Why We Use Epoxy Grout on Every Tile Project
And Why It Changes Everything
One of the most common things we hear when discussing tile showers with homeowners is some version of this: “I don’t want tile — grout is impossible to keep clean.”
We get it. That reputation is earned — by the wrong kind of grout. What most people are picturing is standard cement-based grout. It’s been around for decades, it’s what most people grew up with, and yes, it can be a nightmare to maintain. But there’s another option that most homeowners have never heard of: two-part epoxy grout. It’s a completely different product.
What Is Standard (Cement-Based) Grout?
Standard grout is made primarily from Portland cement, sand, and water. It’s been the industry default for generations and is still sold at every big box store.
Here’s the problem: cement is naturally porous. Even when sealed, standard grout absorbs moisture, soap residue, body oils, and airborne contaminants over time. In a shower — one of the wettest, soapiest environments in your home — that means:
Grout lines that stain and discolor over time
Mold and mildew that penetrate below the surface and can’t be scrubbed away
A sealer that needs to be reapplied periodically just to maintain basic resistance
The classic “dingy grout” look that gets worse no matter how often you clean it
And it’s not just showers. Kitchen backsplashes, mudroom floors, laundry rooms — anywhere cement grout meets moisture, grease, or heavy use, the same story plays out. This is what gives tile its bad reputation. And if someone installs standard grout and skips the maintenance, that reputation is fair.
What Is Epoxy Grout — And Why Is It Different?
Epoxy grout is not cement at all. It’s a two-part system — a resin and a hardener — that chemically cures into a hard, dense, near-impervious material. Think of it less like traditional grout and more like a plastic or glass surface.
Our local installers typically use Laticrete SpectraLOCK, one of the most trusted epoxy grout systems in the industry. Here’s why it’s in a completely different category:
It Is Non-Porous
Epoxy grout does not absorb water, soap, or anything else. There is no void structure for contaminants to enter. What you see on the surface is what you get — and it wipes clean.
It Does Not Require Sealing — Ever
Standard grout must be sealed after installation and resealed regularly throughout its life. SpectraLOCK epoxy grout never needs sealing. The material itself is the barrier, from day one and for the life of the tile.
It Resists Stains Permanently
Because epoxy grout won’t absorb anything, staining agents — soap scum, grease, coffee, wine — sit on the surface rather than soaking in. Most cleaning is done with a damp cloth or standard household cleaner.
It Resists Mold and Mildew
Mold doesn’t gain a foothold on epoxy grout the way it does on porous cement grout. We’ve seen epoxy-grouted showers that are ten years old and still look the way they did on installation day — no black lines, no discoloration, no buildup.
It Is Extremely Durable
Epoxy grout is highly resistant to cracking, shrinkage, and the wear that comes from temperature cycling and regular use. It holds up to the cleaning chemicals that would degrade cement grout over time.
The Industry Has Already Made Up Its Mind
Here’s something that doesn’t get said enough: most experienced tile installers will not use cement grout anymore. The professionals who work with tile every day have seen both products perform over years and decades, and most of them have moved on. It’s actually become difficult to find a skilled installer who prefers cement grout for quality work.
That’s not a marketing claim — it’s just what happens when tradespeople have enough experience to compare results. The product that performs better wins, and epoxy grout has won.
What’s the Catch?
Epoxy grout costs more than standard grout — both the material and the labor to install it. It has a shorter working time during application, which makes it more demanding and less forgiving than cement grout. It requires proper surface prep and careful cleanup.
This is why not every contractor defaults to it: it takes experience and attention to install correctly. But done right, the finished product is in a completely different category — and the long-term maintenance savings more than make up for the upfront difference.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve avoided tile because you don’t want to spend your weekends scrubbing grout lines — that concern is valid, but it’s based on experience with the wrong product. Cement grout = porous, stains, molds, requires sealing, degrades over time. Laticrete SpectraLOCK epoxy grout = non-porous, never needs sealing, cleans easily, looks great for years.
At Valley Renovation, we require epoxy grout on every tile project we build — showers, floors, backsplashes, all of it. We believe tile should be a pleasure to own, not a chore. And we take the time to explain the difference before the first tile is ever set.
Have questions about tile or a remodeling project you’re considering? We’d love to talk through your options.