Epoxy grout is a two-part product made from resin and hardener. It does not absorb water or stains, and it never needs sealing. Cement grout is the traditional option, made from Portland cement, sand and pigment. It is easier to work with but porous, which means stains and mould get in unless it is sealed regularly.
What Is Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy grout comes in two components mixed together just before use. Once the resin and hardener combine, a chemical reaction starts and working time is limited to around 45 to 60 minutes depending on product and temperature.
The result is a hard, dense, non-porous grout that resists stains, chemicals, mould and moisture. It does not need sealing. It is used in commercial kitchens, hospitals and anywhere hygiene is a priority. In residential settings, it is increasingly popular in showers and splash backs where maintenance is a concern.
Epoxy grout costs more and requires an experienced tiler to install correctly. It is thicker, tackier and less forgiving to work with. The surface must be cleaned immediately because dried epoxy film on tile faces is very difficult to remove.
What Is Cement Grout and How Does It Differ From Epoxy Grout?
Cement grout is the standard grout most Australian homes have. It is mixed with water, applied to joints and left to cure. It is simple to work with, available in a wide range of colours and far cheaper than epoxy.
The key difference is porosity. Cement grout has an open structure that absorbs moisture, grease, coffee, cleaning products and bacteria. Without sealing, it stains and grows mould quickly in wet areas. Even with sealing, it needs re-sealing every one to two years.
Unsanded cement grout is used for joints under 3 mm. Sanded cement grout works for wider joints. Both are common in Australian homes.
Epoxy Grout vs Cement Grout: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Epoxy Grout | Cement Grout |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Porous |
| Stain resistance | Very high | Low without sealing |
| Mould resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Sealing required | No | Yes (every 1–2 years) |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 8 to 15 years |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| DIY friendliness | Difficult | Easier |
| Chemical resistance | High | Low |
| Colour stability | Excellent | Fades over time |
Epoxy Grout Disadvantages Compared With Cement Grout
Epoxy grout is not the right call for every job. Here is where it falls short.
Harder to install
Epoxy grout is thick and sticky. It is harder to pack into joints and much harder to clean off the tile face before it sets. A tiler with experience in epoxy products is worth the extra cost here. A rushed or inexperienced install leaves a hazy film on tiles that takes significant effort to remove.
Limited working time
Once you mix the two components, the clock starts. In warmer weather the pot life shortens. This makes large-scale tiling with epoxy more challenging and expensive than the same job in cement grout.
Higher upfront cost
Epoxy grout is typically two to three times the price of cement grout per kilogram. On a large floor or full bathroom tile-out, that cost adds up fast.
Not ideal for very wide joints
Epoxy grout can shrink slightly as it cures. For joints wider than 12 mm, cement-based products are often the better fit. Check the product spec before committing.
Colour options more limited
Cement grout comes in dozens of colours. Epoxy colour ranges have expanded in recent years but are still more limited. Custom colour matching is harder with epoxy.
Which Grout Is Better for Showers, Kitchens and Floors?
Showers
Epoxy grout is the better option for showers. The grout lines in a shower are constantly exposed to water, soap and body oils. Cement grout in a shower will stain and grow mould without regular sealing and scrubbing. Epoxy eliminates that ongoing battle. It is worth the higher upfront cost for a cleaner and longer-lasting result.
Kitchen splash backs and bench tops
Epoxy is also preferred here. Grease, food acids and cleaning sprays will break down cement grout over time. A splash back grouted with epoxy stays noticeably cleaner and holds its colour far longer.
Floor tiles in dry areas
Cement grout is fine for dry area floors like living rooms, hallways and bedrooms. The staining risk is lower, maintenance is simpler and the cost saving is very real. For commercial floors with heavy traffic or chemical exposure, epoxy makes more sense.
Outdoor areas
Cement grout is generally the standard for outdoor pavers and tiles. Epoxy can be used outdoors but UV exposure can affect some colours over time. Confirm the product is UV-rated before using it outside.
How Long Does Epoxy Grout Last Compared With Cement Grout?
Epoxy grout can last 20 years or more with normal use. Because it is non-porous, it does not absorb the substances that break down cement grout. It needs no sealing or re-sealing, just regular cleaning.
Cement grout typically lasts 8 to 15 years depending on the area and how well it is maintained. In a high-use shower, unsealed cement grout can start looking tired within a few years. Staining, cracking and mould growth are the main reasons it gets replaced.
Over a tiled area’s full lifespan, epoxy often works out more cost-effective when you factor in the maintenance and re-sealing costs of cement grout.
Can You Put Epoxy Grout Over Old Cement Grout? No, Rake It Out First
No. You simply cannot apply epoxy grout over existing cement grout and expect it to hold. Epoxy grout needs to fill the full depth of the joint to cure and bond correctly. If it is applied as a thin skim over old grout, it will not adhere properly and will fail within months.
The correct process is to rake out the existing cement grout to a depth of at least 2 to 3 mm using a grout rake or oscillating tool. The joint is then cleaned, and the epoxy is packed in from scratch. This is a labour-intensive step but it is the only way to get a proper result.
If you are regrouting a shower or kitchen and considering the switch from cement to epoxy, factor in the raking time and cost. It is worth it for long-term performance but it is definitely not a shortcut job. See our grouting and regrouting service for more on the full process.
For tiles showing wear from hard water or soap build-up, our guide on how to clean and maintain marble surfaces has practical tips that apply to other polished tile types too.
Epoxy vs Cement Grout FAQ
What are the disadvantages of epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout is harder to install, costs more upfront and has a limited working time once mixed. It is not DIY-friendly and requires a skilled, experienced tiler to get a clean result. Colour options are more limited than cement grout and it is not always suitable for very wide joints or UV-exposed outdoor areas without first checking the product specs.
Which is better, cement grout or epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout is the better choice for wet areas, kitchens and anywhere staining or mould is a concern. It lasts longer and needs no sealing. Cement grout is fine for dry areas, is easier to work with and costs less upfront. The right choice depends on where the tiles are and how much maintenance you are willing to do long term.
How long will epoxy grout last?
Epoxy grout typically lasts over 20 years with normal use and basic cleaning. Because it is non-porous, it does not absorb the stains, moisture and cleaning products that break down cement grout. In a shower or kitchen, this lifespan advantage is significant and often justifies the higher upfront cost.
Can I use epoxy grout over old grout?
No. Epoxy grout must be packed into a clean, fully raked-out joint to bond and cure correctly. Applying it as a skim coat over existing cement grout will not work and the epoxy will fail quickly. The old grout needs to be raked out to a depth of at least 2 to 3 mm before epoxy is applied. This step cannot be skipped for a lasting result.
