Sanded vs Unsanded Grout: Which One Should You Use?

Sanded vs Unsanded Grout: Which One Should You Use?

Choosing grout might seem like a small detail compared to selecting tile, but it's one of the decisions that can make or break your installation. The wrong grout leads to cracking, shrinking, and premature failure. The right grout keeps your tile looking great for decades. The most fundamental choice you'll face is sanded vs unsanded grout, and the answer depends on your joint width, tile material, and installation location.

At Tile Los Angeles, we've grouted thousands of tile installations across Los Angeles, and we can tell you from experience: grout selection matters more than most people think. Let's break down everything you need to know.

What Is Sanded Grout?

Sanded grout is a cement-based grout mixed with fine silica sand particles. The sand acts as a filler and strengthener, giving the grout body and reducing shrinkage as it cures. It's the workhorse of the grouting world: affordable, durable, and available in a wide range of colors.

Key Characteristics of Sanded Grout

• Recommended for grout joints 1/8 inch (3mm) and wider: the sand fills the space and prevents cracking
• Higher strength and durability: the aggregate makes it more resistant to wear and shrinkage
• Rougher texture: you can feel the grit when you run your finger across it
• Lower cost: typically less expensive per bag than unsanded grout
• Better for floors: its strength handles foot traffic well
• Prone to slumping on vertical surfaces: heavier consistency can sag on walls if not mixed properly

Sanded grout is your go-to for most floor tile installations, kitchen backsplashes with standard spacing, and any project where joints exceed 1/8 inch.

What Is Unsanded Grout?

Unsanded grout is a smooth, cement-based grout without the added sand particles. It has a finer, almost paste-like consistency that makes it easier to work into thin joints and adheres better to vertical surfaces.

Key Characteristics of Unsanded Grout

• Designed for grout joints narrower than 1/8 inch (3mm): too thin for sand particles to fill properly
• Smoother finish: no gritty texture, which matters for polished tile surfaces
• Better adhesion on vertical surfaces: sticks to walls without slumping
• Slightly less durable: without sand aggregate, it's more prone to shrinkage in wider joints
• Safe for scratch-sensitive tiles: won't scratch polished marble, glass tile, or other delicate surfaces
• Higher cost per bag, but you typically use less material per project

The 1/8-Inch Rule: Your Starting Point

The simplest way to decide between sanded and unsanded grout comes down to joint width:

• Joints wider than 1/8 inch → Sanded grout. The sand prevents shrinkage and cracking in wider spaces.
• Joints narrower than 1/8 inch → Unsanded grout. Sand particles physically can't fit properly in narrow joints and create a weak, inconsistent fill.
• Joints exactly 1/8 inch → Either can work, but sanded grout is usually the better choice for strength.

This rule covers about 80% of grouting decisions. But there are important exceptions.

When Tile Material Overrides the Width Rule

Even if your joints are wider than 1/8 inch, you might need unsanded grout if you're working with scratch-sensitive tile materials:

Use Unsanded Grout With:

• Polished marble: sand will scratch the surface during grouting and cleanup
• Polished limestone and travertine: same scratch risk as marble
• Glass tile: the sand can scratch glass surfaces
• Polished metal tiles: any abrasive grout will damage the finish

For these materials, professionals often choose unsanded grout even for joints at 1/8 inch, or switch to an epoxy grout that won't scratch.

Sanded Grout Is Safe For:

• Porcelain tile (glazed or unglazed)
• Ceramic tile
• Honed or tumbled natural stone
• Quarry tile
• Slate

Floor vs Wall: Location Matters

Floors take abuse: foot traffic, furniture, dropped objects. Sanded grout's superior strength makes it the default for floor installations. It resists cracking under compression and handles the slight flex of a subfloor better than unsanded.

Walls benefit from unsanded grout's better adhesion. Because unsanded grout is lighter and stickier, it clings to vertical surfaces without sagging. This is especially important for shower walls where you're working with gravity working against you.

That said, sanded grout works fine on walls if your joints are wide enough: you just need proper mixing consistency (not too wet) and good technique to prevent slump.

Wet Areas: Showers, Tubs, and Pools

In wet environments, grout performance is critical. Both sanded and unsanded grout are porous and will absorb water over time, so sealing is essential regardless of which type you choose.

For shower floors, sanded grout is typically the better choice because:

• Floor joints tend to be wider
• Sanded grout's strength handles the wet-dry cycling better
• It resists erosion from water flow

For shower walls, unsanded grout is often preferred because:

• Wall tile joints are commonly narrower
• Better adhesion on vertical surfaces
• Smoother finish is easier to clean

Pro tip from our team: In any shower installation, consider epoxy grout as a third option. It's waterproof, stain-proof, and doesn't require sealing, though it costs more and is harder to work with.

Strength and Durability Comparison

When it comes to raw performance, sanded grout has the edge:

• Compressive strength: Sanded grout is significantly stronger due to the sand aggregate
• Shrinkage resistance: Sand reduces the cement-to-aggregate ratio, minimizing shrinkage cracks
• Wear resistance: Better at handling foot traffic and mechanical stress
• Longevity: In floor applications, sanded grout typically outlasts unsanded

Unsanded grout compensates with:

• Better bond in narrow joints: it fills thin spaces more completely
• Less movement: in narrow joints, there's less room for shrinkage to become a problem
• Smoother aesthetic: for thin grout lines, the clean look can't be beat

Color Options and Aesthetics

Both sanded and unsanded grout come in a wide range of colors, but there are some differences:

• Sanded grout has a slightly rough, textured appearance. The sand gives it a granular look that's less uniform up close.
• Unsanded grout dries to a smoother, more consistent finish. This matters most with thin grout lines where every detail is visible.

For large-format tiles with minimal grout lines, unsanded grout provides the seamless look many homeowners want. For rustic or traditional installations with wider joints, sanded grout's texture actually adds character.

Mixing and Application Differences

Sanded Grout Application Tips

• Mix to a thick peanut-butter consistency
• Use a hard rubber grout float, pressing firmly at a 45-degree angle
• Work in small sections (about 10 square feet at a time)
• Allow 15-20 minutes of setup time before wiping
• Use a damp (not wet) sponge for cleanup

Unsanded Grout Application Tips

• Mix slightly thinner than sanded, more like cake frosting
• Work faster: unsanded grout sets up quicker
• Use lighter pressure with the grout float to avoid pulling grout from narrow joints
• Clean with a barely damp sponge: too much water washes out the cement

Cost Comparison

Sanded grout is generally 20-30% less expensive than unsanded grout per bag. However, the total cost difference on a typical residential project is modest, maybe $20-50 depending on the area.

Don't let cost drive this decision. Using the wrong grout type to save a few dollars will cost you far more in repairs and regrouting down the road.

Quick Reference Guide

When to Call a Professional

Grouting seems straightforward, but the details matter. Incorrect grout selection leads to cracking, discoloration, and water damage: problems that often don't show up until months after installation. If you're working with expensive tile, wet areas, or large spaces, hiring an experienced installer is worth every penny.

At Tile Los Angeles, we handle grout selection as part of our comprehensive tile installation service. We assess your tile material, joint width, installation environment, and aesthetic goals to choose the perfect grout, and we apply it with the precision that comes from years of professional experience.

Serving Los Angeles, we're here to make sure every detail of your tile installation is done right. Contact us today for a free consultation on your next tile project.