How much do regrouting tiles cost?

When grout on your bathroom walls and floors becomes cracked or damaged, moisture will seep under the tiles. This can cause water damage, dampness, and then mould, which can ultimately affect the aesthetic of your bathroom. If you want to restore your bathroom tiles to their former glory, then it's time to regroup!

If your bathroom leaks, the first step is to find out where the leak comes from. Regrouting over mouldy or stained grouting can trap the moisture under new grouting. Once addressed, you can have your walls and floor tiles regrouted. So, how much does it cost to regroup tile flooring?

The cost to regrout a 100 square foot bathroom ranges between $170 to $1,000. Regrouting tile costs vary depending on the bathroom’s size, as this will determine the amount of grout needed and the labor cost. Grout can be purchased for $10 or $65 per 25-pound bag of dry grout, while the price of pre-mixed ones varies from $12 to $160.

What are the factors that affect the cost of bathroom regrouting?

How much does it cost to regrout a shower or tiled surface? To calculate bathroom regrouting costs and adequately prepare your budget, take note of the following factors. They will determine precisely how much regrouting bathroom tiles cost.

• Type of grout. The average cost to get a shower regrouted heavily depends on the grout type. Grouts with unique properties are more expensive than generic ones. If there is fungal growth in the bathroom, there is an antifungal grout option for you. There are also antibacterial grouts, epoxy grouts, pre-mixed grouts, unsanded grouts, and finely sanded grouts. Most dry grouts start at $10 to $65 per 25-pound bag, while ready to use ones that do not require mixing cost $12 to $160. The area covered by a 25-pound bag depends on the width and depth of the joint plus the size of your tile.
• Size of area. Naturally, the cost to regrout tiles in a shower area will be higher if your bathroom takes up a bigger space. Larger bathrooms tend to have larger tiled areas that need regrouting. Hence it will require more materials, more time and will incur greater expenses.
• Labor costs. Labor costs vary depending on which part of the bathroom needs regrouting, as well as your location. Tradespeople in different areas of the US charge differently for labor costs.
• Current condition of the grout. If the current grouting of your bathroom is already degraded and mouldy, it most likely lets the moisture collect under the tiles. Due to water damage, regrouting may cost more as well.

Regrouting price tables

To guide you in comparing costs, below is a helpful table to refer to when calculating costs for a regrouting project. Keep in mind that the price of each type of grout will also vary depending on manufacturer, brand, and suggested retail price.

Regrouting price list

Per type of grout

Hiring a professional vs DIY regrouting

Should you hire, or should you DIY? To help you compare the two options, here are the pros and cons of hiring a tradesperson vs doing the regrouting yourself. 

The regrouting process

To give you an idea of what the job entails, here is an overview of the process. This will also allow you to evaluate if you can do the regrouting job by yourself or if you need to hire a professional to do it. 

• Check if there are leaks. If there are brown moulds, this can mean that water is getting behind wall tiles, under the floor tiles, and soaking through the joints. Make sure to find where the leak is coming from and have it fixed first before regrouting. Otherwise, there is no point to regrout as you will still encounter the same issues.
• Remove the old grout. An ideal tool to remove old grout is a drill, which will let you work through the surface of the grout and under without damaging the tiles. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris! Once finished, go over the lines using a screwdriver, then vacuum the debris to make sure you have removed any last traces. Be careful in removing old grout, as chipping or cracking bathroom tiles can cause increased work time, additional costs, and stress since it can be challenging to find the exact tiles to match.
• Mix the grout, then apply. There are ready-mix grouts available in the market. However, if the grout on hand needs to be mixed first, you will need a tool called a grout float (which helps you mix the grout) and a scraper (to get rid of any excess). 
• Get rid of the excess. Clean off any excess as you go along because they tend to dry quickly and can be harder to remove once set. Use a damp sponge to remove them, then leave the grout to dry.
• If a tile is damaged. If a tile is damaged while removing old grout, use a chisel to remove the broken tile. Get the new tile and apply the adhesive on its back part. Position it using spacers to maintain proper grout gaps. Once dry, remove the spacers and grout the joints.

Save time and make sure that your regrouting project is done correctly. To get an accurate quote for regrouting, put up a task now and talk to a specialist about your regrouting requirements.