I need input – pro and con regarding expoxy grout for residential use. I build custom homes and have been working with an interior designer who seems to be completely sold on epoxy grout. However, most of suppliers and installers cannot see the advantages of it for residential use.
Edited 12/1/2005 1:30 pm ET by Bondo
Replies
It's NOT fun or perhaps very practical to work with.
It's meant for commercial use.
I tried it years ago and what a mess!! Jeff Buck says the newer stuff is easier to work with.
Dunno.
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
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I've used a coupla different brands.
all pretty much the same.
I have found most installers don't like to work with it ... as it is not as forgiving as regular grout ... not as forgiving ... as in ... not at all.
slow down for one second ... and you are toast. Once it sets ... it's set.
forever.
it is tougher than regular grout. Not sure long term ... but have worked on jobs where within a day within a week ... it held up well. First one was dog pee ...
second one was little kid with the classic big glass of grape juice.
both times light/neutral color ... both times .. just wipe the mess up.
my tile supplier told me not to be afraid ... but ...
mix it in way small batches compared to regular .. expecially when working alone.
some say to use white pot scrubbers ... I just use the "grout sponge" that has that scrubber backing on it ... cheaper by the dozen.
suppliers best suggestion ... when the water is so hot U can't even stick your hand in ... it's almost hot enough. The hotter the better ... for wiping the haze.
it's a battle the whole way thru ... mix small .. work breakneck speed ... wipe with burning hot water ... but ... I love the fact ... after that first wipe down ...
U are done. Very little hazing after the fact ... pretty much ... once it's set up ... it's set. The first wipe down has to be very detailed ... but I'd rather work hard and fast than keep having to wipe ... then wipe ... then wipe ... because the damn grout keeps hazing again and again and again.
I recommend it for tile counter tops most of all. Backsplashes and expecially over ranges is also a good place for it ... easy grease clean up.
Have done a coupla full kitchen and full bath floors as well.
for install prices ... plan on at least doubling the materials needed ... as it never goes as far as the lable says ... and ... triple the labor time ... compared to regular grout.
That'll get ya close ... I'd offer it ... never include it.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I've come close to trying it but had to sell my dream house due to a job move. I did do some research on it, though. The chief advantage is that it is non porous, so it is much easier to keep clean. It does not soak up stains like standard grout does.
I bought most of my tile supplies for some years from a professional tile store. The owner was a semi-retired tile setter with long experience. I asked him how hard the stuff was to work with. He knows that I'm quite a skilled person on working with my hands. He said it is not difficult and that I could do it with no problem. But, it behaves very differently and I had to follow the method and instructions for epoxy grout and not try to treat it as if it were just another grout. There are some significant differences in how it is worked.
Hopefully someone who has actually used it several times will respond to your post.
You could practice in your shop first, or ask the supplier, if they are a really good one, to demonstrate a sample for you.