Marble is the crown jewel of natural stone; Carrara and Statuario marble are known for their luxury and durability. However, some homeowners make the mistake of pairing 100 per square foot marble with 5 bags of white cement. “Epoxy Grout “
It is recommended to invest in epoxy grout that beats white cement. It is best for marble installation. In this article, let us understand why epoxy grout is better compared to white cement.
Why Epoxy Grout Is Better Than White Cement
For many years, the white cement was used during marble installation, but epoxy grout is better for a few reasons. Here is how they stack up:
1. Stain Resistance
Marble is naturally porous in nature, and white cement is even more porous in nature. White cement acts like a sponge for wine, dirty mop water, and any spillage and turns yellowish within months.
- Epoxy grout is non-porous. Spills sit on the surface, making it nearly impossible to stain.
2. Strength and Durability
The white cement is prone to chalking and getting cracks with time.
- Epoxy grout is made from resins and fillers. Once it cures, it is as hard as the stone itself and won’t shrink, crack, or fall out of the joints.
3. Water Absorption
In wet areas like bathrooms and shower areas, white cement absorbs water and leads to mold growth and even damage to the subfloor.
- Epoxy grout is 100% waterproof. It creates an airtight seal that prevents moisture from seeping behind your marble tiles.
4. Color Consistency
White cement often dries up in different shades depending on the water ratio used.
- Epoxy grout offers uniform color across every inch of your floor and is available in hundreds of shades to perfectly match your marble’s veining.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | White Cement | Epoxy Grout |
| Porosity | High (Stains easily) | Zero (Stain-proof) |
| Flexibility | Brittle (Cracks easily) | High (Resists cracking) |
| Maintenance | High (Requires scrubbing/sealing) | Low (Wipe and go) |
| Lifespan | 2–5 Years | 15+ Years |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Premium |
Conclusion
While white cement is cheaper upfront, it often results in higher long-term costs due to professional cleaning, regrouting, or water damage repairs. For a high-end material like marble, epoxy grout is an insurance policy for your floor’s beauty. It ensures your marble looks as pristine ten years from now as it does on the day of installation.
FAQs
Q: Can epoxy grout scratch marble during application?
A: Since marble is soft, you should use non-sanded epoxy grout or “fine-filler” epoxy to avoid any micro-scratches during the cleaning process.
Q: Is it harder to install than normal grout?
A: Yes. It sets quickly and requires a specific cleaning technique. It is highly recommended to hire a professional experienced with epoxy.
Q: Does epoxy grout yellow over time?
A: High-quality modern epoxy grouts are UV-stable. Unlike white cement, which yellows from dirt absorption, epoxy maintains its color.
