How to choose grout color: matching, contrasting or neutral

Grout is only a thin line, but across a whole floor or shower wall it changes the look of the tile more than almost anything else. Decide on the effect you want first.

Matching grout

Grout the same color as the tile makes lines disappear, so the surface reads as one calm plane and the tile is the star. The go-to for large-format tile, marble looks and small rooms.

Contrasting grout

Dark grout with light tile (or the reverse) makes the pattern the star: subway, herringbone and hexagon layouts pop. It also shows every uneven line, so it needs a careful installer.

Neutral grout

A mid gray, greige or warm beige sits between the two and hides dirt well. It is the practical choice for kitchen floors, mudrooms and entries.

What hides dirt

Pure white grout on a floor will not stay white. Pick a shade a step darker than you think, or use a stain-resistant grout. Walls and backsplashes can handle lighter grout.

Cement vs epoxy

Cement grout is traditional, easy to work and should be sealed. Epoxy and high-performance grouts resist stains and do not need sealing, which is worth it in showers and kitchens. The grout calculator works out how much you need.

See it before you commit

Grout looks different wet, dry and under your lighting. Bring a tile sample to the showroom and we will lay grout samples next to it. See our shower tile guide and the tile style quiz.

Common questions

Should grout be lighter or darker than tile?

Matching makes tile look seamless; contrasting shows off the pattern; slightly darker than the tile hides dirt best on floors.

What grout color hides dirt best?

Mid-tone gray, greige or beige. Avoid pure white on floors.

Is epoxy grout worth it?

In showers, kitchens and busy floors, yes: it resists stains and never needs sealing.