Should You Grout Shower Corners? An In-Depth Guide for Flawless Results
Hey there! If you‘re installing tile in your shower, you may be wondering whether grouting the corners is necessary or not. As an expert in home renovations who has tiled my fair share of bathrooms, I highly recommend grouting any tiled corners or joints in showers. Here’s why:
Properly grouting the corners creates a waterproof seal that prevents leaks and moisture damage. It also binds the tile edges together for maximum durability. Grouting provides a polished, finished look and when sealed properly, it resists ugly mold and mildew growth.
However, I realize grouting corners can seem tedious and some folks are tempted to skip them or rely on caulk alone. In this guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details on how to grout shower corners correctly so you can avoid problems and achieve flawless results!
Grout vs. Caulk – The Purpose of Each
Before deciding on grouting corners or not, it helps to understand what grout and caulk are each designed for:
Grout
Grout is a cement-based material used between tiles to fill in joints and gaps. Its purposes include:
- Bonds tiles together for a secure installation
- Forms a waterproof seal to prevent moisture penetration
- Helps prevent cracks between tiles from expanding
- Provides a smooth, finished look across the tile surface
Caulk
Caulk is a flexible silicone, latex or urethane sealant used in seam joints and gaps. It offers these advantages:
- Allows for expansion and contraction between surfaces
- Waterproof and prevents moisture intrusion
- Smooths over corners or imperfections in joints
- Provides flexibility where grout would crack
Many pros recommend grouting corner joints whenever possible since it better prevents water intrusion. Caulk is often used where tiles transition to other materials like the tub, walls, or a backsplash lip.
Okay, now that you know the purpose of each one, let’s look at prepping your shower corners before grouting.
6 Must-Do Prep Tips Before Grouting Shower Corners
You definitely don’t want to skip prepping the shower corners. Proper prep ensures the grout will adhere correctly and prevents a sloppy, amateurish appearance. Here are 6 key steps:
1. Remove Any Remaining Tile Spacers
Don’t forget to take out all the tile spacers from the corners or any other joints! Any spacers left in place will leave unwanted gaps in your grout lines.
2. Check for Gaps or Cracks
Inspect the corner joints and tile edges for any noticeable gaps or cracks. If there are large gaps, fill them with thinset prior to grouting. This provides a base for the grout to adhere to.
3. Clean and Scrub Tiles
Use a stiff nylon scrub brush and tile cleaning solution to remove any dirt, thinset, spacer marks, or residues from tile surfaces. Grout won’t bond well to dirty tiles. Get them squeaky clean.
4. Apply Grout Release
Wipe a thin layer of grout release agent or even cooking oil onto the tile edges with a rag or foam brush. This helps prevent stubborn grout stains.
5. Gather Your Tools
Get all your grouting tools ready and on-hand before starting. These include grout float, buckets, sponges, rags, grout sealer, etc. Organization saves hassle!
6. Read the Manufacturer‘s Instructions
Don’t skip reading the product label and instructions for the specific grout you’ll be using. Follow their recommendations for best results.
Okay, your shower corners are prepped and ready for grouting! Now let’s go over how to apply the grout smoothly into the corners.
Grouting Inside Corners – A Simple Step-By-Step Process
When grouting corners, having the right technique makes all the difference for a professional looking finish. Follow these steps:
Step 1) Mix up Your Batch of Grout
Mix the grout powder and water in a bucket per the package directions. Let the mixed grout slake or rest 5-10 minutes so the polymers can activate. The ideal consistency is thick enough not to slump but still spreadable.
Only mix up what you can use in about 30 minutes before it starts to set up. Don’t mix huge batches unless you have a large area to grout quickly.
Step 2) Apply The Grout into Corners
Using a grout float or rubber grout squeegee held at a 45° angle, firmly press the grout into the corner joints to fill any gaps. You really want to pack it into the crevices and ensure there are no voids left.
Aim the grout toward the corner and move the float in a corner-shaped motion to force grout deeply inside. Avoid applying too much or you’ll have a mess cleaning up excess.
Step 3) Clean Off Excess Grout
Let the grout firm up 5-10 minutes until slightly hardened. Use a damp grout sponge in a circular motion to smooth joints and remove any grout on tile faces. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid just spreading it around.
Step 4) Final Cleaning and Polishing
Once grout has dried per manufacturer specs, use a soft cloth to polish off any remaining haze or film from tile edges. You can use vinegar, window cleaner or commercial grout haze removers if needed.
And that’s it – clean, smooth corner grout lines! But your work isn’t completely done yet…
Step 5) Seal the New Grout
I always recommend applying a penetrating grout sealer as a final step. Carefully use a small paintbrush to apply sealer only to the grout lines, avoiding contact with the tiles themselves.
Sealing is a crucial step for protecting the grout from moisture and potential staining or discoloration from dirt and grime.
Okay, at this point your grout is ready for the long haul! But proper maintenance is still required. Let’s look at that next.
Caring for Grout in Shower Corners
Grout in shower corners does require some periodic maintenance to stay looking fresh and prevent deterioration. Here are my top easy maintenance tips:
- Monitor caulk condition – Repair any cracked caulk at tile/tub edges to prevent moisture intrusion behind tiles.
- Ventilate the bathroom – Run those bath fans during and after showering to reduce humidity on grout lines.
- Quickly wipe spills – Don’t let soapy residue or shampoos sit on grout lines – wipe down right after showering.
- Clean weekly – Use a daily shower spray cleaner to prevent soap scum buildup.
- Re-seal grout yearly – Reapply penetrating sealer every 1-2 years on all grout lines.
- Inspect for damage – Check corners and joints closely for any new cracks requiring regrouting.
With proper care, the grout in your shower corners can easily last 5-10 years before needing replacement!
But what if you notice problems with your corner grout? Let’s look at how to troubleshoot common issues.
Troubleshooting Grout Problems in Shower Corners
Even when carefully installed, grout in corners can sometimes develop issues. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common problems:
Cracking Grout
Cracks allow water penetration and leakage. Causes include tile movement, improper thinset coverage, or poor corner installation.
Solutions:
- Carefully rake out cracked grout and re-grout
- Apply flexible caulk over stress cracks
- Ensure corners have adequate thinset coverage
Pinholes and Low Spots
Tiny holes or low spots in grout lines allow water collection and seepage through the tile.
Fixes:
- Pack pinholes and low spots with additional grout
- Scrape out grout and re-do entire corner
- Ensure complete corner gap coverage when grouting
Grout Discoloration
Grout can become stained over time from dirt, oils, soap and hard water minerals. Sealing prevents some discoloration.
Remedies:
- Scrub with tile cleaners and a stiff nylon brush
- Use a grout saw to remove top stained layer
- Re-grout if severe staining occurs
- Apply penetrating grout sealer every 1-2 years
Okay, you’re equipped to tackle any potential grout problems in those corners! Next let’s go over a decision you’ll need to make…
Should You Caulk Shower Corners Before Grouting?
Some tilers do recommend applying a thin bead of silicone caulk to corners and joints before grouting the main shower walls. Why caulk first?
- Acts as an added gasket layer to block moisture
- Allows slight movement without grout cracking
- Caulk is easy to tool into tight corners
- Minimizes later corner repairs or regrouting
However, there are also some reasons not to pre-caulk:
- Messier to apply than grout
- Grout may not bond as well over caulk
- Caulk lines could show through grout
- Adds extra steps compared to grouting alone
My take is if you do opt to pre-caulk, apply it sparingly and grout immediately over it. In most cases, grouting alone sufficiently seals corners. But ask 10 pros and you may get 10 different opinions on this debate!
Help! Common Grouting Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned tilers can mess up grouting corners if not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not fully packing corners while grouting, leaving gaps
- Failing to smooth excess grout off tiles, resulting in haze
- Applying too much sealer so it puddles on tile surfaces
- Using sanded grout for wall tiles – it can scratch tile faces
- Leaving spacers in corners instead of removing first
- Allowing grout to over-dry before finishing final polish & cleaning
Grouted corners look awful with holes, uneven lines, haze, or caulk peeking through. Take your time and do it right!
Okay, we’ve covered a ton of key details on grouting shower corners successfully. Let’s wrap it up with some final tips:
6 Quick Pro Tips for Flawless Grouted Corners
Follow these pro tips for shower corner grouting that looks professionally installed:
1. Take Your Time
Rushing leads to mistakes. Work methodically and don’t hurry the process.
2. Use Correct Grout Type
Use non-sanded for walls, sanded for floors. Match grout color to tile.
3. Check Work As You Go
Constantly inspect from all angles to ensure corners are filling evenly.
4. Clean Meticulously
Removing every trace of residue prevents haze and curing issues.
5. Be Patient During Curing
Wait 72 hours before exposing corners to moisture.
6. Seal Grout Lines
Use a small brush to precisely apply sealer only to grout lines.
Okay my friend, you’ve got this! Just take your time, use proper products and tools, clean thoroughly, and seal the finished grout. Before you know it, you’ll have professional-looking corner grout that withstands the test of time. Let me know if any other tile installation questions come up!
