Epoxy vs Cement Grout: Which Is Better for Tiles in Australia?

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

Choosing between epoxy grout and cement grout can make a big difference to how your tiled area performs over time. The right choice affects water resistance, stain resistance, maintenance, appearance and long-term durability. In this guide, we compare epoxy vs cement grout for Australian homes, including bathrooms, showers, kitchens, floors and outdoor areas.

What is the difference between epoxy grout and cement grout?

What is cement grout?

Cement grout is the traditional grout used between tiles. It is typically made from a cement-based powder mix and is widely used because it is affordable, available in many colours, and relatively easy to work with.

The main drawback is that cement grout is porous. That means it can absorb moisture, collect stains and become more prone to mould or discolouration over time unless it is sealed and maintained properly.

What is epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. Unlike cement grout, it forms a much denser, less porous grout joint that is highly resistant to water, stains, chemicals and everyday wear.

Epoxy grout is commonly chosen for showers, wet areas, laundries, splashbacks, commercial kitchens and other areas where durability and hygiene matter most. TN Stone specialises in epoxy grout upgrades — see our Epoxy Grouting & Shower Regrouting service page.

Epoxy grout vs cement grout at a glance

Pros and cons of cement grout

Advantages of cement grout

• More affordable: usually the cheaper option for both materials and labour.
• Easier to apply: more forgiving during installation for tilers and DIY users.
• Widely available: common Australian brands include Dunlop, Bostik and Davco, with plenty of colour options.
• Suitable for many dry or moderate-use areas: works well on general wall tiling, splashbacks and many internal floors when properly selected and installed.

Disadvantages of cement grout

• Porous: can absorb water and stains if left unsealed.
• More maintenance: often needs sealing and ongoing upkeep in showers and bathrooms.
• More prone to discolouration: soap scum, moisture and grime can change appearance over time.
• May crack or wear sooner in demanding areas: especially in high-moisture or high-traffic spaces.

Pros and cons of epoxy grout

Advantages of epoxy grout

• Excellent water resistance: absorbs far less moisture than cement grout.
• High stain resistance: performs much better against soap scum, cleaning products, oils and general bathroom grime.
• Lower maintenance: does not require sealing once cured.
• Greater durability: often chosen where long-term performance matters, including family bathrooms and commercial spaces.
• Better hygiene performance: less porous, generally easier to keep clean over time.

Disadvantages of epoxy grout

• Higher cost: usually costs more than cement grout, in both product cost and installation time.
• Harder to apply: shorter working time and less forgiving during installation.
• Cleanup is more critical: residue must be cleaned properly during installation to avoid haze or sheen.
• Can be less suitable for some finishes without care: porous tiles or natural stone may need additional preparation.

Which grout is better for showers?

For most showers, epoxy grout is the better long-term option. It is more resistant to water, mould, stains and heavy day-to-day use, which is why it is frequently recommended for bathrooms, ensuites and wet areas.

Cement grout can still be used in showers, but it should usually be a quality polymer-modified product, installed correctly as part of a proper waterproofing system, and sealed after curing. Even then, it will generally need more maintenance over time than epoxy grout.

For a deeper wet-area guide, see Best Grout for Showers in Australia.

Which grout is better for kitchens, floors and splashbacks?

Kitchen splashbacks

Cement grout is often perfectly suitable for kitchen splashbacks because these areas are usually lower-risk than showers and easier to keep clean. Epoxy grout can still be a great upgrade if you want stronger stain resistance near cooktops or heavy-use prep areas.

Internal floor tiles

For general floor tiling in living areas, hallways and standard residential spaces, cement grout is often enough when correctly specified. If the floor sees heavy wear, frequent spills or harsher cleaning conditions, epoxy grout may offer better long-term performance.

Laundries and wet areas

In laundries, powder rooms and wet utility areas, epoxy grout is often worth considering because of its better moisture and chemical resistance. It is especially useful where durability and easy cleaning are priorities.

Which grout lasts longer?

In most demanding applications, epoxy grout lasts longer. Its denser composition makes it more resistant to moisture, staining, chemical exposure and general wear, which helps it hold its appearance and performance over time.

Cement grout can still last well in the right application, but in wet areas it is more vulnerable to deterioration, discolouration and maintenance issues if sealing is skipped or the area stays damp for long periods.

Is epoxy grout worth the extra cost?

For many bathroom and shower renovations, the answer is yes. Epoxy grout costs more upfront, but it can reduce ongoing sealing, cleaning and regrouting issues later, especially in high-use family bathrooms.

Cement grout remains a practical option when budget is tight, when the tiled area is lower-risk, or when the job does not justify the extra material and labour cost of epoxy. The best decision often depends on where the tiles are going, how often the area gets wet, and how much maintenance you want to deal with in future.

Recommended grout types for common projects

When to choose cement grout

• You want the lower upfront-cost option.
• The tiled area is relatively dry or lower-risk.
• You are tiling a splashback, wall or standard internal floor.
• You are comfortable with sealing and maintaining grout in wet areas if needed.

When to choose epoxy grout

• You are tiling a shower, ensuite, laundry or wet area.
• You want lower maintenance and stronger stain resistance.
• You want the longest-lasting option for a high-use area.
• You are investing in a bathroom renovation where durability matters more than the lowest upfront cost.

When to call a professional tiler

Epoxy grout is usually best installed by a professional, especially in showers, natural stone applications, large-format tiling and detailed bathroom renovations. The shorter working time and more demanding cleanup process leave less room for error than standard cement grout.

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