So you’re looking to install bathroom or kitchen tile. You’ve got a big choice to make: sanded or unsanded grout? This isn’t an easy decision, because there’s a lot of conflicting information out there.
There are some experts who say that sanded grout is better than unsanded epoxy, while others argue that it’s the other way around.
So what’s really going on here? And which one should you choose for your project?
Is sanded grout better than unsanded grout?
Sanded grout is easier to clean up and apply than unsanded grout, but it’s also more fragile. This can pose a problem if you have kids or pets who like to chew on things.
Sanded grout is more forgiving than unsanded grout and other types of grouts are, too. If you make a mistake with sanded grout—say, by applying it too thickly—you’ll be able to scrape off the excess with your trowel before it dries.
If you’re planning on doing most of the work yourself (and let’s be honest: who isn’t?), then sanded-grout applications are probably best suited for DIYers—especially since they require less skill and practice than other types of installations.
Table of Contents
- Is sanded grout better than unsanded grout?
- What do the experts say about epoxy grout vs sanded grout?
- What are the circumstances that would make one better than the other?
- Are there any situations where epoxy is a bad decision?
- Are there situations where sanded grout is a bad decision?
- Is sanded grout preferable to unsanded epoxy in any circumstances?
- Is sanded epoxy better than unsanded epoxy?
- What are the advantages of sanded grout vs. unsanded grout?
- Which is easier to apply, sanded or unsanded grout? How much can you never actually tell whether you’ve installed it correctly?
- What’s the cleanup like with sanded and unsanded epoxy and how important is that difference in health and safety terms?
What do the experts say about epoxy grout vs sanded grout?
Sanded grout has a softer texture than epoxy, which makes it easier to work with on DIY projects. But sanded grout isn’t as durable and it can be harder to clean up.
Epoxy grout is great for commercial projects because it’s more durable and offers better stain resistance than sanded grout.
It’s also easier to clean up because there’s no sand or grit left behind when you’re done working with it! However, since epoxy doesn’t absorb water like regular grout does (which helps prevent mold), if you need something that will last longer in bathrooms or other damp areas of your home then epoxy may not be right for you.
What are the circumstances that would make one better than the other?
So, which type is better for you? It really depends on your situation. If you have a large horizontal surface that needs to be grouted and there’s no moisture issue, then sanded grout will probably be fine.
It’s simple to use and it cleans up easily—just sweep or vacuum up any loose particles after you’re finished.
However, if you know that there will be moisture around (for example, if you’re applying the epoxy grout to bathrooms), then epoxy is likely going to be the better option for you.
This is because it doesn’t absorb water as regular concrete does—and when water gets mixed in with concrete it can cause problems down the road such as cracking or discoloration of the material over time (which isn’t good).
Are there any situations where epoxy is a bad decision?
If you are a novice grout installer, we recommend that you stick with sanded grout. Epoxy is more complicated to install and if done improperly, can cause your tile to pop right off the wall.
Sanded grout also allows for easier cleaning if something spills on your floor and needs immediate attention.
If you have some experience in installing tile or even just working with epoxy products before (like at home), then epoxy may be a good choice for your project!
Are there situations where sanded grout is a bad decision?
If you’re installing sanded grout in an area that will be exposed to water, will see high traffic, or is in a high-humidity environment, it’s best to stick to epoxy.
Sanded grout can be damaged by moisture and humidity, which makes it a poor choice for areas like showers and kitchens that require extra care.
If you’re unsure whether your project falls into one of these categories, you can always ask your local contractor for advice on what type of grout would work best for your situation.
Is sanded grout preferable to unsanded epoxy in any circumstances?
While epoxy grout often has the reputation of being a superior product to sanded grout, this isn’t always the case.
Sanded epoxy is better than unsanded epoxy in situations where you need to have a smooth surface. For example, if you are installing tiles on an uneven surface (like your bathroom floor), it will be easier for you to create an even installation if you use sanded grout.
Using unsanded epoxy would require more mastic and time since there would be gaps between each tile that would need filling in order for them all to look even with each other.
Is sanded epoxy better than unsanded epoxy?
Sanded epoxy grout is easier to work with and clean up. It’s also more resistant to water damage and mold/mildew.
This means you don’t have to worry about it breaking down as quickly as unsanded grout, which is a huge plus if you’re looking for long-term performance in your bathroom or kitchen.
Additionally, sanded epoxy comes in many different shades and colors that can suit a variety of decors—especially if you’re planning on using the same color throughout your space (even if it’s just one wall).
Lastly, the fact that sanded epoxy dries so quickly makes it much easier to apply than other types of grout—which can be especially helpful when working with large surfaces like floors!
What are the advantages of sanded grout vs. unsanded grout?
Sanded grout is more forgiving than unsanded grout, so if you’re new to the world of tile and grout, sanded is definitely going to be easier for you.
Sanded grout also makes clean-up a breeze. It wipes away easily with a damp cloth or sponge and doesn’t leave any residue behind on your tiles.
Sanded grouts are also more durable than their unsanded counterparts. Because they’re less porous (and therefore less likely to absorb water), they can withstand greater damage from moisture in the air before they start delaminating or cracking.
This makes them ideal for shower walls and floors where moisture can build up quickly due to condensation or steam generated by hot water showers.
If someone uses an abrasive cleaning product on their shower wall, sanded grouts will hold up better than unsanded ones will since sanding increases their thickness slightly which allows them more resistance against abrasion.
Which is easier to apply, sanded or unsanded grout? How much can you never actually tell whether you’ve installed it correctly?
Sanded grout is easier to apply and more forgiving. If you mess up, it’s easy to clean up with a sponge or rag.
When installing sanded grout, the best way to make sure that your joints are even is by using a rubber float (a rectangular block of wood with a rounded edge).
This tool ensures that your joints are flat and level with one another, which helps prevent water from seeping into them.
Sanded grout is also easier to repair than unsanded grout once it has begun cracking or breaking away from the tile surface.
It will take longer for unsanded grout to be removed entirely due to its hardening nature; however, this can be done using an adhesive remover or an acetone-based solvent like nail polish remover or lacquer thinner.
What’s the cleanup like with sanded and unsanded epoxy and how important is that difference in health and safety terms?
Cleanup is easier with sanded grout than unsanded, but the difference between the two is negligible. Both clean up easily, and neither will stain your hands like regular cement does if you get it on your hands.
However, epoxy has a very fine texture to its texture; the sanded version looks more like white mortar than gray concrete when you’re done applying it, which can be nice if you want to match up existing tile or stone in your bathroom or kitchen.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of differences between sanded and unsanded epoxy grout. The main points to take away from this article are that sanded grout is easier to apply, doesn’t need as much cleanup, and is more resilient than unsanded epoxy.
However, because it’s less flexible than unsanded epoxy, it’s not as good at filling gaps or cracks in your tile work.
You’ll also need to make sure that the surface on which you’re applying the sanded grout is completely clean as any dirt particles could damage the sealer layer underneath!