How to Grout Tiles in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

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

Grouting is one of the most important steps in any tiling job. It locks tiles in place, protects the substrate from water, and gives your finished surface a clean, professional look. Whether you're a DIYer tackling a small area or a homeowner choosing finishes for a renovation, this guide explains exactly how to grout tiles, which grout types are used in Australia, and which products we recommend as Melbourne-based tilers and stonemasons.

What is grout and why does it matter?

Grout is a paste used to fill the gaps (joints) between tiles. Once it hardens, it helps lock tiles in place, keeps water and dirt out of the substrate, and creates a finished look.

The right grout affects:

• Waterproofing: especially critical in showers, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas.
• Stain resistance: some grouts resist mould, soap scum and spills much better than others.
• Tile movement: flexible grouts handle slight expansion and contraction without cracking.

Grout is different from silicone. Grout fills the gaps between tiles on the same surface; silicone is used at movement joints and corners — for example, where walls meet floors or at internal corners in showers.

Types of grout available in Australia

In Australia, you'll mainly find three types of tile grout: cement-based, epoxy, and urethane (single-component). Each has its own strengths and best-use cases.

Cement-based grout

Cement-based grout is the most common type used in Australian homes. It's a powder mixed with water or a latex additive to form a paste.

Typical uses:

• General wall and floor tiling in living areas, kitchens, hallways
• Low to moderate moisture areas where a separate waterproofing system is used

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Easy to mix, apply and clean
• Widely available from Bunnings, Beaumonts and trade suppliers (brands like Dunlop, Bostik, Davco)
• Available in many colours to match or contrast tiles

Cons:

• Porous, so it can stain and absorb water if not sealed
• More prone to mould and discolouration in wet areas without proper sealing and ventilation
• May require re-sealing over time in showers and high-moisture zones

Epoxy grout

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

Typical uses:

• Shower floors and walls
• Commercial kitchens, laundries and high-traffic areas
• Areas exposed to constant water, chemicals or heavy staining

Pros:

• Excellent water and stain resistance
• Highly resistant to mould, chemicals and cleaning products
• Very durable and long-lasting
• No sealing required once cured

Cons:

• More expensive than cement-based grout
• Shorter working time; sets faster
• Harder to apply and clean; mistakes are more difficult to fix
• Often best installed by experienced tilers

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

Urethane (single-component) grout

Urethane grout comes ready-mixed in a tub. It's a flexible, water-resistant grout that cures to a tough, rubber-like finish.

Typical uses:

• Residential bathrooms and ensuites
• Areas with slight movement or vibration
• Situations where you want better flexibility than cement without the complexity of epoxy

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Higher cost than standard cement grout
• Fewer product options and colours available in Australia
• Can still be tricky for inexperienced DIYers to achieve a perfect finish

Grout type comparison at a glance

How to grout tiles: step-by-step

The following steps apply to most cement-based and many urethane grouts. Epoxy grout follows similar principles but has stricter mixing and cleaning requirements — always follow the specific product instructions.

1. Prepare the tiles and joints. Make sure the tile adhesive is fully cured (usually 24 hours, check the product label). Remove all tile spacers, then vacuum or sweep the joints to remove dust and debris. Clean, dry joints help the grout bond properly and reduce pinholes.
2. Mix the grout. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for water or additive ratios. Add powder to liquid (not the other way around) and mix to a smooth, creamy, lump-free consistency. Let it slake (rest) for the recommended time, then remix briefly before applying.
3. Apply the grout. Using a rubber grout float held at about 45°, spread the grout diagonally across the tiles. Press firmly so the grout is forced into the joints, not just sitting on the surface. Work in small sections (around 1–2 m² at a time) so the grout doesn't skin over before you clean it.
4. Clean off excess grout. After 10–20 minutes, use a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout from the tile surface. Rinse the sponge often and wring it well. Use light, diagonal passes to avoid pulling grout out of the joints.
5. Final clean and haze removal. Once the grout is mostly set but still slightly soft, do a final wipe with a nearly dry microfibre cloth. If a haze remains after curing, use a grout haze remover — never harsh acids unless the label specifically allows it.
6. Curing and sealing. Allow the grout to cure fully before exposing it to water or heavy traffic (typically 24–72 hours). For cement-based grout in wet areas, apply a penetrating grout sealer once fully cured.

Which grout should I use for my project?

What grout is best for a bathroom shower in Australia?

For bathroom showers, epoxy grout is often the best choice because of its excellent water and stain resistance and lack of ongoing sealing requirements. High-quality polymer-modified cement grout with a good sealer is a common, more budget-friendly alternative, especially when installed as part of a full waterproofing system.

What grout is best for kitchen floors?

For kitchen floors in Australian homes, a polymer-modified cement-based grout is usually sufficient, particularly if spills are cleaned up promptly. In busy family kitchens or commercial-style spaces, urethane or epoxy grout can provide extra stain and chemical resistance.

What grout is best for outdoor tiles?

Outdoor areas are exposed to UV, rain, and temperature changes, so you want a grout that can handle movement and moisture. A flexible, weather-resistant cement-based grout designed for exterior use is common; in high-exposure areas, urethane or a premium exterior-rated grout can improve longevity.

Recommended grout products in Australia

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

Cement-based grout

• Dunlop Grout range – widely available at Bunnings and Beaumonts; good for general wall and floor tiling.
• Bostik Grout – another common choice for residential projects, with various colours and performance grades.
• Davco Grout – often specified by tilers for its workability and colour consistency.
• Ardex Grout (FG 8) – a flexible, colour-consistent grout with built-in mould resistance, suited to walls and floors.
• Mapei Grout (Ultracolor range) – a polymer-modified cement grout valued for consistent colour and stain resistance.
• Laticrete PermaColor Select – a premium cement-based grout with strong stain resistance and colour consistency.

Look for terms like "polymer-modified", "mould-resistant", or "for wet areas" on the label, and pair with a quality penetrating sealer in showers and other wet zones.

Epoxy grout

• Dunlop Epoxy Grout – commonly used in showers, commercial areas, and high-traffic zones.
• 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.
• 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.

Urethane (single-component) grout

• Various urethane/single-component grouts are available through specialist tile suppliers and trade outlets. It's worth asking your tiler or supplier what they recommend for your project.

Pros and cons of different grout types

Pros and cons of cement-based grout

• Pros: affordable, easy to use, widely available, many colour options.
• Cons: porous, can stain and grow mould in wet areas without sealing and good ventilation, may need resealing over time.

Pros and cons of epoxy grout

• Pros: extremely water- and stain-resistant, very durable, mould- and chemical-resistant, no sealing required.
• Cons: higher cost, shorter working time, more difficult to apply and correct, best handled by experienced installers.

Pros and cons of urethane grout

• Pros: flexible, good water and stain resistance, usually no sealing required, easier to apply than epoxy.
• Cons: more expensive than standard cement grout, fewer product options and colours in Australia, still requires care during application.

When to call a professional tiler

DIY grouting can work well for small, low-risk areas. However, some situations are best handled by a professional tiler, especially when waterproofing, large-format tiles, or complex layouts are involved.

Consider calling a professional if:

• You're tiling a shower, wet room, or any area that requires waterproofing.
• You're using large-format porcelain or natural stone, where evenness and joint consistency are critical.
• You have complex patterns (herringbone, mixed materials, different tile sizes).
• You've had previous issues with leaking, mould, or grout failure.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long does grout take to dry?

Most grouts are firm enough for light cleaning within a few hours, but full curing typically takes 24–72 hours depending on the product, temperature and humidity. Always check the specific product instructions before exposing the area to water or heavy use.

Do I need to seal grout?

Cement-based grout in wet areas (showers, bathroom floors, laundries) should be sealed with a penetrating grout sealer to reduce water absorption and staining. Epoxy and most urethane grouts do not require sealing.

Can I change the colour of existing grout?

Yes. Options include using a grout colourant or stain, or in some cases removing and re-grouting the joints. The best approach depends on the current grout type, tile, and condition of the area. A professional tiler can assess whether re-grouting or a colourant is more suitable.

How do I stop mould in shower grout?

Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and using mould-resistant or epoxy grout in showers all help. For cement grout, a quality sealer and wiping down walls after showers can significantly reduce mould growth over time.