Epoxy grout is a popular option used to join ceramic tiles, with most tilers choosing either epoxy or cement grout. Epoxy grout is favored because it’s durable, waterproof, and doesn’t stain easily. Unfortunately, it also costs more than cement grout.
The cost of epoxy grout is approximately $2.63 – $6.50 for each square foot (0.10 sq m). Of course, that amount will be determined by the amount of grout you use. You’ll need to consider the area of the room, the size of tiles, the number of grout lines, including the width and depth of those lines.
The good news is, this grout calculator is quite accurate, so you can get a good idea of the overall cost. Still, you’ll want to be sure before you make any decisions. So, this article will look at a few topics related to epoxy grout, including how much grout you may need.
How To Calculate the Amount of Epoxy Grout You Need
Before calculating the cost of epoxy grout, you need to know how much you need.
To figure this out, consider the following:
1. Measure the Area To Be Tiled
The first step is to determine the size of the area to be tiled:
- If your space is a perfect square or rectangle, multiply the length by the width.
- If the space has more than four corners, or if the sides aren’t even, divide the area into multiple rectangles.
- Calculate the area of the rectangles and then add the results to find the total area.
2. Measure the Tiles
Tiles come in various sizes and shapes.
Of course, smaller tiles will need more grout, as there will be more lines to fill. In contrast, larger tiles that cover more surface area won’t need as much in most cases.
And while most are four-sided, but some aren’t.
So if you choose a tile with more than four sides, there will be more lines needing grout.
Some common tile sizes are:
- 10×20 cm (3.94×7.87 in)
- 30×30 cm (11.81×11.81 in)
- 30×60 cm (11.81×23.62 in)
- 60×60 cm (23.62×23.62 in).
Ensure you measure the tiles you have to make sure they’re the same size.
If not, calculate tiles of the same size and then add the totals. Alternatively, you can use the tile calculator.
3. Establish the Space Between the Tiles
When laying tiles, spacers are used to ensure the gaps between the tiles are consistent.
Though this should make calculations easier, tile spacers are available in different thicknesses.
The most common being:
- 1 – 10 mm (0.04 – 0.39 in)
- 3 mm (0.12 in) and 4 mm (0.16 in)
Just remember: the thicker the spacer, the more grout you’ll need.
4. Calculate How Much Grout You Need
You can calculate how much grout you need by following the steps below:
- Add the tile width and length (mm) = A
- Multiply the size of the spacers against the tile thickness (mm) = B
- Multiply A x B x 1.2 (ratio of ultra tile grouts) = C
- Tile width x tile length (mm) = D
- Divide C/D = E (kg of grout per meter squared)
- Multiply E by the total area being tiled (meters squared) = Total grout in kg
Once you have this number, cross-check your findings with an epoxy grout calculator to be as sure as possible.
You should also consider adding approximately 10% to the amount of epoxy you need.
This will cover losses resulting from spillages or wastage.
How Much Does Epoxy Grout Cost vs. Cement Grout?
Compared to traditional grout options, like cement grout, epoxy grout costs more. However, the cost hasn’t slowed its use when tiling.
That said, since epoxy is an extremely fast-setting grout, it’s best to have it professionally installed to prevent losses, which cost you even more to redo.
Epoxy grout costs 3 – 5 times more than cement grout. Besides the higher purchase price, the installation cost of epoxy grout is also higher. The installer will need to work quickly to keep up with the fast-setting epoxy, which also needs cleaning during and after installation.
When choosing between epoxy and cement grout, you need to consider the cost of installing the tiles as well.
This will add to the overall cost, sometimes raising the cost significantly, especially if the tiles cover a large area.
The Tile Doctor Epoxy Grout (available on Amazon.com) is a 2.5kg (5.51 lb) package used on floor and wall tiles. It can be used as a filler for joints and as an adhesive. In addition, it can be used with porcelain, glass, wood, stone, and ceramic.
The Benefits of Using Epoxy Grout
Despite the higher price tag and installation costs, some people still prefer epoxy grout. This is because:
- Epoxy grout is waterproof.
- It doesn’t stain easily.
- It’s more resistant to cracks.
- It’s durable.
- It’s easy to clean.
- Dirt doesn’t collect on it as it does on cement grout.
- It’s versatile and can even be used as a sealant for bricks and on concrete slabs.
- It’s an excellent option for flooring in wet areas, such as the bathroom and the kitchen, as it’s mold and mildew-resistant.
- It can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
- Epoxy can be used on various materials, including marble, ceramic, and porcelain.
- It has extraordinary bond strength.
The Disadvantages of Epoxy Grout
Although epoxy has several benefits, it also has some challenges. These include:
- It’s more expensive than cement grout.
- It tends to seep through the pores of unglazed tiles, and they’re difficult to remove.
- It sets quickly, so it’s challenging to work with unless you have the expertise.
- Since it’s expensive, epoxy grout isn’t available in many colors.
Going the DIY option should save you some money.
If you’ve never grouted before, though, you may want to practice with something less expensive and fast-setting.
Read: What Are The Pros and Cons of Sealing Grout?
Conclusion
Calculating the cost of epoxy grout may seem a little complicated.
However, when you have all the dimensions, including that of the room, tiles, and spacers, you’ll be able to determine the quantity of grout you need.
Fortunately, the epoxy grout calculator makes it easier to determine the amount of grout you need and the cost.
You only need to fill in the measurements, and the system will do the rest.
Cheers, tools owners!
