How to Grout the Edge of a Shower Floor

Grouting Shower Floors

• Choosing the right grout color for the shower floor preserves an attractive appearance longer. Avoid the use of white or very light grout colors that tend to become darkened and stained from dirt, body oils and soap scum. A medium-toned grout color that matches your tile is the best choice. The darker color is less apt to show dirt accumulation and stains. The type of grout used also determines its longevity. A number of options are available for do-it-yourselfers. Both sanded and unsanded grout is used to fill areas between tiles. In addition, improved epoxy materials are available for showers that endure especially hard use.

Sanded and Unsanded Grout

• Grout comes in both sanded and unsanded types. Sanded grout is generally used for tile separations that are more than 1/16 inch wide. The sand gives the grout additional strength to resist cracking. This benefit is particularly important for shower floors that see constant water use. Unsanded grout is used for spaces less than 1/16 inch, according to Don Vandervort of Hometime. The unsanded consistency is easier to work into the small crevices. For either type, pack the grout into the spaces tightly to remove air pockets that create weakness in the material after it dries.

Epoxy Grout

• For showers that see heavy soil and grease, epoxy grout offers a durable and stain-resistant material for floors and edges. Epoxy grout has a two-part system of a resin and a hardener that produces a compound that is tougher and more durable than standard grout, according to Jefferson Kolle of This Old House. These compounds also may contain detergents in the hardener that increase workability and ease cleanup.

Caulking Shower Tile

• Because of the pressures that occur at the edges of shower floors, where they meet the wall, many experts prefer using a caulking material where the two planes meet, the North American Tile Cleaning Association says. Silicone caulk is preferred, which provides a mold- and mildew-resistant seal between the tight angles where the wall meets the floor. Tape along the edges of the juncture to create a neat line for the caulking material. Apply the caulk, remove the tape and smooth the material with your finger for a clean seal.