Cost of Regrouting a Shower by Type of Grout

Fixing the grout in a shower can cost anywhere from $400 to $960, depending on the type of grout used. The price is affected by the type, and most experts say that a polymer- or epoxy-based one will work best. If you use regular grout, you need to seal it with an impregnating sealer 24 to 48 hours after it dries to keep it from getting stained. The type used depends on the joints’ type and size, as well as how hard it is to remove and re-route them. This is why you should ask your installer what kind they think is best. Some tiles’ warranties are voided if you use the wrong type, and other tiles get damaged. We will look at the different types, what they are used for, and how much they cost when used to redo an 80-square-foot shower in the table and sections that follow.

Unsanded Grout

To redo the grout in a shower that hasn’t been sanded down costs about $400 to $480, or $5 to $6 per square foot. This price includes both the labor and the materials. Many times, this material is used for joints that are less than ⅛”. If you use it in a wider joint, it might dry out too small and leave gaps. This is what you might find in a bathroom, but it depends on the tile you have. The least expensive ones are white and light gray. The most expensive ones are special colors.

Cement for Grout

Work and materials for grout cement cost around $400 to $600. There are a lot of these on the market. This thing is cheap, simple to use, and comes in lots of colors. But they shouldn’t be used in showers because the grout almost always cracks over time, and all cement grouts that aren’t sealed or changed eventually turn gray or get mildew stains on them.

Smooth Grout

For sanded grout, it costs between $480 and $640 to redo the grout in a shower. The cost of labor is usually between $6 and $8 per square foot. It has the same base as grout that hasn’t been sanded, but sand has been added to make it thicker and stronger. This type of joint filler works better with wider gaps and is less likely to break. This means that it doesn’t need to be rerouted as often as the type that isn’t sanded.

Epoxy Grout

It will cost you between $560 and $880 to cover 80 square feet with polymer grout. You can use a polymer additive or acrylic grout when you want something that will last longer. This grout is made from cement and acrylic polymers. It can be sanded or not sanded. The new cement-based one is stiffer and harder to spread, but this one is easier to work with than epoxy. There may be no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in some brands, but some brands smell very strong. Polymer additive grouts come in the same colors as regular grouts, but they don’t need to be sealed after they’re put down. They are also known as “pre-sealed grout” sometimes. It costs more for these than other kinds.

Epoxy Grout

It costs between $720 and $960 to re-grout a shower with epoxy. Another option is epoxy-based grout, which is better for some glass tile manufacturers than basic cement grout. This grout made from epoxy resin is smoother and can be sanded or not sanded. There are strong volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come off of it right before it is used. Epoxy is pricey and hard to spread, so you will have to pay more for labor if you choose it over cement. Epoxy, on the other hand, doesn’t crack because it’s flexible. It doesn’t stain or change color either because it doesn’t have any pores. Epoxy doesn’t soak up stains like cement-based grout does. Not all people who put in tiles have worked with epoxy, and some may not want to. With epoxy grout, you don’t have to redo the whole job unless you want to change the color. This is because epoxy grout doesn’t seal in color like sanded cement grout does.

Average Cost per Square Foot:

• HomeAdvisor: Estimates range from $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on tile type and project specifics.

• Homewyse: Provides a cost range of $15.37 to $33.72 per square foot as of January 2025, with variations due to site conditions and option

• Mexican Tile Restoration: Suggests costs between $5 to $28 per square foot, influenced by location, grout type, and tile characteristics.

Factors Influencing Costs:

1. Tile Condition: Damaged or heavily soiled tiles may require additional preparation, increasing labor time and costs.

2. Grout Type: Standard cement-based grout is typically less expensive, while epoxy or polymer grouts, known for durability and resistance to stains, are priced higher

3. Labor Rates: Professional labor charges can vary based on region and experience. It’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing.

4. Project Size: Larger areas might benefit from bulk pricing, potentially reducing the cost per square foot.

Estimated Total Costs:

For a standard 100-square-foot kitchen floor, the total regrouting cost can range from $500 to $2,500, based on the per-square-foot estimates provided above.

Additional Considerations:

• DIY vs. Professional Services: While DIY regrouting kits are available, achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing result often requires professional expertise.

• Maintenance: Proper sealing after regrouting can extend the lifespan of the grout and maintain the floor’s appearance.

In summary, regrouting a kitchen floor is an effective way to enhance its look and functionality. Costs can vary widely, so it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your project and consult with professionals to obtain accurate estimates.

TILE REGROUTING COSTS

Overall regrouting expenses

Regrouting tile runs between $2 and 25 per square foot (sq. ft.). Regrout 80 square feet of tile at the national average cost of $1,320, or $16.50 per square foot. Total regrouting expenses could cover cleaning, demolition and repairs, grout removal and application, caulking and sealing.

Not every regrouting job is exactly like another. Costs depend on the condition or current tile surfaces, total square footage, materials and techniques needed. The possible regrouting project expenses for adding new grout including labor and materials are broken out here.

Shower costs, $10 to $25 per square foot Because of their frequent contact to running water, abrasive cleaners, and mold and mildew susceptibility, shower tiles usually require more frequent regrouting than other areas. Shower regrouting is more difficult and time-consuming since the inside of a shower is compact and surfaces are less easily accessible.

Walls run $5–6 per square foot. Generally speaking, well maintained, dry wall tiles stay in good condition longer than those in other areas. Usually simple and less expensive than showers, regrouting bathroom wall tiles is easy.

Floor space, $6–8 per square foot. Regular cleaning and heavy foot traffic can cause the grout separating floor tiles to deteriorate.

Countertops, $10 to $25 an hour. Usually since the surfaces of a countertop are easily reachable, routing one is a simple task. To regrout a 2 x 8-foot counter, expect to pay for roughly half-day’s labor plus materials.

Variables related to cost

These tools can influence the cost of a regrouting project.

Grout removal: $6.50–16.50 square foot. Before applying fresh grout, existing grout between tiles has to be removed. About two-thirds of the grout replacement fee goes toward labor expenses to grind grout from between tiles.

Tile width. The work takes more time since small tiles mean many voids between them that must be filled.

Grouting type. The most often used grouts are cement based ones. They present unsanded and sanded grouts. Wider joints are accomplished with sanded grouts. Depending on the tile size and joint width, a 25-pound bag of grout runs $10–25 and can cover 100 to 200 square feet of tile surface. Cost three to five times more than cement grues, epoxy grouts are more moisture resistant. Epoxy grouts call for professional application.

Sealer for grouts. One or more coats of grout sealer should be sprayed to surfaces regrouted with cement-based material for best results in terms of moisture prevention. For a regrouting operation, sealant application adds $1–3 per square foot.

Repairing tile and substrate is easy. Water seeping through unsound grout can compromise wood frame and tile underlayment. Before grouting, replace water damage including cracked or broken tiles, damaged drywall, rotted plywood and framing members. For basic regrouting, repair expenses could significantly raise the cost.

Saving money: how to do it?

This is how to save on a regrouting project.

Have tile surfaces professionally cleaned instead of regrouted. Cleaning is the better, less expensive way to freshen the look of tile and grout even if they seem dirty-looking but otherwise sound. A tiny fraction of the average cost of regrouting, tile and grout cleaning runs $2–4 per square foot. Professional cleaners usually clean tile and grout using ph-neutral detergent solutions and steam cleaning equipment.

Sealants should be applied personally. Homeowners save a few bucks by doing this part of the work themselves. To maintain the grout, follow up with at least once annual fresh coatings of sealer.

Refreshing and/or changing tile joint color can be accomplished with grout paint. Renewal of the appearance or color of sound grout joints on up to 300 square feet of tile surface is less than $15.

FAQ’s:

Bathroom tiles should be regrouted how often?

Usually, tile grout holds ten to fifteen years. Maybe you should grout showers more frequently. In any case, areas where grout is soft, powdery, missing should be regrouted right away to stop underlayment from suffering water damage and tile edge chipping.

A shower’s regrouting cost depends on what?

Shower surfaces are more likely than others to require regrouting given their continuous moisture exposure. Pay $10 to 25 per square foot installed. Yearly tile sealer applications help to protect grout.

Which is less expensive—regrouting or replacing tile?

Though most projects fall in the $5–8 per square foot range, regrouting projects average $2–25 per square feet. Installing fresh ceramic or porcelain tile will cost $7–23 per square foot plus another $2–3 per square foot to remove the old tile.

What Is Grout?

As reported by TCNATile.com, grout is a mixture of cement, aggregate, and other materials (such as sand or water) that creates a water-resistant, compact, and evenly colored material that is typically used to fill spaces or to reinforce existing structures.

Short and sweet, grout is basically a material used to fill the cracks, spaces, or gaps in man-made or natural materials.

There are two main classifications of grout: cementitious and chemical grout. Each grout class also has its own sub-classes, such as sanded and un-sanded grout.

What Is Grouts Purpose?

As mentioned above, one of the most general applications of grout is to fill gaps and seal joints, such as the areas between tiles. Grout is going to fill in those spaces and stops the tiles from eventually moving or getting damaged along their edges.

It can also be used through pressure grouting, which is a method that pumps grout into soft ground or structural gaps to stabilize and strengthen present structures, or structures in which the foundations have moved.

These mixtures also come in handy for inserting rebar in masonry walls or connecting segments of pre-casted concrete.

Why Do You Require Grout Between Your Tiles?

When installing tiles, the tiles you’re installing are going to first be bonded to a floor, wall, or surface of your selection. After the tiles have been clued in place, there are going to be spaces in between each of the tiles.

This is where you need grout.

As mentioned above, grout locks tiles in place and prevents the tiles from eventually moving. Another benefit? Grout also safeguards the edges of tiles and keeps them from easily chipping.

So, when you want a tile installation that is going to look beautiful and last, be sure you get your grout!

TILE REGROUTING COSTS

Regrouting a tiled shower, bathroom, or kitchen backsplash costs around $7 – $28 each sq ft.

Cost To Regrout a Tiled Floor

Regrouting a tiled floor costs around $5 – $11 for each sq ft including labor. Regrouting a 200 – 300 square foot living room floor costs around $1,000 – $3,300 on average.

Cost to Regrout a Kitchen and Bathroom

Shower or bathroom regrouting costs around $7 – $28 each sq ft, subject to the area, size and type of tile, type of grout, added sealing, and handiness.

Regrouting a half-bath floor and shower costs around $700 – $2,800. Regrouting a main bathroom and walk-in shower costs around $2,100 – $9,800.

Backsplashes And Countertop Regrouting Costs

Backsplashes and countertop regrouting costs around $5 – $13 each sq ft including labor and materials, subject to the tile shape and its pattern (if it has one).

Regrouting backsplashes costs around $150 – $400 on average. In contrast, new backsplash installation costs around $10 – $50 for each sq ft or $500 – $1,700 on average.

Grout costs for each sq ft

Grout costs around $0.02 – $1.00 each sq ft solely for materials, subject to the type. Epoxy grout is the costliest option but is more long lasting and resistant to water than others. All other types of grout necessitate sealing to hinder staining, cracking, or worse, mold.

Tile regrouting cost factors

The below factors impact the costs of tile regrouting:

• Cost of labor – A regrouting tile contractor charges $20 – $60 each hour for labor, subject to the location, shape of the tile, and the size of the tile joint. A jack of all trades will charge $50 – $80 each hour or $250 – $1,000 entire for regrouting.
• Cost of materials – Grout costs around $0.02 – $1.00 each sq ft solely for materials, subject on the type. Un-sanded epoxy and polymer grouts are more expensive than sanded grout, however, it is not going to stain or crack as easily.
• Condition of the grout – Damaged or falling apart grout might be easier for removing than undamaged grout, decreasing labor time and expenses.
• Width and depth of joints – Wider joints between the tiles necessitates more grout, which raises material expenses. Typical joint sizes are 1/4″, 3/16″, 1/8″, and 1/16″.
• Tile size / type / shape – Larger, squared, or rectangular tiles are less costly to grout than smaller tiles, mosaics, or distinct tile shapes.
• Size of the area / location / accessibility – Larger areas cost more in materials for regrouting, whereas small showers cost more in labor since they’re more difficult to get to.
• Sealing tiles – Grout sealant costs around $0.50 – $1.50 each sq ft on average solely for materials. Sealant is needed for a lot of cement-based grouts but not for epoxy.

Damaged Grout

While repairing damaged grout can seem like a tedious task, there are many tools and companies equipped to bring your flooring back to life. First, homeowners must understand the many types of grout used for tiles. The two major forms that grout comes in are sanded and unsanded. Smaller spaces between tile generally require unsanded grout, with larger areas calling for the sanded version. Before beginning any cleanup or repairs, make sure you know the type of grout used in your flooring, and measure the areas between the tiles for an accurate pour.

Repairing Grout Cracks

Filling these cracks will make your tile flooring look like it was newly installed. Don’t stress out about any cracks, by the way, as this material will require some minor repairs over time. The first step towards repairing any areas would be to mix the new grout in a small bowl or other container. Check for manufacturer’s instructions before going forward with this task, though. Next, spread the newly mixed group evenly over the desired areas. Do this in several different patterns, ensuring that you have completely covered the old grout with a smooth, new layering. Scrape any excess grout off the tiles as soon as possible, so that it does not stick anywhere other than where you meant to lay this material. Lastly, let the grout sit and dry for several minutes.

Step-by-step instructions for repairing grout cracks:

• Mix new grout in a small bowl or container with water.
• Spread the new grout in the desired areas, evenly.
• Clear out any excess grout as quickly as possible.
• Let the new grout sit and dry for several minutes.

Grout Cleaning

If no repairs are needed, but you’d still like to treat your grout to keep it in the best possible shape, there are many ways to clean the material. Simply brushing the grout with a tool like a toothbrush and hot water will help preserve the grout. A more effective way to clean the grout, though, is by spraying the material with warm water and vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then brush the grout. Using a small amount of chlorine bleach can work, as well. Be careful with the bleach, though, as you do not want to overdo it with this substance, for obvious reasons.

Quick ways to clean grout:

• Use warm water and brush the grout with a small tool.
• Spray water/vinegar mix onto grout, then scrub.
• Use a small amount of chlorine bleach on the material.
• Clean the areas with a steam mop.