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White vs gray grout for white subway tiles in shower

7 years ago

I previously asked this question and got lots of input. Currently actually doing this job so it's no longer theoretical - shower demo happening as I speak. My question really is if contrasting or matching would be better for resale. For staging a home which way would you go? I personally like the look of gray grout, but what do majority of buyers want? If anyone has ideas on that I'm still torn on the decision. Re: picture - you can't tell that much, but cabinets are gray. Would like to tie the shower in to the gray theme. But decorative tile has gray in it so maybe don't need gray grout in the mix. Opinions?

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Comments (4)

PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Period vintage subway and hex was always grey cement grout. The advent of white and subway is modern.

I like a light contrast of grey with most all my subway projects. I will caution you if the Subway tile and the install are not chosen and installed well A grey contrast will accentuate the flaws. -Best
Lara Branen thanked Mint tile Minneapolis
njannabelle
7 years ago
It looks like grey grout would match nicely with your cabinets and look. I find white always takes on a yellowy tinge that I don't like, but maybe there are products that avoid that. I also like seeing the pattern.
Lara Branen thanked njannabelle
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amanda99999
7 years ago
I like the contrasting gray grout, but for resale (in my area - mostly 100 year old homes, HCOL) I'd definitely go with matching (white) grout (well, just a bit off white to hide dirt). While many do like the gray grout on white tile, plenty are turned off by it. I doubt many buyers would be actually turned off by white grout on white tile. Its just 'safer,' at least according to real estate agents where I live (I asked many when I was doing my master bath). And, if the tile work isn't very straight, the contrasting color will magnify that problem. With similar color grout you won't notice tile issues as much. I guess the best thing to do - if you are concerned about resale - is ask a real estate broker in your town. HTH!
Lara Branen thanked amanda99999
Lara Branen
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for this comment - I really appreciate the response to the resale question. I thought I had decided to go with gray but then I thought exactly what you're saying - no one would be turned off by white grout but someone will be turned off by gray. A problem with gray is then you're also talking gray sealant around the edges of the white tub since the tub is still there. I don't think I'm going to like that even personally. So...white it is!

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