Best Grout for Showers in Australia: Epoxy, Cement or Urethane?

Written by Nestor Dos Santos, Owner, TN Stone Pty Ltd · Updated 13 July 2026

Choosing the right grout for a shower is one of the most important decisions in a bathroom renovation. The wrong grout can lead to mould, staining, crumbling joints and even water damage behind the tiles. In this guide, we explain which grout types are best for showers in Australia, how they compare, and what we recommend as Melbourne-based tilers and stonemasons.

Why shower grout is different from other areas

Showers are constantly exposed to:

• Standing water and frequent wet–dry cycles
• Soap, shampoo, body oils and cleaning chemicals
• Warm, humid conditions that encourage mould growth

Because of this, shower grout needs:

• Very low water absorption
• High resistance to mould and staining
• Good adhesion and flexibility to handle small movement without cracking

Grout used in dry areas (like hallway floors) often won't perform well long-term in a shower unless it's specifically designed for wet areas and properly sealed.

Main grout types used in Australian showers

Epoxy grout

Epoxy grout is a two-part system (resin and hardener) that creates a dense, hard and highly water-resistant grout line.

Why it's often the best choice for showers:

• Extremely low water absorption
• Highly resistant to mould, soap scum and cleaning chemicals
• No sealing required once cured
• Very durable and long-lasting

Things to consider:

• Higher material cost than cement grout
• Shorter working time; sets faster
• More difficult to apply and clean; mistakes are harder to fix
• Best installed by experienced tilers who regularly use epoxy

TN Stone specialises in epoxy grout upgrades and shower regrouting across Melbourne — see our Epoxy Grouting & Shower Regrouting service page.

Polymer-modified cement grout

Cement-based grout is the most common type used in Australian homes. Polymer-modified versions include additives that improve flexibility, adhesion and water resistance.

Why it's commonly used in showers:

• Affordable and widely available (Bunnings, Beaumonts, trade suppliers)
• Easy to mix, apply and clean
• Available in many colours to match or contrast tiles
• Works well when combined with a penetrating grout sealer and good ventilation

Things to consider:

• Porous, so it can absorb water and stain if not sealed
• More prone to mould and discolouration in poorly ventilated bathrooms
• May need resealing every few years in high-use showers

Urethane (single-component) grout

Urethane grout comes ready-mixed in a tub. It cures to a flexible, rubber-like finish that resists water and stains.

Why it's a good option for showers:

• Very good water and stain resistance
• Flexible, which helps accommodate small movement without cracking
• Usually no sealing required
• Easier to apply than epoxy, with a longer working time

Things to consider:

• Higher cost than standard cement grout
• Fewer product options and colours available in Australia
• Still requires care during application to achieve a perfect finish

Which grout is best for your shower?

Best overall: epoxy grout

For most showers — especially family bathrooms, ensuites and high-use areas — epoxy grout is the best overall choice. Its superior water and stain resistance, combined with no ongoing sealing requirements, make it ideal for long-term performance in wet areas.

It's particularly worth the extra cost if you:

• Want minimal mould and staining over time
• Don't want to worry about resealing grout
• Are doing a premium renovation where longevity is a priority

Best budget-friendly option: polymer-modified cement grout + sealer

If you're on a tighter budget, a good-quality polymer-modified cement grout, installed correctly and sealed with a penetrating grout sealer, can perform very well in a shower.

This option works best when:

• The bathroom has good ventilation (exhaust fan and/or window)
• The shower is part of a properly waterproofed system (membrane, falls to drain, correct tile and grout selection)
• You're comfortable with occasional maintenance (cleaning and potential resealing)

Best middle ground: urethane grout

Urethane grout sits between cement and epoxy in terms of cost and performance. It's a strong choice if you want better water and stain resistance than standard cement grout, but don't want the complexity of epoxy.

Consider urethane if you:

• Want flexibility to handle slight movement in the substrate
• Prefer a no-seal solution with good durability
• Are doing a mid-range renovation and can invest a bit more than basic cement grout

Recommended grout products for showers in Australia

As Melbourne tilers, we regularly work with grout products available through Bunnings, Beaumont Tiles and trade suppliers. The "best" product depends on your budget, tile type and installer experience, but these are reliable options we see and use on jobs.

Epoxy grout recommendations

• Dunlop Epoxy Grout – widely specified for showers and wet areas; excellent durability and chemical resistance.
• Bostik Epoxy Grout – similar performance; available through larger tile suppliers and trade stores.
• Mapei Epoxy Grout (Kerapoxy) – a widely trusted trade-grade epoxy line, popular for its colour range and strong chemical and stain resistance in wet areas.
• Ardex Epoxy Grout (EG 15) – a high-performance, easy-clean epoxy used where strict hygiene and strong chemical resistance are required.
• Davco Epoxy Grout – a three-part epoxy system suited to demanding wet-area and commercial applications.
• Laticrete SpectraLOCK Pro – a premium epoxy grout known for colour uniformity and stain resistance, widely used in showers and pools.

Cement-based grout recommendations (for showers with sealer)

• Dunlop Grout (polymer-modified range) – good all-rounder for residential bathrooms.
• Bostik Grout – commonly used by tilers for its workability and colour consistency.
• Davco Grout – another popular choice for wall and floor tiling in wet areas when paired with a sealer.
• Ardex Grout (FG 8) – a flexible, colour-consistent cement-based grout with built-in mould resistance, suitable for wet areas.
• Mapei Grout (Ultracolor range) – a polymer-modified cement grout valued for consistent colour and stain resistance.
• Laticrete PermaColor Select – a premium cement-based grout offering strong stain resistance and colour consistency.

For any cement-based grout in a shower, use a penetrating grout sealer once the grout is fully cured, and reapply according to the sealer manufacturer's instructions.

Urethane grout options

• Various single-component urethane grouts are available through specialist tile suppliers and trade outlets. Ask your tiler or supplier which urethane products they recommend for your specific tile and shower design.

Grout comparison for showers at a glance

Common mistakes with shower grout

• Using the wrong grout type: standard, non-modified cement grout in a high-use shower without sealing.
• Poor joint preparation: dusty or damp joints lead to weak bonding and pinholes.
• Incorrect mixing: too much water weakens the grout and increases porosity.
• Skipping the sealer: for cement-based grout in showers, not sealing is one of the biggest causes of mould and staining.
• Bad ventilation: even the best grout will struggle in a bathroom with no exhaust fan or window.

When to call a professional tiler

Grout is only one part of a waterproof, long-lasting shower. If you're planning a new bathroom or ensuite, it's worth getting advice from a professional tiler or waterproofing specialist.

Consider calling a professional if:

• You're doing a full bathroom renovation or building a new home.
• You want epoxy grout installed correctly the first time.
• You've had previous issues with leaking, mould or grout failure.
• You're using large-format tiles, natural stone or complex layouts.

TN Stone provides tiling, stonemasonry and waterproofing services across Melbourne and the western suburbs, including Brookfield, Werribee, Footscray and surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions

Is epoxy grout worth it for a shower?

For most showers, yes. Epoxy grout offers the best long-term water and stain resistance, with minimal ongoing maintenance. It's especially worth it in family bathrooms, high-use ensuite showers and any renovation where you want the grout to last as long as the tiles.

Can I use cement grout in a shower?

Yes, as long as you use a polymer-modified cement grout designed for wet areas, install it correctly as part of a full waterproofing system, and seal it with a penetrating grout sealer. Good ventilation is also essential to reduce mould risk.

How often should shower grout be sealed?

It depends on the sealer and usage, but a common recommendation is every 1–3 years for cement-based grout in showers. Check the sealer manufacturer's instructions and inspect the grout regularly for water absorption or staining.

Does grout colour matter in a shower?

Yes. Darker grout colours tend to show less staining and discolouration over time, while very light colours (especially white) can look dirty more quickly in high-use showers. Your tiler can show you samples of different grout colours against your tiles.