Portland Or Epoxy Grout?

Ponsse

I'm an electrician by trade, I don't visit the flooring section very often so forgive me if this has been covered countless times before.

I just finished tiling my wifes entryway with porcelin tile. I was going to buy some grout today but then I got confused over the different types of grouts. They have portland cement based and some "epoxy based" grouts. The epoxy ones say they are stain resistant.

The question is: Should I use the "epoxy based" grout in an entryway? Is the epoxy based grout all that they make it out to be, or should I stick with the portland?

Thanks

cleveman

Choose a darker color which won't stain as bad, and use the normal grout. Get a matching tube of caulk (sanded), and caulk the joint up against the door first.

The epoxy can be used if you like. It is very impervious to stains. It is more difficult to apply and more expensive. If you have a small area, such as your entryway, you might try it. Read the directions thoroughly first, and don't try to do too much at once. I think the last time I read the directions, they recommended doing not more than 20 SF at one time. I'm not saying that you can't do more than this. Maybe have a helper standing by to start the clean up process in a timely manner would be a good idea.

Mike Finley

A foyer is the perfect place for expoxy grout. And yes, it is all they make it out to be, and then some. It's the only thing I use in my rental properties. It might be a more expensive and more labor intensive, but the benefits far out weigh any of that in the long run.

Bill_Vincent

Sorry, but I agree wtih Cleveman. IMO, epoxy grout in a residential installation, with the possible exception of a countertop, is bigtime overkill, and a waste of money. You'll do alot better going with a medium to dark colored grout, being that it's a high traffic area, and then you won't even have to worry about sealing it, either, because it won't show up any staining, aging, or wear paths.

After rereading Mike's post, I'll add one more exception-- rental properties. Those, you want as bulletproof as possible, but then again, in a manner of speaking, it's a commercial property, too.

__________________
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."

http://www.creativeceramicandmarble.com

Ponsse

Money isn't an issue, it's pretty minor compared with the rest of the upgrades the wife wants. I think I'll go with the epoxy, as long as the labor issues you guys talk about are only a quicker setup time.

Thanks for the advise, it's appreciated!

Ponsse

P.S.

I'm concerned about the stain resistance because I live in the north where we have 4 seasons: summer, mud, winter (melting snow off the boots), and mud again. My entryway gets way dirtier than my countertops!

Thanks again.

Bill_Vincent

You might want to check my location under my avatar. We INVENTED Mud season!!

__________________
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."

http://www.creativeceramicandmarble.com

Mike Finley

I've mostly used Spectra Lock (you can get it at Lowes). Very simple to use and I actually think it almost is a wash when you look at install time. Yes, takes longer to install, (mixing the two parts) mostly because of the mixing time and the smaller quantities it comes in (Spectra lock), but clean up I think is faster since it doesn't haze over, you just give it a good water clean up once and I usually am good to go.

I think the Spectra Lock is pretty expensive since it's packaged in such small quantities. But I keep using it because of how simple it is to use. If it was something I would be using all the time I think I would be forced to find a more 'professional' material -- as in - available in 50 lb bags like normal grout.

I've got that stuff on an outside barbecue at my house and after 4 years the grout color is still consistent all over it.

master mason

Epoxy grout is harder to work with than sanded.IMO

cleveman

Alright, you're in with the epoxy.

When you go to scrape it off, turn your float at more than a 90 degree angle. You want to squeegee it off, not scrape it off.

Have hot water ready, and plenty of doodle pads. Keep it as dry as possible. You can always make it more wet if need be. Remember that you are "striking" or "dressing" the joints as well as cleaning off the tile.

Good luck. I'm glad you're making the dive. You'll be happy you did.

Ponsse

I just looked, Maine. I guess we have the same weather. I'm in northern Minnesota, the Iron Range.

Thanks for the information everybody