Grout vs. Cement — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 12, 2024
Grout is a fine mixture used to fill gaps between tiles, while cement is a binding agent used in the construction of structures.
Difference Between Grout and Cement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Grout is specifically designed to fill the spaces between tiles and other gaps in flooring and wall installations, providing a finished look and preventing debris accumulation. On the other hand, cement is a fundamental component in concrete and mortar, used widely in the construction of buildings, bridges, and roads due to its strength and binding properties.
While grout comes in various types, including sanded, unsanded, and epoxy, each suited to different tile applications based on joint width and the need for chemical resistance, cement is typically categorized by its grade and composition such as Portland cement, which is integral to making concrete and mortar.
Grout does not have significant structural properties; its primary purpose is aesthetic and protective, ensuring tiles stay clean and in place. Conversely, cement provides structural integrity to the constructions it is part of, hardening into a stone-like material capable of withstanding considerable loads.
The application process for grout involves spreading it over the tile surface and pushing it into the joints with a rubber float, whereas cement is mixed with other materials like sand and gravel to create concrete or with sand to make mortar, both of which are fundamental to building techniques.
Grout must be sealed to protect against moisture and staining, especially in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Cement, when part of concrete or mortar, undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration, which solidifies the mix into a rigid, durable structure.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Filling tile joints
Building and structural repairs
Composition
Cement, sand, and water (mostly)
Cement, sand, water, aggregates
Types
Sanded, unsanded, epoxy
Portland, quick-setting, others
Structural
No
Yes
Application
Applied with a float
Mixed and poured or laid
Compare with Definitions
Grout
Available in various colors to match or contrast tile.
She chose a dark grout to contrast with the white tiles.
Cement
A binding substance that is a main ingredient in concrete and mortar.
They ordered bulk cement for the new construction project.
Grout
Needs to be sealed to prevent staining.
They sealed the bathroom grout to avoid mold and mildew buildup.
Cement
Hardens and sets to become rock-hard.
The cement had set by the morning, making the foundation strong.
Grout
It provides an aesthetic finish and protects against moisture.
The grout helped in enhancing the color of the ceramic tiles.
Cement
A cement is a binder, a substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together. Cement is seldom used on its own, but rather to bind sand and gravel (aggregate) together.
Grout
A thin mortar used for filling spaces between tiles.
He mixed the grout to a perfect consistency for the tile spacing.
Cement
A building material made by grinding calcined limestone and clay to a fine powder, which can be mixed with water and poured to set as a solid mass or used as an ingredient in making mortar or concrete.
Grout
Grout is a dense fluid which is used to fill gaps or used as reinforcement in existing structures. Grout is generally a mixture of water, cement, and sand and is employed in pressure grouting, embedding rebar in masonry walls, connecting sections of pre-cast concrete, filling voids, and sealing joints such as those between tiles.
Cement
Portland cement.
Grout
A thin mortar used to fill cracks and crevices in masonry.
Cement
Concrete.
Grout
A thin plaster for finishing walls and ceilings.
Cement
A substance that hardens to act as an adhesive; glue.
Grout
Often grouts Chiefly British Sediment; lees.
Cement
Something that serves to bind or unite
“Custom was in early days the cement of society” (Walter Bagehot).
Grout
To fill or finish with a thin mortar or plaster.
Cement
(Geology) A chemically precipitated substance that binds particles of clastic rocks.
Grout
A thin mortar used to fill the gaps between tiles and cavities in masonry.
Cement
(Dentistry) A substance used for filling cavities or anchoring crowns, inlays, or other restorations.
Grout
(archaic) Coarse meal; groats.
Cement
Variant of cementum.
Grout
Dregs, sediment.
Cement
To join or cover with cement
The workers cemented bricks in the wall.
Grout
A kind of beer or ale.
Cement
To make binding; establish or strengthen
Signing the contract cemented the partners' agreement.
Grout
To insert mortar between tiles.
I spent the whole afternoon grouting the kitchen floor.
Cement
To become cemented.
Grout
To affix with mortar.
Cement
A powdered substance produced by firing (calcining) calcium carbonate (limestone) and clay that develops strong cohesive properties when mixed with water. The main ingredient of concrete.
Grout
Coarse meal; ground malt;
Cement
(uncountable) The paste-like substance resulting from mixing such a powder with water, or the rock-like substance that forms when it dries.
Grout
Formerly, a kind of beer or ale.
Cement
(uncountable) Any material with strong adhesive and cohesive properties such as binding agents, glues, grout.
Grout
Lees; dregs; grounds.
Cement
(figurative) A bond of union; that which unites firmly, as persons in friendship or in society.
The cement of our love
Grout
A thin, coarse mortar, used for pouring into the joints of masonry and brickwork; also, a finer material, used in finishing the best ceilings.
Cement
(anatomy) The layer of bone investing the root and neck of a tooth; cementum.
Grout
To fill up or finish with grout, as the joints between stones.
Cement
(transitive) To affix with cement.
Grout
A thin mortar that can be poured and used to fill cracks in masonry or brickwork
Cement
(transitive) To overlay or coat with cement.
To cement a cellar floor
Grout
Bind with grout;
Grout the bathtub
Cement
To unite firmly or closely.
Grout
Not load-bearing and mainly for decorative use.
Grout is essential for the final look of the tiled floor but does not support weight.
Cement
(figuratively) To make permanent.
Cement
Any substance used for making bodies adhere to each other, as mortar, glue, etc.
Cement
A kind of calcined limestone, or a calcined mixture of clay and lime, for making mortar which will harden under water.
Cement
Bond of union; that which unites firmly, as persons in friendship, or men in society.
Cement
The layer of bone investing the root and neck of a tooth; - called also cementum.
Cement
To unite or cause to adhere by means of a cement.
Cement
To unite firmly or closely.
Cement
To overlay or coat with cement; as, to cement a cellar bottom.
Cement
To become cemented or firmly united; to cohere.
Cement
Concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement;
They stood on the gray cement beside the pool
Cement
A building material that is a powder made of a mixture of calcined limestone and clay; used with water and sand or gravel to make concrete and mortar
Cement
Something that hardens to act as adhesive material
Cement
Any of various materials used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth
Cement
A specialized bony substance covering the root of a tooth
Cement
Make fast as if with cement;
We cemented our friendship
Cement
Cover or coat with cement
Cement
Bind or join with or as if with cement
Cement
Mixed with aggregates to build structures.
The builders mixed the cement with gravel and sand for the driveway.
Cement
Used in a variety of construction tasks.
Cement is versatile, used from paving roads to building skyscrapers.
Cement
Requires proper mixing and hydration to set correctly.
Proper hydration of the cement is crucial for the concrete's strength.
Common Curiosities
Can cement be used as grout?
While cement is a component of grout, grout contains additional elements like polymers for flexibility and colorants for aesthetic purposes.
Why do you need to seal grout but not cement?
Grout is more porous and prone to staining and moisture damage, hence it needs to be sealed; cement in concrete or mortar forms a stronger, less porous bond.
What's the difference between grout and mortar?
Grout is thinner and used for filling joints, whereas mortar is thicker and used for binding bricks and stones.
How long does grout take to cure?
Grout typically takes 24-72 hours to cure fully, depending on the type and conditions.
Is grout as durable as cement?
Grout is less durable than cement and more susceptible to moisture and requires sealing for protection.
How do I choose the right type of cement?
The choice of cement depends on the project requirements, such as strength needed, setting time, and environmental conditions.
Can both grout and cement be colored?
Yes, both can be mixed with colorants to achieve a desired aesthetic effect.
What are the safety precautions for using cement?
Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles, as cement can cause skin irritation and is harmful if inhaled.
Are there eco-friendly alternatives to cement?
Yes, materials such as fly ash and slag cement are considered more sustainable alternatives to traditional Portland cement.
How should leftover cement and grout be disposed of?
Leftover materials should be disposed of according to local regulations, often requiring them to be taken to a proper waste management facility.
What is quick-setting cement?
Quick-setting cement is a type of cement that sets in a very short time, used for projects that require fast completion.
Is there a difference in cost between grout and cement?
Grout can be more expensive per unit due to its specialized additives and smaller packaging.
How often should grout be replaced?
Grout should be checked and possibly replaced every 10-15 years, depending on its condition and exposure to moisture.
Can grout be used outside?
Yes, but it must be suitable for external use and properly sealed to withstand weather conditions.
How can I make sure my cement mixture is correct?
Follow manufacturer recommendations for the proper ratio of cement to water and aggregates, and adjust based on environmental conditions and the desired final strength.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
