Design-build firm doesn’t want to use epoxy grout

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We are interviewing design-build firms for our bathroom remodels. I really want epoxy grout for our shower and floor tile. When I mentioned this to our top contender, he said their tile installers don’t like to work with epoxy and that they’d use a high-quality cement grout. I understand this, but I want epoxy grout — and I want the person installing it to be experienced with it and comfortable with it.

I haven’t had the chance to ask the other design-build firms we’re considering, so I realize they may all say this.

What should I do? Insist that they find a tile installer who can do epoxy? Give in and do cement grout, which they are great at installing? (I really don’t want this though.)

Featured Answer

PRO

User

5 years ago

Epoxy is overkill outside a commercial environment. It doesn’t provide the benefits that you think it will for it’s difficulty of application. An acrylic or urethane based grout is more than fine, unless it’s natural stone. Use natural stone with with caution. You want a high quality cementitious based grout with it that lets it breathe and dry out.

What is more important is the waterproofing system behind the toppings, and the person installing the system.

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Comments (8)

chiflipper
5 years ago
Epoxy grout is more difficult to install (time consuming) because it must be done in "batches" (it "sets up" very quickly). Stick by your decision re: epoxy. If a contractor doesn't have an installer familiar and experienced with the product keep looking.
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PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
5 years ago
I don't like using it either but I can and do, and in our world, if the client wants it (and it is a recommended product for the application and in accordance to standards), the client gets it. Agree with chiflipper, keep looking as an experienced Pro can work with it.
masterbathroom909
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks. We only have a few design-build firms to choose from (after narrowing down the ones in our area to the best few). So I don’t feel like it’s as easy as just crossing one off our list and finding another that does have a tile installer who uses epoxy. So I guess I’m hoping I can push back on our top firm and request that they use epoxy — but then I’m nervous that they aren’t experienced with it and it will be my fault if they do a bad job.
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
5 years ago
I think what we might be suggesting is that if the contractor's installer can't do epoxy it could be an indication of their overall experience in general. This would bring me pause and you may want to research the qualifications of the contractor's installer. Grout selection may not be your biggest concern.
User
5 years ago
Skip design build. Work with a designer first. They will have pre screened contacts that do the higher end work that you want.

Epoxy isn’t the pinnacle of a perfect tile job. Very often its not a good option. Sometimes it is a good option. It’s always the most expensive option. Spectralock is probably 9x the cost of standard grout. So is the labor. Just know what you’re getting into here by asking for the most expensive job possible.
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A design build firm is at best for core/ shell issues. Not the grout in your bath. Kitchens. baths, should involve a certified designer for just those areas. Grout is the least of the issue.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
I will say if this is the start of a relationship with a design / build firm IMO your insistance about grout at this stage would be a red flag for me to back away.In the grand scheme of things this would be far down my list of issues I would want dealt with.

Design-build firm doesn’t want to use epoxy grout

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chiflipper

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Design-build firm doesn’t want to use epoxy grout

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Comments (8)

chiflipper

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