Best Tile Grout AI pick

Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.

AI pick (line): Custom Building Products Fusion Pro Single Component Grout

A premixed, stain-resistant grout that needs no sealing and is far more forgiving for DIYers than mixing cement grout or working with epoxy.

Not for: Large-format jobs on a budget, or very wide joints beyond what the label supports.

Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA (line)

A fast-setting, color-consistent cement grout that works across a wide range of joint widths without picking sanded versus unsanded.

Not for: Beginners who cannot work quickly, since it sets fast.

Laticrete SpectraLock Pro (line)

An epoxy grout that resists staining and chemicals for kitchens, showers and commercial-style use.

Not for: First-time tilers, because epoxy has a short working time and is hard to clean off tile faces.

Sanded vs unsanded: Unsanded for joints narrower than 1/8 inch. Sanded for 1/8 inch and wider. Unsanded grout shrinks and cracks in wide joints, while sanded grout will not pack into narrow ones.
Tile surface: Avoid sanded grout on polished stone, glass and glazed metallic tile unless the maker says it is safe. Sand can scratch soft or polished faces during installation.
Grout type and standard: Cement grouts are rated to ANSI A118.6 or the higher-performance A118.7. Epoxy grouts are rated to A118.3. The standard tells you shrinkage, strength and stain-resistance class.
Sealing requirement: Cement grout generally needs sealing. Epoxy and many urethane or premixed grouts do not. Unsealed cement grout absorbs stains in kitchens and showers.
Changes of plane: Use a matching flexible sealant, not grout, at inside corners and where tile meets tub or counter. Grout cracks at these movement joints.

Custom Building Products: Polyblend cement grouts and the Fusion Pro premixed line.
Mapei: Wide color range, Ultracolor Plus FA and Kerapoxy epoxy.
Laticrete: Professional cement and epoxy grouts, including SpectraLock.
TEC: Pro-oriented grouts sold through home centers.

Using grout instead of caulk at corners and tub edges.
Adding extra water to cement grout to make it easier to spread, which weakens it and causes color blotching.
Mixing more epoxy grout than you can apply within its working time.
Buying color from on-screen swatches without checking a cured sample.

Cement grout usually benefits from a penetrating sealer after it cures. Epoxy and most premixed urethane-type grouts are sold as not needing sealer.