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If you’ve ever stood in front of a newly tiled backsplash or patio and wondered what keeps everything looking neat and solid, that’s grout doing the heavy lifting. Grout fills the gaps between tiles, bonds masonry units, and keeps moisture and dirt from sneaking in. But grout is more than a neutral filler — it affects durability, appearance, and how easy your project is to maintain. Think of it like the mortar in a wall: small in size but massive in importance.
Cementitious grout is the most common type and works for a lot of general-purpose jobs — both indoor and outdoor. It’s typically mixed with water and sometimes additives, and it comes in powdered bags or ready-mixed tubs. It’s forgiving, cost-effective, and available in a wide range of shades, which makes it the go-to for kitchen and bathroom tiles or basic brick joints.
When stains, chemicals, and heavy wear are a concern, epoxy grout steps up. It’s basically two-part resin that cures into a hard, impermeable finish. Epoxy grout resists oil, wine, and many common household cleaners — ideal for commercial kitchens, showers, or industrial settings. It’s pricier and a bit trickier to apply, but the payoff is long-lasting performance.
Polymer-modified grout mixes traditional cement with additives that boost flexibility and adhesion. If you’re tiling over a substrate that moves slightly — think heated floors or timber subfloors — this type helps prevent cracks. It’s a practical middle ground between basic cementitious mixes and high-end epoxy systems.
Shopping for grout in the UK? You’ve got plenty of solid choices. Some retailers specialise in electrical and trade supplies but also carry grout and masonry consumables. Others are big DIY chains with a huge range of brands and sizes. Below I’ll walk you through several well-known sellers, including Expert Electrical from the provided data, and point out what makes each one worth a visit.
Expert Electrical isn’t the first name that pops into your head for grout, but trade-focused shops like this frequently stock masonry consumables such as grout, wall plugs, and screws. If you want tradesman-grade tubs and value items that come in bulk — like Unicrimp wall plugs and countersunk screws mentioned in product lists — these suppliers are worth checking. They cater to tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need reliable consumables by the tub or bag.
Wickes is a familiar face for DIYers and homeowners. They offer a broad selection of cementitious and polymer-modified grouts, including powdered and ready-mixed formulas in convenient sizes for small to medium jobs. Wickes also bundles helpful tools like grout floats and sponges, which is handy when you want a one-stop shopping experience.
Screwfix targets tradespeople but welcomes the public, too. Their inventory often includes quick-set grouts, specialist epoxy options, and a variety of tile adhesives. Stores and the online catalogue are geared toward fast, practical buying — ideal when you want the right tool in hand and you don’t want to wait around.
B&Q is a good bet for variety: budget mixes, mid-range options, and branded specialist grouts. They’re a solid option if you want to compare a few brands side by side, and their big-box approach makes finding complementary items like trimming tools and sealants easy.
If you’re undertaking a serious renovation or masonry job, builder’s merchants such as Travis Perkins stock professional-grade grout, mortars, and bulk bags designed for big projects. They also carry matching retouchers, admixtures, and site-friendly packaging sizes that keep wastage down when you’re working at scale.
Toolstation combines competitive prices with practical trade brands. If you want a no-nonsense grout, tools, and consumables quickly, they usually have several grout lines in varying grades — from quick-set to flexible — to suit most jobs without overspending.
Picking grout isn’t just about colour. The type you choose should match the location, material, and how the finished surface will be used. Here’s a simple way to think about it: where the grout will be, how large the joints are, and how much movement the surface will experience.
Outdoor installations face frost, rain, and temperature swings, so you need grout that can handle moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. For patios, pathways, and exterior cladding, choose a frost-resistant, polymer-modified or epoxy grout. Indoors, you can use cementitious grout for dry areas, but choose epoxy for wet rooms and showers for better water resistance.
Joint width affects the type of grout. Narrow joints — around 1/16 in to 1/8 in — work well with fine cementitious mixes. Wider joints — 1/4 in and above — often require grout with better structure and sometimes sanded formulations to prevent shrinkage and cracking. Remember: wider joints mean more material and a slightly different mixing ratio to maintain strength.
Grout colour can either blend in or become a design feature. Lighter colours open up a space and make small tiles feel airy, while darker grout hides dirt better and can sharpen the tile outline. Epoxy grout typically offers a glossy, seamless finish, whereas cementitious grout might have a mat, natural look once sealed. Play with sample tiles and grout swatches — a small change in tone can alter the entire feel of a room.
Even the best grout won’t look great if you don’t have the right tools. A grout float, sponge, bucket, joint raker, and sealant are the basics. For epoxy, you’ll want disposable gloves, a mixing board, and a scrub pad suitable for resin. Also consider a grout sealer for cementitious products to reduce staining and aid cleaning. Buying these alongside your grout saves time and ensures you get a consistent finish.
Ready for a pro finish? Start by ensuring tiles and joints are clean and dry. Mix grout to the manufacturer’s instructions — aim for a smooth, peanut-butter-like consistency for cement mixes. Use the float at a 45-degree angle to press grout into the joints, working diagonally across tiles to avoid gouging. Wipe excess with a damp sponge in light passes; wait for grout to firm slightly before final polishing. For epoxy, follow the working time closely and clean tools promptly. Curing time matters — resist heavy traffic for at least 24 hours on many products.
Cracking, staining, and discolouration are the main headaches. Cracks often stem from movement in the substrate or using the wrong grout type; fix by removing damaged grout and reapplying a flexible formula. Stains on cementitious grout can often be lifted with a pH-neutral cleaner or, in tougher cases, specialized grout cleaners. For recurring damp or mould in wet areas, epoxy or specialist mould-resistant grout and regular sealing solve the issue long-term.
If sustainability matters to you, look for low-VOC products and grouts with recycled content or water-saving production claims. There are also grouts with antibacterial additives for bathrooms and kitchens, lightweight formulations for minimal shrinkage, and rapid-set versions when you need a quick turnaround. Specialty grouts cost more, but they pay off when performance, hygiene, or environmental impact matters.
Price per bag only tells part of the story. To compare fairly, calculate coverage in square feet per bag and estimate how many bags you need based on joint width and tile size. Consider the cost of sealants, tools, and potential waste. Trade suppliers like Expert Electrical or Toolstation can offer bulk savings, while big retailers like B&Q and Wickes provide easy returns and multi-brand comparisons. If you’re undecided, use a comparison site to see retailers’ prices side by side — just remember to check product specs and customer reviews before buying.
Bulk powder is often cheaper per square foot and stores well when kept dry. Ready-mixed tubs are convenient for small repairs and beginner DIYers. For large renovations or professional jobs, powdered mixes that you prepare on-site give you control over consistency and are more cost-effective. For a quick patch or a one-off tile job, a ready-mixed tub reduces fuss.
After the grout has fully cured, sealing cementitious grout extends life and simplifies cleaning. Use a breathable sealer designed for the product to avoid trapping moisture. Routine cleaning with mild cleaners keeps grout looking fresh; avoid harsh acids on cementitious grout as they can erode the surface. For epoxy, a gentle wipe-down is typically enough. Think of grout maintenance like painting a fence — a small bit of care every so often keeps the finish looking new for years.
Some projects are weekend-friendly, but large patios, floors with underfloor heating, or complicated wet rooms might benefit from a pro. If you’re unsure about substrate movement, drainage, or which grout will meet building regs for commercial use, a tradesperson can save time and expense down the line. Use trades who work with tile and masonry regularly — they’ll understand the quirks that matter.
Here’s a short checklist to bring with you to the shop or keep in mind online: the type of grout (cementitious, epoxy, polymer-modified), joint width in inches, approximate square footage, indoor or outdoor use, colour preference, and whether you need quick-set or slow-cure. Also check whether you need complementary items like sealers, additives, or specialised tools — it’s frustrating to realize mid-job that you’re missing a trowel or mixing paddle.
Conclusion: Grout might not be glamorous, but it’s essential. Picking the right product and retailer — whether that’s a trade supplier like Expert Electrical or a big DIY chain like Wickes, Screwfix, B&Q, Travis Perkins, or Toolstation — makes the difference between a job that looks amateur and one that lasts for years. With the right type, colour, and tools, your grout can be the silent hero of any tiling or masonry project.
| Grout | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Unicrimp Wall Plugs And 8x1.5 Countersunk Screws Tradesman Tub | £ 20,88 | |
| Unicrimp Brown Plugs And Screws Tub | £ 32,58 |
