Grout vs. Mortar: What Do You Need for Your Project?
You may need one or both, depending on your project
Highlights
Mortar is the glue that holds bricks and stones together in masonry.
Mortar is also used to install tile onto floors and walls.
You use grout to fill the spaces between tiles.
Grouting is an easier DIY job.
You’re getting ready to do a masonry or tiling project, and you’re left wondering—do you need grout, mortar, or both? To find out the answer, read on to discover more about grout versus mortar. Knowing the key differences between mortar and grout will help save you time and money and will ensure you get the job done right.
Grout vs. Mortar: Key Differences
Both grout and mortar are used during the tile installation process. The main difference is that grout fills the gaps between tiles, but mortar is an adhesive that goes underneath the tiles. Because they each serve a distinct purpose, grout and mortar aren’t interchangeable.
What Is Grout?
Grout is used to fill in the empty spaces between tiles—known as joints—during tile installation. It adds stability and helps hold the tiles in place while also stopping water and debris from getting underneath them. Many types of grout are cement-based, but some kinds have epoxy, acrylic, urethane, or polymer added.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a polished look | Can crack, stain, or loosen |
| Available in many colors | Some types require sealant |
| Easy to install | May scratch delicate types of tile |
Best for:
Creating structure and bonding tiles together
Preventing water, humidity, and dirt from settling under the tiles
Enhancing the look of tile walls, floors, countertops, and more
Pros of Grout
Applying grout makes your tile look more polished and put together, creating a seamless aesthetic on your floor, wall, backsplash, or other tiled surface. Since grout comes in numerous colors, it’s easy to find—or custom-create—a shade that complements your tile.
Grout is pretty easy to work with, too (especially if you buy a pre-mixed product). With a few supplies, materials, and some practice, you can regrout a shower in a weekend.
Cons of Grout
As grout ages, it can loosen, chip away, and wear down. If you don’t fix cracked grout, you could end up with mold, water damage, or tile breakage. Depending on the kind of grout you have, you may need to reseal it every few years to protect both the grout and the tiles.
Before buying grout, make sure it’s compatible with your specific type of tile. Otherwise, it could damage your tile. For example, sanded grout is coarse and can scratch tiles made from delicate materials (like marble and glass).
What Is Mortar?
Mortar is a masonry material used to hold two materials together. It’s used in tiling projects to bond the tiles to the underlayment. There are several types of mortar used to lay tile, including thin-set and epoxy mortar. Of the two, thin-set mortar is more popular with DIYers because it’s easier to work with and compatible with most types of tile.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong and durable | Improper installation can damage grout and tiles |
| Has indoor and outdoor uses | Can be challenging to apply |
| Some types are pre-mixed for convenience | May be difficult to repair |
Best for:
Securing tiles to an underlayment
Building chimneys, walls, walkways, and other masonry construction
Improving the appearance of bricks through tuckpointing
Pros of Mortar
Whether you’re applying it underneath tiles or between bricks, mortar is a strong and durable material. It also has a number of uses, including for both indoor and outdoor projects.
There are several different kinds of mortar, which are available in both dry and pre-mixed forms. If you don’t have much experience with mortar, you may find it easier to work with pre-mixed mortar.
Cons of Mortar
In a tiling installation, mortar is quite literally the glue that keeps your tiles in place. As a result, it’s essential to apply it correctly. Otherwise, it could damage your grout or tile. In fact, if you don’t apply enough mortar under your tiles, they can pull away from the underlying surface and cause the grout to crack.
In addition, mortar in masonry applications can be harder to apply than grout. It’s also more challenging to replace without professional help, so call in a tiling expert if you have mortar problems.
Grout vs. Mortar
Here are the main differences between mortar and grout that you should know about.
Color Choices: Grout
When it comes to color, you’ll see that you have a lot more freedom with grout. In fact, you can find nearly any color of grout, especially since you can use grout dye to color your grout.
With that being said, there are color choices for masonry mortar, too—they just tend to be different shades of gray, red, white, black, and tan. There are yellow and pink mortars, too.
Durability: Mortar
Mortar is arguably more durable than grout. In masonry applications, it can hold together very heavy pieces of brick and stone. In tiling applications, it can bond tiles to the wall in a shower and help keep water from seeping in.
But that’s not to say that grout isn’t durable. As long as you choose the right type of grout for your project and install it correctly, it should hold up to wear and tear, spills, and splashing. If you use cement-based grout, applying a sealer every couple of years will help keep it strong.
Installation DIYability: Grout
If you’re the type to DIY your home projects, then you’re probably wondering if it’s easier to install grout or mortar.
While you can certainly learn how to install either grout or mortar, you’ll likely find that grout is easier to work with, especially if you use pre-mixed grout.
Using thin-set or epoxy mortar to install tile can also be a doable DIY project, especially if your floor or walls are in good shape. With some determination and skill, you can learn how to install ceramic tile, for example. For bigger or more complex jobs, it’s best to hire a tile contractor near you.
Generally speaking, it’s much more complicated to use mortar for masonry work like building a brick wall or installing a stone veneer wall.
Repair DIYability: Grout
Repairing grout requires you to remove the old grout and install new grout. You’ll need some tiling tools, including a grout sponge.
The process is similar for repointing or tuckpointing mortar used in a masonry project. You need to remove the old mortar, spray down the wall, and then install the new mortar. This process tends to be more difficult than grout repair because removing the old mortar requires you to use an angle grinder and a scraping tool.
Also, it’s important to know the difference between mortar that should be repaired or not. Certain issues like loose, spalling, or damaged bricks point to more serious issues that can’t be fixed with repointing. If you’re unsure, always call in a pro before moving forward with a DIY job.
Life Span: Mortar
Grout lasts 15 to 20 years, but mortar used in masonry lasts 20 to 30 years. To help your grout and mortar achieve the longest life span possible, you should ensure they’re correctly installed, maintain them properly, and make any necessary repairs promptly.