Quick Shower Regrouting Cost Calculator
*Prices include labor, materials, mold treatment, and 2-year warranty. Add 30% for epoxy grout upgrade.
Your shower grout is failing. Black mold is spreading. Water is seeping behind tiles. The average shower regrouting costs $800-2,500 and takes 2 days – but the details matter.
After regrouting over 3,000 showers since 2010, we've created this complete guide covering every aspect: exact costs by shower size, the professional 8-step process, timeline breakdowns, warranty information, and when DIY makes sense (spoiler: rarely for showers).
This guide answers the 50+ questions homeowners ask about shower regrouting, with real pricing, photos, and insider tips that save hundreds.
Complete Shower Guide Contents
Complete Shower Regrouting Cost Breakdown
Here's exactly what you're paying for in professional shower regrouting:
| Service Component | Cost Range | Time Required | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grout Removal | $300-500 | 3-4 hours | ✓ Always |
| Mold Treatment | $100-200 | 1 hour | ✓ If needed |
| New Grout Material | $100-150 | - | ✓ Premium grade |
| Grout Installation | $200-400 | 2-3 hours | ✓ Always |
| Caulking (corners) | $50-100 | 30 minutes | ✓ Always |
| Sealing | $75-150 | 1 hour | ✓ Always |
| Cleanup/Disposal | $25-50 | 30 minutes | ✓ Always |
| Warranty (2-5 years) | Included | - | ✓ Always |
| Tile Replacement | $100-300/tile | 1 hour/tile | ✗ Extra |
| Epoxy Upgrade | +$500-800 | +2 hours | ✗ Optional |
Shower Regrouting Costs by Size & Type
Residential Shower Types:
- Standard Tub/Shower Combo (60 sq ft): $800-1,200
- Most common type, 3 walls, relatively simple
- Neo-Angle Shower (70 sq ft): $1,000-1,400
- Corner unit with angled door, more grout lines
- Walk-in Shower (80-100 sq ft): $1,200-1,800
- No tub, floor-to-ceiling tile, glass door
- Roll-in/ADA Shower (100+ sq ft): $1,500-2,200
- Wheelchair accessible, larger area, special requirements
- Luxury Master Shower (120+ sq ft): $1,800-2,500
- Multiple shower heads, bench, niche, extensive tilework
- Steam Shower (Fully Enclosed): $2,500-3,500
- Ceiling tile, complete seal required, special grout
💡 Price Factors:
- Tile size (smaller tiles = more grout lines = higher cost)
- Shower height (8' ceilings cost more than 7')
- Accent tiles or patterns add 15-20%
- Natural stone requires special products (+25%)
- Emergency service adds 30-50%
The 8-Step Professional Shower Regrouting Process
Day 1: Removal & Preparation (4-6 hours)
Day 2: Installation & Finishing (3-4 hours)
Day 3-4: Curing & Final Steps
DIY vs Professional Shower Regrouting
⚠️ Why Showers Are Different:
Showers face 100x more water exposure than any other tiled area. One small mistake in grout application or sealing causes water penetration, leading to mold growth and structural damage costing $5,000-15,000. Professional installation includes waterproofing measures DIYers often miss.
Common Shower Grout Problems We Fix
🦠 Black Mold in Grout
Cause: Unsealed grout + constant moisture
Solution: Complete removal, antimicrobial treatment, epoxy grout
Cost to Fix: $900-1,400
HEALTH HAZARD💧 Leaking Shower Pan
Cause: Failed grout at floor/wall junction
Solution: Regrout + proper caulking + pan test
Cost to Fix: $1,200-2,000
URGENT🔨 Cracking/Missing Grout
Cause: Movement, poor installation, age
Solution: Full regrouting required
Cost to Fix: $800-1,500
MODERATE🎨 Discolored Grout
Cause: Soap scum, hard water, mold
Solution: Deep clean or full regrout
Cost to Fix: $300-1,200
COSMETIC📐 Loose Tiles
Cause: Water damage behind tiles
Solution: Reset tiles + full regrout
Cost to Fix: $1,500-3,000
STRUCTURAL💦 Efflorescence (White Buildup)
Cause: Minerals leaching through grout
Solution: Clean + seal or replace
Cost to Fix: $400-1,000
PROGRESSIVEShower Mold: Removal & Prevention
Professional Mold Removal Process:
- Assessment: Identify extent and type of mold
- Containment: Seal area to prevent spore spread
- PPE Setup: Full protection for workers
- Removal: Cut out affected grout completely
- Treatment: Apply EPA-registered antimicrobial
- Drying: Ensure complete moisture removal
- Prevention: Install mold-resistant grout
- Sealing: Apply antimicrobial sealer
Mold Prevention After Regrouting:
- Run exhaust fan during and 30 minutes after showers
- Squeegee walls after each use
- Keep shower door/curtain open when not in use
- Clean weekly with antimicrobial cleaner
- Reseal grout every 6 months (cement) or never (epoxy)
- Fix any leaks immediately
- Maintain bathroom humidity below 50%
Best Grout Types for Showers (2025 Recommendations)
1. Epoxy Grout (BEST OVERALL)
- Cost: $2,000-3,500 installed
- Pros: 100% waterproof, never needs sealing, stain-proof, mold-resistant
- Cons: Expensive, difficult installation, limited color options
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Best For: All showers, especially high-use
2. Urethane Grout (BEST VALUE)
- Cost: $1,200-2,000 installed
- Pros: Pre-mixed, consistent color, good water resistance
- Cons: Limited availability, professional installation required
- Lifespan: 15+ years
- Best For: Modern showers with consistent joint widths
3. Polymer-Modified Cement (BUDGET)
- Cost: $800-1,500 installed
- Pros: Affordable, many colors, easier repairs
- Cons: Requires sealing, can stain, mold risk
- Lifespan: 8-12 years with maintenance
- Best For: Guest bathrooms, low-moisture areas
💡 Pro Recommendation:
For primary shower use, always choose epoxy grout despite the higher cost. The $800 premium pays for itself by preventing one water damage incident. For guest bathrooms used weekly, polymer-modified cement with good maintenance works fine.
Warranty Comparison: What's Actually Covered
Professional Warranty Coverage
What's NOT Covered:
- Damage from improper cleaning products
- Physical impact or abuse
- Natural wear and tear
- Failure to maintain (clean/seal)
- Pre-existing tile or substrate issues
- Acts of God (earthquakes, floods)
Post-Regrouting Maintenance Schedule
When Can You Use Your Shower Again?
Curing Timeline by Grout Type:
- Cement Grout:
- 24 hours: Light moisture OK (not direct water)
- 48 hours: Can shower with care
- 72 hours: Full use
- 7 days: Apply sealer
- Epoxy Grout:
- 24 hours: Full water exposure OK
- No sealing required
- Urethane Grout:
- 48 hours: Full use
- No sealing required
Ready to Transform Your Shower?
Get a free detailed quote including exact costs for your shower size, timeline, and warranty options. We'll assess mold risk and recommend the best grout type for your needs.
Get Free Shower AssessmentBefore & After: Real Shower Transformations
Signs Your Shower Needs Regrouting NOW
- Visible Mold/Mildew: Black spots that won't clean off
- Cracking Grout: Even hairline cracks allow water penetration
- Missing Grout: Gaps where grout has fallen out
- Discoloration: Permanent staining despite cleaning
- Soft/Crumbly Texture: Grout deteriorating when touched
- Water on Walls: Moisture appearing outside shower
- Musty Smell: Indicates hidden mold growth
- Loose Tiles: Movement when pressed
- White Residue: Efflorescence from water migration
- Failed Caulk: Separating from walls or tub
⚠️ Don't Wait Too Long:
Every month you delay shower regrouting increases water damage risk. We've seen $15,000 bathroom rebuilds that started as $1,200 regrouting jobs delayed too long. Water behind tiles causes rot, mold, and structural damage invisible until it's too late.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Regrouting
Can I use my other bathroom while shower is being regrouted?
Yes, only the shower being worked on is unavailable. The rest of your home, including other bathrooms, remains fully functional. We contain our work area and clean up daily. The regrouted shower can't be used for 48-72 hours for proper curing.
Will regrouting fix my leaking shower?
Regrouting fixes 80% of shower leaks caused by failed grout or caulk. However, leaks from shower pans, valves, or plumbing require different repairs. We perform a water test to identify leak sources before regrouting. If it's beyond grout, we'll refer trusted plumbers.
What's the difference between grout and caulk?
Grout fills spaces between tiles on flat surfaces. Caulk seals corners, edges, and transitions where movement occurs. Showers need both: grout for tile joints, caulk for corners and where tile meets tub. Using grout in corners causes cracking; using caulk between tiles causes mold.
Can you match my existing grout color?
We can match 95% of grout colors using manufacturer color charts and custom blending. For unique colors, we take samples to suppliers for matching. Note: new grout may look slightly different than 10-year-old grout due to aging, but it will be uniform throughout.
How messy is shower regrouting?
Professional regrouting is surprisingly clean. We use dust-collection tools, protect surfaces, and clean thoroughly each day. You'll have some dust in the bathroom, but we contain it with plastic barriers. Most customers are surprised how clean we leave it.
Should I regrout or completely retile?
Regrout if: tiles are secure, you like the tile design, and substrate is sound. Retile if: multiple loose tiles, water damage to walls, outdated design you want changed, or tiles are cracked. Regrouting costs $1,000-2,500 while retiling costs $5,000-15,000.
What cleaners can I use after regrouting?
Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for tile and grout. Avoid bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and acidic cleaners that break down grout sealer. We provide a list of recommended products and give you a bottle of professional cleaner to start. Never use abrasive scrubbers.
Is shower regrouting covered by insurance?
Maintenance regrouting isn't covered, but damage-related regrouting might be. If grout failure caused water damage, insurance may cover repairs. Sudden failures (pipe burst) are covered; gradual wear isn't. We provide detailed invoices for insurance claims when applicable.
The Bottom Line on Shower Regrouting
Professional shower regrouting costs $800-2,500, takes 2 days, and lasts 10-15 years with proper maintenance. While DIY saves $500-1,000 upfront, the risk of water damage (average $8,000) makes professional installation worthwhile for this critical wet area.
The key to long-lasting shower grout is proper removal depth, correct product selection, professional installation, and regular maintenance. Cutting corners on any step leads to premature failure and expensive water damage.
For showers, especially primary bathrooms, invest in epoxy grout despite the higher cost. The peace of mind from 100% waterproof, mold-proof grout that never needs sealing is worth the premium.
💡 Final Advice:
Schedule shower regrouting in summer when humidity is lowest and curing conditions are ideal. Book 2-3 weeks in advance as quality contractors stay busy. If you see any signs of failure, don't wait – water damage happens fast and costs 10x more than prevention.