shower: typically lasts between 5–8 years before it shows signs of staining, chipping, and degradation, leading to leaks.
- Epoxy grout in a shower: generally provides 15–20 years of clean, intact performance without the need for immediate regrouting.
This is why we choose to use epoxy grout for every regrouting project we undertake at Leaking Showers Sealed.
Financial Considerations: What You Can Expect to Pay
When it comes to upfront costs, cement grout may appear to be the more economical choice. However, the price of epoxy is typically higher, both for the product itself and the skilled labour required, as proper application demands experience.
Here are the approximate costs for a standard shower regrouting in Sydney (for one shower, complete strip and replacement):
- Cement grout regrout: starting from approximately $1,200 — but expect to pay again within 5–8 years.
- Epoxy grout regrout: starting from around b,800 — with a lifespan of 15+ years.
When considering a 15-year timeline, epoxy regrouting proves to be the more cost-effective option. Although cement grout may seem like a budget-friendly choice at first glance, it proves to be more expensive in the long run, especially if you plan to remain in your home.
(Please note: each job is unique — factors such as corner showers, large frameless enclosures, or tiles requiring replacement alongside the regrout will influence the final quote. We provide upfront pricing after conducting a site visit, rather than over the phone.)
Installation Process and Cleanup: What to Expect
This is where many homeowners fall into the trap of attempting DIY.
Cement grout is generally straightforward to apply. You mix it, push it into the joints, and wipe away the excess. However, the challenge arises the following day. The fine cement dust, commonly referred to as grout haze, coats every tile, screen, and shelf, requiring a special haze remover or vinegar for effective cleaning. Many DIY enthusiasts underestimate the amount of effort this entails.
On the other hand, epoxy grout presents a greater challenge during application due to its quick curing time and less forgiving nature, which necessitates a smaller working window. Nevertheless, the cleanup is far simpler. There is no haze or dust left behind, allowing us to leave a shower that can be used the very next day, with tiles that look as pristine as the day they were laid.
If you plan to tackle the project yourself, cement grout is the more feasible option. However, if you intend to hire a professional, choose someone with expertise in epoxy grout application.
Aesthetic Choices: Colour and Appearance
Cement grout comes in a limited selection of neutral shades such as beige, grey, off-white, and sandstone. Unfortunately, these colours tend to fade, stain, and develop efflorescence (the white powdery patches that appear on grout lines). After just two years, the grout may look entirely different from when it was first installed.
In contrast, epoxy grout offers a much broader range of colours, including:
- Deep blacks that maintain their colour (no fading)
- True whites that resist yellowing or staining
- Metallics — gold, silver, copper
- Even glitter finishes
If you desire a specific finish, such as Hamptons white or a striking dark contrast grout for white subway tiles, epoxy grout is the only viable option that will retain those colours over the long term.
Identifying Situations Where Cement Grout is Appropriate
While we primarily utilise epoxy grout for nearly every regrouting project, there are specific scenarios where cement grout remains a suitable choice:
- Dry areas only — suitable for feature walls, splash-free zones, and exterior tiling.
- Low-traffic or rarely used bathrooms — ideal for guest powder rooms and holiday homes.
- Budget renovations for homes that will be sold within three years — cement grout can help you achieve your goals.
- Historical restorations where cement matches the original construction materials.
If a tradesperson suggests that cement grout is suitable for your main shower because it is cheaper, ask them how often they have returned to regrout that shower five years later.
Effective Regrouting with Epoxy: A Step-by-Step Guide
We receive numerous inquiries regarding this process. Here’s a concise summary:
- We remove the existing cement grout — typically using a special tool, rather than smashing tiles.
- We clean and thoroughly dry the joints.
- We mix and carefully apply the epoxy grout.
- We clean the tiles while the epoxy remains workable.
- The shower is ready for use the following day.
Most shower regrouting projects take only half a day on-site. There is no need for demolition, tile replacement, or waiting for waterproofing to cure. The process is much less disruptive than many people anticipate.
Your Queries Answered: Frequently Asked Questions
Will Epoxy Grout Crack Over Time?
When installed correctly in a stable shower environment, epoxy grout will not crack. Cracks typically occur due to movement in the substrate beneath (such as settling bathroom floors, shifting walls, or structural changes). When this happens, no type of grout can withstand the pressure — it is essential to address the underlying movement rather than simply regrouting.
Can I Get Epoxy Grout in Any Colour?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of colours, including custom metallic and glitter finishes. Our team will present the full colour range during your site visit.
Is Epoxy Grout Safe? I’ve Read It Contains Chemicals.
Once cured (after 24 hours), epoxy grout becomes inert and safe for use — there are no off-gassing, chemical leaching, or health concerns. While we are applying it, our team wears appropriate protective gear due to irritants in the uncured material. You do not need to be present while we work.
Can You Regrout Over the Top of Cement Grout, or Does It Have to Be Removed?
The old grout must be completely removed. You cannot apply epoxy over cement grout and expect it to adhere — it will fail within months. Proper regrouting always requires the old product to be taken out first.
Will the Regrout Fix My Leaking Shower?
If the leak originates from the grout joints (which is the most common scenario in showers older than five years), then yes, regrouting will resolve it. However, if the leak stems from a cracked tile, a failed waterproofing membrane behind the tiles, or a plumbing issue, regrouting will not rectify the problem — we will inform you of this during our site visit before any work begins.
How Long Does the Regrouting Work Take?
For a standard shower, the regrouting process typically requires about half a day. The shower will be ready for use the very next day.
Need Expert Guidance for Your Shower?
If you are uncertain about whether to choose epoxy or cement grout for your bathroom — or if you have a shower that has previously been regrouted and you are puzzled as to why it failed — we will come to your location, assess the situation, and provide you with clear, honest advice about what will work and what will not.
We proudly serve the Sydney North Shore, Hills District, North Richmond, and the Hawkesbury region. Call us at 1300 815 512 or request a free quote today.
Original Article First Published At: Epoxy Grout vs Cement Grout: An Honest Comparison from a Sydney Regrouter
