Grout

Grout serves several essential functions. It fills the joints between tiles to prevent shifting, reinforces the overall tile structure, protects tile edges from chipping, and blocks dirt and moisture from getting between tiles. It also plays a major role in the finished appearance, helping you achieve either a seamless look or a bold contrast depending on your design preferences.

Cement grout—like Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA—is made from cement and additives, offering fast-setting performance and consistent color. Epoxy grout—such as Starlike EVO—is made from epoxy resins and fillers, making it extremely durable, stain resistant, and nearly waterproof. Epoxy grout is ideal for high-moisture or high-traffic areas, while cement grout is a versatile, cost-effective choice for most installations.

Standard cement grouts are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They can absorb moisture over time, which is why sealing may be recommended in certain installations. Epoxy grout, however, is naturally waterproof and non-porous, making it the preferred choice for showers, steam rooms, and kitchen backsplashes where stains and water exposure are common.

Cement-based grouts require sealing depending on their formulation and the space where they are installed.

Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA, for example, is designed to be more resistant to staining and may not require sealing in many applications.

Epoxy grout like Starlike EVO never needs sealing because it is already non-porous and stain-proof.

Choosing the perfect grout color depends on the look you want:

• Matching grout creates a seamless, clean appearance.
  
• Contrasting grout highlights patterns, shapes, and layouts.
  
• Neutral tones such as gray, beige, or off-white complement nearly any tile style.
  

Tile Choices offers a wide range of grout colors to suit ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles.

Epoxy grout—like Starlike EVO—is the top recommendation for showers, steam rooms, and wet applications because it is waterproof, highly durable, and stain resistant.

Cement grout like Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA also performs well in wet environments but may require more maintenance over time.

Yes, in most cases you can use the same grout for both floors and walls.

Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA and Starlike EVO are suitable for both applications, offering strength, color consistency, and long-term durability. Just ensure your grout has the proper joint width capability for your tile layout.

Curing time varies by product:

• Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA typically cures faster than traditional grouts and can often be exposed to light traffic sooner.
  
• Starlike EVO epoxy grout cures into a rock-solid finish and has excellent adhesion but may require a slightly longer initial set.
  

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing times before cleaning or using the tile surface.

Grout can crack due to movement in the subfloor, improper mixing, insufficient coverage beneath tiles, or incorrect joint width. Using high-performance grouts from Tile Choices, like Starlike EVO or Ultracolor Plus FA, significantly reduces cracking thanks to their superior bonding and flexible formulations.

Routine cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner helps keep grout looking fresh.

Epoxy grouts require very little maintenance, while cement grouts may need periodic resealing depending on the installation. Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down grout over time.