Regrouting Tiles Cost
Homeowners, on average, spend between $250 and $1,000 to regrout 100 square feet of tile. Quotes can be as low as $170 or as high as $2,500.
Sometimes older tiles in showers, bathrooms, or in other areas of the home, may look like they need to be replaced. But that may not be the case at all. Regrouting tile, also called grout replacement, may bring that freshened look a homeowner is looking for.
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For larger jobs, expect to spend anywhere from about $10 to $65 for a 25-pound bag of dry grout. Pre-mixed grouts come ready-to-use and require no mixing, but their pricing can vary widely, from $12 to $160.
Grout is a cement-based mixture that comes in sanded and un-sanded varieties. Un-sanded grout has a less gritty texture than sanded grout. However, un-sanded grout is best for thin, 1/16-inch joints. If your grout joint is 1/8 inch or greater, you’ll need to buy a sanded grout. Most designs use a 1/8-inch joint width.
How much coverage you can get out of a 25-pound dry bag depends on the width and depth of the joint and size of the tile. Smaller tiles (between 4 and 12 inches) with larger joints (1/4-inch or greater) will require more grout for a 100 square-foot job than a job with larger, 16 to 20 inches, tile that only has 1/16-inch joints. Because of these factors, a 25-pound bag may cover a space as small as 60 square feet or one as large as 200 square feet.
Popular grout brands include:
- Mapei (about $50 to $65 for 25-pound dry grout bag)
- Polyblend (about $15 to $25 for 25-pound dry grout bag)
- Bostik (about $10 to $20 for 25-pound dry grout bag)
How much does grout cost per square foot?
The per-square-foot cost of grout varies by job. You could spend as little as $10 for a 25-pound bag of dry grout or as much as $160 for a gallon of pre-mixed formula. So, you'll need to start by calculating how much you need for the job.
Here's an example. For a 100-square-foot space using 1/4-inch thick, 3 by 5-inch, subway tile, here are some dry grout approximations:
- 1/16-inch: between 6 and 7.25 pounds
- 1/8-inch: between 12 and 14.5 pounds
- 3/16-inch: between 21 and 22 pounds
- 1/4-inch: between 28 and 29.25 pounds
Once you understand how much dry grout you need, you can calculate your per-square-foot-cost depending on the type of grout you choose.
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Cost to Regrout Tile
Lower prices, between $1.70 and $5 per square foot, represent DIY figures or work from contractors who may not remove all the old grout before regrouting. Some call this practice "skimming."
The internet offers many views on whether you can simply cover old grout with new material or if the old grout needs to be completely removed first. You should expect estimates ranging from $10 to $25 a square foot for complete removal of old grout. Make sure these details are written in the estimate.
The grout replacement process is not difficult, but it is time-consuming. Removing the material is the most labor-intensive part of the job. Some estimates indicate it takes about four times longer to remove old than it takes to apply new grout. Some DIYers start the process, but once they realize how labor intensive it is, many will call a professional.
For DIYers, note that even with the best grout removal power tools, it may be impossible to completely remove all of the discolored material without incurring tile repair costs. If you are concerned about having too much tile repair, consider hiring an experienced professional who can do the job efficiently.
Regrout Shower Cost
Expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot, or more, to have a professional regrout your shower. This includes materials and labor. A typical square shower in a U.S. home is 32 inches by 32 inches. Rectangular showers are usually 36 inches by 48 inches. A typical cost calculation for a shower might be:
Example #1:
32-inch X 32-inch shower (7-foot height) with two sides that have tiles
2.67 feet X 7 feet = 18.69 square feet per side.
Multiply this figure by 2 = 37.38 square feet (Cost range: $373.80 to $934.50)
Example #2:
32-inch X 32-inch shower (7-foot height) with three sides that have tiles
18.69 square feet X 3 = 56.07 square feet (cost range: $560.70 to $1401.75)
Example #3:
36-inch X 48-inch Rectangular Shower (7-foot height)
36-inch side (3 ft X 7 ft) = 21 square feet per side
48-inch side (4 ft X 7 ft) = 28 square feet per side
With two 36-inch sides and on 48-inch side, total square footage = 70 (cost range is $700 to $1,750)
Regrout Bathroom Walls & Tile Floors
For bathroom walls and floors, expect to hire a professional at a price between $10 and $25 per hour, on average.
When working with bathroom walls and floors, in most cases, the work area is more accessible than a tight shower space. Therefore, labor costs may be slightly lower than a shower job. That's not a guarantee, however, as labor prices can vary by region.
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Regrouting Tile Countertops and Fireplaces
If you hire someone to replace grout on your counters or hearths, expect to pay between $10 and $25 per hour, on average.
Many tile countertops have very thin (1/16-inch) joints which can keep material costs low. But removing old grout from corners can be tricky and take more time. Countertops also have wooden surfaces underneath, which may require different removal techniques than for jobs with a concrete floor under them to avoid chipping or breaking surrounding tiles.
Grout Restoration Cost
The national average for grout restoration costs is $449 with a range between $139 and $1,000 for 100 square feet.
The price depends on job square footage, joint width and the types of materials used. With restoration, a person uses special cleaning agents and then seals the joints to preserve the new look. Professionals also apply a sealer after regrouting, and homeowners are advised to re-apply sealer once or twice a year to maintain a clean surface.
DIY vs. Hiring a Regrouting Pro
Like any home task or project, regrouting tile in your home may be more than some DIYers bargain for. DIY pricing is attractive because you only pay for materials and tools. However, if the job is more than you can handle and you feel you may run the risk of damage, hire a trusted tile professional.
How much does it cost to remove grout?
Expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot to remove grout. The type of work (showers versus bathroom floors, for example), joint width, material type, and tile size all influence the cost.
How often should you regrout tile?
If a professional cleans and seals your grout regularly, you won’t need to regrout often. In these cases, it may only be needed every 10 to 15 years.
How much does it cost to replace a broken tile?
A broken tile may greatly increase the cost of regrouting. Average costs for a professional to come to your home and fix at least one tile ranges from about $150 to $400.
What cleans grout best?
Bleach cleaners, CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner, and hydrogen peroxide products like Lysol, all clean grout well. Use these with a grout brush for best results. After cleaning, don't forget to re-seal!
