Regrout Tile
Fresh grout makes old tile look new. It does not fix loose tile or a failed shower pan. Know which problem you have before you buy a bag.
This is a judgment page, not a step-by-step how-to. The procedure lives in the vetted links at the bottom.
The call
DIY a floor or a backsplash where the tile is stuck tight and you are only replacing stained or cracked grout. Hire a tile setter for a shower if tiles are loose, hollow, or the wall behind them is damp. New grout on a wet wall fails again, and the waterproofing is the real repair.
- Difficulty
- Time
- A day for a shower, plus cure time
- DIY estimate
- $25–$80
- Pro estimate
- $400–$1,200 for a typical shower
3 of 5
Rough national estimate, not a quote. Prices move with the city, the brand, and whatever the job turns into once you open it up.
Tools
- TODO: affiliate link
Grout saw or an oscillating tool with a grout blade
- TODO: affiliate link
Grout float
- TODO: affiliate link
Grout sponges and two buckets
- TODO: affiliate link
Safety glasses and a dust mask
Materials
- TODO: affiliate link
Sanded or unsanded grout to match the joint width
Unsanded is for narrow joints. Read the bag.
- TODO: affiliate link
Grout sealer, if the grout you chose needs it
- TODO: affiliate link
Color-matched caulk for the corners and the tub joint
Corners move. Grout in a corner cracks.
Affiliate slots are placeholders. A live shop link will be marked as sponsored. See the affiliate disclosure.
Safety notes
- Grout dust is silica dust. Wear a respirator or a proper dust mask, not a cloth, and glasses. Vacuum as you go.
- An oscillating tool will chip tile the moment the blade climbs out of the joint. Practice on a hidden spot.
- Don't regrout a shower that is actively leaking. You will seal the symptom and keep the damage.
- Keep the slurry out of drains. It sets in the trap.
Do I need a permit?
Regrouting is not a permit job. Opening the wall is.
Replacing grout on tile that stays does not need a building permit. Rebuilding a shower pan or replacing backer board can. If tile is loose, stop and confirm the scope with your local building department before you demolish.
Permit triggers are local. This is general information, not legal advice. All state pages · Disclaimer
Best How-To Videos & Articles
We link to guides that already exist. We don't rewrite them.
- How to Regrout a Shower
Family Handyman · Article
- Grout Repair: A Step-By-Step Guide
Bob Vila · Article
- Regrouting Tile
Bob Vila · Article
TODO: add a verified YouTube link for this project.
Questions people ask first
- Can I regrout tile myself?
- Yes, when the tile is solid and you are only replacing the grout. Hire a tile setter if tiles are loose or the shower wall is damp.
- How much does it cost to regrout tile?
- Materials are often $25–$80. A pro for a typical shower is often $400–$1,200. Those are rough estimates, not a quote.
- Do I need a permit to regrout a shower?
- No, for grout only. Ask the local building department if the repair includes tearing out tile or the shower pan.