Sanded Cement Grout

• Sanded cement grout consists of cement, sand, and water mixed together. It can be mixed on the job or purchased premixed. The sand in the grout provides strength to the grout and allows it to support heavier tiles. Sanded grout is also less prone to shrinkage as it dries than nonsanded grout. For these reasons, sanded grout is used when the gap between tiles is greater than 1/8 inch and when heavy tiles are used. Color choices for cement-based grouts are limited. Cement-based grouts also are porous and must be sealed to resist water absorption, bacteria growth, and mildew.
  
  

Nonsanded Cement Grout

• Nonsanded cement grout is a mixture of cement and water. It often contains fillers and a water-retentive additive that allows it to be applied to dry tiles. Cement grout without this additive must be applied to wet tiles to ensure proper drying of the grout. Nonsanded is best used in situations where the tile joint is less than 1/8 inch. Because the sand in grout can scratch tiles, nonsanded grout is also used on tiles with delicate finishes. Like sanded grout, nonsanded grout must be sealed.
  
  

Epoxy Grout

• Epoxy grout is made with an epoxy resin and hardener, along with fillers and pigments. Epoxy grout is stronger and more flexible than cement grout. It is water-resistant, so it does not require sealing, and is particularly suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Epoxy grout is also stain-resistant, and it is less prone to the growth of bacteria and mildew than cement grout. The primary drawback of epoxy grout is its cost; it is significantly more expensive than cement grout.
  
  

Specialty Grouts

• Some cement grouts are supplemented with a latex polymer that makes them more water-resistant. Conversely, some epoxy grouts are augmented with Portland cement, giving them the appearance of cement grout while retaining the benefits of epoxy grout. Grouts used on tiles that are exposed to chemicals sometimes use furfuryl alcohol in their mixtures rather than water, which gives the grout increased chemical resistance.