Bathrooms & Tiling · 9 min read · Intermediate

How to Regrout Wall or Floor Tiles

Renew failed grout properly without damaging tile edges, and recognise joints or moisture problems that need more than cosmetic regrouting.

Key points & steps

Inspect the tiled area first. Loose tiles, movement, water penetration behind the finish or repeated cracking need diagnosis before replacing grout.
Confirm the tile type and choose a grout compatible with the joint width, location and exposure. Wet areas, heated floors and natural stone can have product-specific requirements.
Remove failed grout to a consistent useful depth using a hand tool or suitable powered grout-removal tool while protecting tile edges and waterproofing beneath.
Vacuum dust and debris thoroughly and clean the joints as required by the grout manufacturer.
Mix cementitious grout exactly to the stated water ratio, or prepare ready-mixed/product-specific grout as instructed. Avoid adding extra water to make application easier.
Work grout firmly across the joints diagonally, ensuring joints are actually packed rather than just skimmed across the surface.
Remove excess and wash the tile faces at the stage specified by the grout manufacturer, using a well-wrung sponge so the joints are not flooded or washed out.
Allow the grout to cure before wet use or sealing, and use flexible sanitary sealant rather than rigid grout at movement joints/corners where the tiling system requires it.

Repeated cracked grout at the same joint often indicates movement rather than bad grout alone.
Avoid aggressive grout removal around waterproof tanking membranes unless you understand the depth and construction.
Natural stone and textured tile may need pre-sealing or grout-release products before regrouting.