Tile Shower Floor Grout Or Caulk

Though grout is more porous than caulk it s best for tiled shower walls and floors.

Tile shower floor grout or caulk. Caulk is impermeable meaning it won t let in water. An area of controversy has always been whether to caulk or grout around the base of a tile shower floor. Grout is not flexible so it s not the best material for the job while caulk allows for movement and also provides a better sealant. My tile installer recently told me that he wanted to use caulk in the corners of a tiled shower instead of grout is that necessary.

Where grout is just good for bonding together tile caulk is good for creating a seal between multiple materials say between glass tiles and a porcelain tub. Since you are joining two different materials together you should use caulk in the space where the floor tile and tub meet. Or where the edge of a tile meets the wall. Doing so protects against moisture related issues and common expansion cracking associated with these areas.

On one hand there is little chance for movement around the base of a properly installed tile shower floor. If mold gets into that space it can cause damage to your subfloor. Caulk is a sealant typically made of silicone or acrylic material. In addition to caulking shower fixtures experienced tile setters caulk in all changes in planes in showers including corners surface edges and wall to floor intersections.

Tom meehan a second generation tile installer and co author of working with tile who lives and works in harwich mass responds.