Regrouting bathroom tiles costs €20 to €80 in materials, depending on the surface area. For an average bathroom with 10 m² of tiled surface you can expect to spend €30–€60. Have the work done by a tiler and you’ll pay €150 to €400 for the same job. Regrouting tiles is one of the most rewarding improvements you can make to a bathroom: mould-free, fresh grout instantly makes a bathroom feel like new. In this article you’ll find a complete step-by-step guide to renewing bathroom grout.
What does regrouting cost? DIY vs. tiler
| | DIY | Tiler |
|—|—|—|
| Bathroom wall 10 m² | €30 – €60 (materials) | €150 – €400 (incl. labour) |
| Bathroom floor 5 m² | €20 – €40 (materials) | €100 – €250 (incl. labour) |
| Complete bathroom | €50 – €100 (materials) | €300 – €700 (incl. labour) |
| Saving by doing it yourself | 70–80% | — |
When should you regrout?
You’ll know it’s time when:
- Mould you can no longer shift with a cleaner
- Discolouration (brown, black, yellow) indicating the grout is past its best
- Grout that is crumbling or falling away
- Cracks in the grout (damp patches behind the tiles)
- The bathroom simply looks dated and the grout colour no longer suits your new style
Tip: if the grout is only lightly discoloured (not mould), try a grout cleaner or grout whitener first. If that doesn’t help: regrout.
Materials (bathroom 10 m² wall tiles)
| Material | Quantity | Price |
|—|—|—|
| Grout rake (hireable, €15/day) or oscillating multi-tool | — | €15 – €80 |
| Grout scraper or specialist grout removal bit | 1 piece | €5 – €20 |
| Grout — epoxy or cement-based | 1–2 kg for 10 m² | €8 – €20 |
| Grout sponge + bucket | | €5 – €10 |
| Silicone sealant (for corners and edges) | 1 tube | €5 – €10 |
| Masking tape | 1 roll | €3 – €5 |
| Total | | €41 – €65 |
Step 1: Remove the old grout
This is the hardest part of the job. You have two options:
Option A: Oscillating multi-tool with grout blade
The fastest method. An oscillating multi-tool (Fein, Bosch, Ryobi) with a specialist grout removal blade cuts through the grout in one pass. Remove the grout to at least 2/3 of the joint depth (ideally fully).
Option B: Grout scraper (manual)
A specialist grout rake or grout saw. More time-consuming but more controlled — less risk of damaging the tiles.
Work systematically: do all the horizontal joints first, then the verticals. Remove dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner and a damp sponge.
Watch the corners: the silicone sealant in corners (wall-to-wall, wall-to-floor, around the bath) is separate from the cement grout. Remove this with a Stanley knife.
Check after removal:
- Are the tiles still intact (no chips or cracks from the removal work)?
- Are any tiles loose? (Check by tapping: a hollow sound = loose tile)
- Is there any visible moisture damage behind the tiles?
If there are loose tiles: re-bond these before continuing.
Step 2: Clean the joint area
Remove all dust and loose material. Use a damp sponge to clean the surface thoroughly. Leave to dry completely — at least 24 hours before you start applying the new grout.
Step 3: Choose the right grout
| Type of grout | When to use | Price |
|—|—|—|
| Cement-based grout | Standard wall and floor tiles | €3–€8/kg |
| Epoxy grout | Shower, permanent water contact, chemical resistance | €8–€20/kg |
| Flexible grout | With underfloor heating or tiles larger than 60×60 cm | €5–€12/kg |
For most bathrooms, cement-based grout is perfectly fine. In the shower (direct water zone), epoxy or moisture-resistant grout is recommended.
Choose the grout colour: white, grey, beige, or a contrasting colour. Bear in mind that lighter colours show dirt more quickly but give a much more spacious feel.
Step 4: Mix the grout
Add the grout powder to water (not the other way round). The mix ratio is on the packaging — follow it precisely. Mix to a smooth, lump-free consistency with no liquid patches. Wait 5 minutes (slaking time), then stir once more.
Mix small quantities at a time: grout sets in 20–30 minutes.
Step 5: Apply the grout
Use a rubber grout float to spread the grout diagonally across the tiles. Push the grout firmly into the sides of the joints. Work in sections of no more than 1 m² at a time.
Remove excess material from the tiles by sweeping diagonally. Allow the grout to firm up for 15–20 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the excess with a sponge
Use a damp (well wrung-out!) sponge to remove the grout residue from the tiles. Rinse the sponge regularly. Work in circular movements — not along the joint (otherwise you’ll pull the grout out).
Repeat this 2–3 times until the tiles are clean. Leave to dry completely (at least 24 hours before using the shower).
Step 7: Apply silicone sealant in the corners
The corners and junctions (wall-to-wall, wall-to-floor, around the bath and shower enclosure) get silicone sealant, not grout. Silicone is flexible and accommodates the movement that occurs at these points.
- Apply masking tape along each side of the joint
- Apply a thin bead of silicone
- Smooth with a wet finger or pointing tool
- Remove the tape immediately after smoothing (before curing)
Choosing a grout colour: what suits you?
| Grout colour | Effect | Maintenance |
|—|—|—|
| White | Spacious, classic | Yellows over time |
| Light grey | Neutral, modern | Dirt less visible |
| Dark grey | Modern, sharp contrast | Limescale deposits visible |
| Beige / cream | Warm, timeless | Easy to maintain |
| Contrasting colour | Eye-catching, design effect | Depends on the colour |
Common mistakes
- Not removing all the old grout. A thin new layer of grout on old residue bonds poorly and cracks quickly.
- Applying grout to a wet surface. Always allow at least 24 hours to dry after cleaning.
- Too much water when cleaning. A sponge that’s too wet pulls the fresh grout out. Wring it out well.
- Filling corners with grout. Corners move with the building — always use silicone in corners, never grout.
- Mixing too large a quantity at once. Grout sets quickly. Mix small batches (enough for 1 m² at a time).
Frequently asked questions
How long do new grout joints last?
Cement-based grout is fully cured after 24–48 hours. Shower and bath: wait at least 24 hours before use. Epoxy grout is fully cured after 72 hours.
Can I apply new grout over old grout?
No — this doesn’t work. New grout over old grout barely bonds and cracks off after a short time. Always remove the old grout completely.
How do I prevent mould in the grout?
Ventilate the bathroom well (at least 10 minutes after showering). Wipe down the bath and shower after use. Use a mould-inhibiting cleaner on the grout once a year.
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