Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: How Do You Choose the Right One?

Choosing the wrong grout can ruin your tile project. You worry about cracks, stains, and a messy finish. Understanding the difference between [sanded](https://www.rubi.com/us/blog/sanded-vs-unsanded-grout）%%%FOOTNOTE_REF_1%%% and unsanded grout² is the key.

Sanded grout contains sand for strength in wider joints (over 1/8 inch or 3mm). Unsanded grout is smooth for narrow joints (under 1/8 inch) and delicate tiles. The best choice depends on your tile gap width and the tile material itself.

I’ve been in the grout manufacturing business for over a decade at SentolPro. I see professionals and distributors face the same challenges all the time. They want a reliable product that performs well and keeps their customers happy. Let's break down the real differences between these grout types. This knowledge will save you time, money, and headaches on your projects. It will help you choose the best product for your inventory or your next job.

Is Sanded Grout Harder to Apply Than Unsanded Grout?

Grout application can be a messy and time-consuming job. You worry about wasting materials and facing long, difficult cleanup times. Knowing the application differences makes the job much easier.

Yes, traditional sanded and unsanded grout¹s can be challenging to apply. They require mixing powder and water, then spreading with a float. Modern epoxy grouts², however, come in ready-to-use tubes for a much cleaner, faster, and simpler application process.

When we talk about application, the difference isn't just about sand content. It's about the technology behind the grout. I've seen firsthand how the right product can change everything on a job site.

The Traditional Mix-and-Spread Method

Both sanded and unsanded grouts are typically cement-based. This means they come as a dry powder that you must mix with water. Getting the water-to-powder ratio³ just right is critical. Too much water makes the grout weak and prone to cracking. Too little water makes it difficult to spread. I remember a project partner in North America who had a whole crew redo a large floor. The grout was mixed inconsistently, causing color variations and weak spots. The application process itself involves spreading the mixture over the tiles with a grout float, pushing it into the joints, and then cleaning the excess off the tile surface. It's dusty, messy, and requires skill to get a uniform finish.

The Modern Cartridge System

This is where modern epoxy grouts² change the game. Our products come in a two-part cartridge. You don't do any mixing. You just attach a static mixing nozzle and put the cartridge in a standard caulking gun. You apply the grout directly into the joint. There is very little waste and almost no mess on the tile face. This method is not only cleaner but also much faster, saving valuable labor costs on projects. It's a precise, controlled application that ensures a perfect result every time.

Does Sanded Grout Look Different From Unsanded Grout?

The final look of your tile installation is critical for customer satisfaction⁴. You don't want a grout that looks rough, discolored, or cheap. The texture of the grout dramatically changes the final appearance.

Yes, they look very different. Sanded grout has a rough, sandy, matte texture. Unsanded grout is smoother but still has a porous, cement-like finish. Epoxy grouts offer a completely smooth, non-porous, and consistent finish that looks modern and clean.

The finish of the grout line is just as important as the tile itself. It frames the tile and completes the look. The material you choose has a huge impact on that final aesthetic.

The Rustic, Matte Finish of Sanded Grout

The sand in this grout creates a coarse, grainy texture. This can be a good choice for rustic tiles, like terracotta or slate, where you want a more natural, earthy look. The finish is very matte and flat. However, this rough surface has a major downside. It's like fine sandpaper, and it easily traps dirt, grime, and soap scum. This makes it difficult to clean and can lead to discoloration over time. The sand particles can also dull the color of the grout, making it look less vibrant and consistent than you might expect.

The Smooth, Premium Finish of Modern Epoxy Grout

Unsanded cement grout is smoother than sanded, but it's still a porous, cement-based product with a flat finish. Modern epoxy grout is in a different league. When it cures, it forms a surface that is as smooth as plastic. It's completely non-porous. This smooth surface doesn't trap dirt, making it incredibly easy to clean. More importantly for aesthetics, this allows the color to be incredibly vibrant and consistent. I had a client in Germany who develops high-end residential properties. He switched his projects exclusively to our epoxy grout. He told me the smooth, seamless, and clean look was exactly what his discerning buyers wanted. It elevates the entire tile installation⁵.

Is Sanded Grout More Durable and Easier to Maintain?

Grout lines are the weakest part of a tile installation. They get dirty and can crack over time. You're tired of scrubbing stains and dealing with costly callbacks and repairs.

No. While sanded grout resists shrinkage in wide joints, it is not the most durable or easiest to maintain. It's porous and stains easily, requiring regular sealing. Modern epoxy grouts are far more durable, completely waterproof, and virtually stain-proof, making maintenance effortless.

For any professional, long-term durability is the most important factor. A product that fails means an unhappy client and potential damage to your reputation. This is where the chemistry of the grout really matters.

Porosity: The Weakness of Cement Grout

The biggest problem with all cement-based grouts, both sanded and unsanded, is that they are porous. Think of them like a sponge. They absorb water, oils from cooking, soap, and dirt. This absorption leads directly to staining that is almost impossible to remove. It also creates a damp environment where mold and mildew⁶ can grow. To protect cement grout, you must apply a penetrating sealer after it cures. This sealer then needs to be reapplied every one to two years for the life of the installation. This is a hidden cost and a long-term maintenance burden that many customers are not prepared for.

The Invincible Shield of Epoxy Grout

Our epoxy grout is fundamentally different. It is not cement-based. It is a resin-based product that cures through a chemical reaction into a hard, solid plastic. This material is 100% non-porous and waterproof. It doesn't absorb anything. This means it cannot be stained by coffee, wine, or oil. It is also chemical-resistant and will not support the growth of mold or mildew. You never need to seal it. For a wholesaler, contractor, or brand owner, this is a massive selling point. It means fewer complaints, fewer callbacks, and much happier end-users. The long-term value is undeniable.

Which Grout Should I Choose for My Wholesale or Project Needs?

Choosing a product line for your business is a big decision. You worry about customer complaints, inventory issues, and product performance. Focusing on modern, reliable solutions can protect your reputation and grow your business.

For wide joints (over 1/8"), tradition says sanded grout. For narrow joints, unsanded. But for most modern applications, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, an epoxy grout is superior. It offers better performance, easier application, and higher customer satisfaction.

As a B2B supplier, your goal is to offer products that solve problems for your customers. You need a grout that is reliable, consistent, and meets the demands of modern construction.

When to Consider Traditional Grout

I'll be honest, there are still some niche uses for cement grout. In certain historical restoration projects, an authentic cement-based grout might be required to match the original materials. For very low-budget projects where long-term performance and maintenance are not the primary concerns, it can also be an option. However, in today's market, especially in quality-focused regions like Europe and North America, customer expectations are much higher. They want products that last and look good with minimal effort. Relying solely on traditional grout⁷ can leave your business behind.

Why Professionals are Switching to Epoxy

My partners, from large building material distributors to private-label brand owners, are increasingly stocking and specifying epoxy grout. The reason is simple: it solves all the common pain points of traditional grout. It eliminates calls about stains and mold. The clean and fast cartridge application saves their contractor clients time and money on labor. As a manufacturer with a 20,000㎡ factory and automated production, we can guarantee incredible batch-to-batch color consistency and quality. This is critical for our OEM partners who are building their brand's reputation. Epoxy grout is a premium, high-performance product that delivers real value and ensures projects are done right the first time.

Conclusion

Choosing between sanded and unsanded grout is about joint size. But for superior durability, easy maintenance, and a modern finish, epoxy grout is the best choice for almost any project.