When you are doing a tile floor, not many people put a lot of thought into the grout that goes in between the tiles. Many just trust the professional they are using, only to get the cheapest product available. Many installers use the cheap stuff because it is easier to use. But cheap grout will cause more headaches than good. We only use a 1/16th of an inch or less for grout, which helps, but if it wasn’t for the performance grout, it would still change colors. Let’s be clear, just because you use a performance grout does not mean that your grout cannot get dirty. Dirt can and will form a layer over the grout. The following is a list of grouts from the most superior to the inferior.
1. Epoxy Grout (Top-tier performance)
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, commercial spaces, heavy traffic areas
- Extremely stain-resistant (almost waterproof)
- Very durable and crack-resistant
- Doesn’t need sealing
- Resistant to chemicals, mold, and mildew
Downside:
- More expensive
- Harder to install (sets quickly, sticky)
Popular brands: LATICRETE SpectraLOCK, MAPEI Kerapoxy
2. Single-Component / Ready-to-Use Grout
Best for: DIY projects, residential floors/walls
- Pre-mixed (no mixing errors)
- Good stain and crack resistance
- Flexible and easy to apply
- No sealing required
Downside:
- Not as tough as epoxy for heavy-duty use
- Longer curing time
Examples: MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, Custom Prism Ultimate
3. High-Performance Cement Grout (Modified)
Best for: Budget-friendly upgrades over basic grout
- Improved strength and color consistency. Up to 10’000 psi!
- Often includes polymer additives
- Easier to work with than epoxy
Downside:
- In some cases, it still needs sealing
- Less stain-resistant than epoxy
Examples: MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA, Custom Polyblend Plus, TEC Powergrout, Ardex FL
4. Urethane Grout
Best for: Residential floors, moderate traffic
- Flexible and crack-resistant
- Good stain resistance
- Pre-mixed like single-component grout
Downside:
- Can be sensitive to moisture during installation
- Mid-to-high price
5. Standard Grout
Best for: backsplashes and areas of low staining concern
Downside:
- Very porous. Only 2000psi on average
- Not stain-resistant.
- Cracks easy
Quick Recommendation
- Maximum durability & zero maintenance: Epoxy
- Best balance (easy + strong): Single-component grout
- Budget but upgraded: Modified cement grout
