Tile Shower Floor Grout Or Caulk

Caulk is a sealant typically made of silicone or acrylic material.

Tile shower floor grout or caulk.

The vast majority of showers that i ve tiled have had no problems when i use grout in the corners. Or where the edge of a tile meets the wall. My tile installer recently told me that he wanted to use caulk in the corners of a tiled shower instead of grout is that necessary. Doing so protects against moisture related issues and common expansion cracking associated with these areas.

Though grout is more porous than caulk it s best for tiled shower walls and floors. Since you are joining two different materials together you should use caulk in the space where the floor tile and tub meet. Caulk is impermeable meaning it won t let in water. This is largely because of the way grout binds with backer board the concrete material placed behind tiles.

Where grout is just good for bonding together tile caulk is good for creating a seal between multiple materials say between glass tiles and a porcelain tub. Grout is not flexible so it s not the best material for the job while caulk allows for movement and also provides a better sealant. On one hand there is little chance for movement around the base of a properly installed tile shower floor. If mold gets into that space it can cause damage to your subfloor.

In addition to caulking shower fixtures experienced tile setters caulk in all changes in planes in showers including corners surface edges and wall to floor intersections.