What Is the Difference Between Sanded and Unsanded Grout?
When it comes to grout, there are two main types: sanded and unsanded. Although both types of grout are used for a variety of applications, there are some important differences between them that you should be aware of. Here is a breakdown of the differences between sanded and unsanded grout:
Texture
Sanded grout is made up of a mix of Portland cement, water, and fine sand particles, resulting in a thicker, gritty texture. Unsanded grout, on the other hand, is made with Portland cement and water, but does not contain any sand. As a result, it has a smoother, more paste-like consistency.
Strength
Sanded grout is the stronger of the two types of grout, due to the presence of sand particles. This makes it ideal for areas with heavier traffic, such as kitchen and bathroom floors. Unsanded grout is not as strong, so it should be used for areas with lighter traffic, such as backsplashes and walls.
Joint Width
Sanded grout can be used in joints that are up to 1/8-inch wide, making it the better option for larger joints. Unsanded grout should only be used in joints that are 1/16-inch wide or less.
Staining
Sanded grout is more prone to staining than unsanded grout, due to its coarse texture. This makes unsanded grout the better option for areas that are prone to staining, such as shower walls and countertops.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Sanded vs Unsanded Grout for Showers?
Sanded and unsanded grout are both commonly used for shower tiling projects, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before deciding which is the best choice for your needs. Sanded grout is made with sand added to a base of cement and other binding materials, while unsanded grout is made with just the cement and other binding materials.
Pros of Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is typically the better choice for larger grout joints, which are those that are 1/8 inch or wider. This type of grout is much more durable and resistant to cracking than unsanded grout, making it the ideal choice for projects that involve larger tiles and wider grout joints. Sanded grout also has better adhesive properties than unsanded grout, so it is less likely to come loose over time.
Cons of Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is not suitable for use with tiles that are less than 1/8 inch wide, as the sand particles can become trapped in the grout lines and cause staining and discoloration. Sanded grout also requires more water to mix and is more difficult to spread than unsanded grout, so it can be more difficult to work with.
Pros of Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout is the better choice for small grout joints, which are those that are less than 1/8 inch wide. This type of grout is much easier to spread and will not leave sand particles behind, making it ideal for projects that involve smaller tiles and narrower grout joints. Unsanded grout is also less expensive than sanded grout, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Cons of Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout is not as strong or durable as sanded grout, so it may crack or come loose over time if used in large grout joints. This type of grout also has less adhesive properties than sanded grout, so it is more likely to need to be replaced more often. Unsanded grout is also more prone to staining, so it may need to be sealed more often.
Which Type of Grout Is Best for a Shower: Sanded or Unsanded?
When it comes to choosing the right grout for your shower, there are two main types of grout to consider: sanded grout and unsanded grout. While both types of grout have their benefits, they also come with some drawbacks. Knowing the pros and cons of each type of grout will help you make the best decision for your shower.
Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is a type of grout that contains sand, cement, and water. It is thicker than unsanded grout and is often used in areas with larger tile joints, such as showers. Sanded grout provides a stronger bond than unsanded grout and is less likely to crack or shrink. It is also less likely to discolor over time.
Pros of Sanded Grout
- Stronger bond – Sanded grout provides a stronger bond than unsanded grout, making it a great choice for areas with larger tile joints.
- Less likely to crack or shrink – Sanded grout is less likely to crack or shrink over time, making it a good choice for areas with larger tiles.
- Less likely to discolor – Sanded grout is less likely to discolor over time, making it a good choice for areas with lighter colored tiles.
Cons of Sanded Grout
- Difficult to clean – Sanded grout can be more difficult to clean than unsanded grout due to its thicker consistency.
- Can be more difficult to apply – Sanded grout can be more difficult to apply than unsanded grout due to its thicker consistency.
- More expensive – Sanded grout is typically more expensive than unsanded grout due to its higher quality.
When it comes to choosing the right grout for your shower, sanded grout is a great choice for areas with larger tile joints. It provides a stronger bond and is less likely to crack or shrink over time. However, sanded grout can be more difficult to clean and apply than unsanded grout and is typically more expensive.
How to Choose Between Sanded and Unsanded Grout for Shower Installation
When installing a shower, one of the most important steps is to select the right type of grout. Sanded and unsanded grout are the two main types of grout used for showers, and it is important to understand the differences between the two in order to make the right decision for your shower installation.
The Difference Between Sanded and Unsanded Grout
The main difference between sanded and unsanded grout is the presence of sand. Sanded grout contains sand, which gives it more strength and makes it ideal for larger gaps between tiles. Unsanded grout does not contain sand, making it more suitable for smaller gaps between tiles.
When to Use Sanded Grout
Sanded grout should be used when the gap between the tiles is larger than 1/8th of an inch. The sand in the grout gives it added strength and makes it more resistant to cracking and shrinking. It is also better at filling larger gaps and can be used in areas with more traffic, such as showers and floors.
When to Use Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout should be used when the gap between the tiles is smaller than 1/8th of an inch. Unsanded grout is smoother and less likely to scratch the tiles, making it ideal for areas with delicate tiles, such as showers and walls. The lack of sand also makes it easier to work with and more resistant to cracking and shrinking.
It is important to note that both sanded and unsanded grout can be used in showers, but it is important to choose the right type for the gap between the tiles. If the gap is larger than 1/8th of an inch, sanded grout should be used. If the gap is smaller than 1/8th of an inch, unsanded grout should be used.
When choosing between sanded and unsanded grout, it is important to consider the size of the gap between the tiles and the area in which it will be used. Sanded grout is stronger and better at filling larger gaps, while unsanded grout is smoother and more suitable for delicate tiles.
Sanded vs Unsanded Grout: What’s the Best Choice for Showers?
When it comes to grouting your shower, you may be wondering whether to use sanded or unsanded grout. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the options carefully. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of sanded and unsanded grout for showers.
Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is a popular choice for showers, as it is more durable and provides a better seal against water. It is also easy to apply and comes in a variety of colors. On the downside, sanded grout is more difficult to clean and can be difficult to remove if you need to make repairs.
Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout is a good choice for showers that have smaller joints, as it is easier to work with and will not shrink or crack as easily. It is also more resistant to staining and easier to clean than sanded grout. However, unsanded grout is not as durable as sanded grout and can be more susceptible to water damage.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing between sanded and unsanded grout for showers, it really depends on the size of the joints and the level of durability you need. For larger joints, sanded grout is the better choice as it is more durable and provides a better seal. For smaller joints, unsanded grout is a good option as it is easier to work with and less likely to stain.
