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Kitchen & Bath · Free DIY Guide

How to Regrout Tile

  • Time: 3–6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Steps: 6

Regrouting refreshes a tired shower or floor and keeps water out. It's slow work, so do one small section at a time.

Tools & materials

  • Grout saw or oscillating tool with grout blade
  • Grout (sanded for joints over 1/8 inch)
  • Rubber grout float
  • Sponges and bucket
  • Grout sealer
  • Shop vac

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Remove the old grout to at least 2/3 of the tile depth with a grout saw, being careful not to chip tile edges.

  2. Step 2

    Vacuum out the dust and wipe the joints clean.

  3. Step 3

    Mix the grout to a peanut-butter consistency and let it slake per the bag.

  4. Step 4

    Press grout into the joints diagonally with the rubber float, holding it at 45 degrees.

  5. Step 5

    After 15–30 minutes, wipe the haze with a barely damp sponge, rinsing often.

  6. Step 6

    Let the grout cure (usually 48–72 hours), then apply grout sealer.

When to stop and call ProFix

If you see any of these, stop and call us:

  • Tiles are loose, hollow-sounding or cracked
  • The wall behind is soft or moldy
  • The shower is leaking into the room or ceiling below

Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.

Related guides

These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides

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