How Much Does Regrouting Tile Showers, Floors, or Walls Cost?

Average Cost to Regrout Tile

Cost to Regrout a Bathroom

Regrouting your bathroom tiles can restore them to a clean, damage-free look and make your bathroom look new again. Costs will vary depending on where the tile is located. For example, showers are often tighter and less accessible than floors, driving up labor costs. Costs to regrout different parts of a bathroom are broken out below.

Cost to Regrout a Shower

Expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot or more to have a grout repair pro near you regrout your shower, which includes materials and labor. A typical square shower in a U.S. home is 32-by-32 inches, while rectangular showers are usually 36-by-48 inches. 

Bathroom Walls and Floors

When it comes to bathroom walls and regrouting floor tile costs, expect to hire a pro at an average price between $10 and $25 per hour.

When working with bathroom walls and floors, the work area is usually more accessible than a tight shower space. Therefore, labor costs may be slightly lower than a shower job. However, this isn’t a guarantee since labor prices vary by region.

Regrouting Tile Countertop and Fireplace Costs

If you hire someone to replace grout on your counters or fireplace hearths, expect to pay between $10 and $25 per hour, on average.

Many tile countertops have very thin (1/16-inch) joints to keep material costs low. But removing old grout from corners without causing damage can be tricky and take more time. Countertops also have wooden surfaces underneath, which may require different removal techniques than tiles with a concrete floor underneath to avoid chipping or breaking other tiles.

Cost to Regrout Tiles per Square Foot

The cost to regrout tiles is $5 to $25 per square foot and varies depending on the type of tiles being regrouted. Expect estimates in the following ranges:

• Shower tiles: $10 – $25 per square foot

• Wall tiles: $5 – $6 per square foot

• Floor tiles: $6 – $8 per square foot

The prices above include the complete removal of old grout. Make sure these details are written in the estimate, as some contractors may not remove all the old grout and quote prices as low as $1.70 to $5 per square foot.

Grout replacement isn't difficult, but it's 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 grout than to apply new grout. Some DIY-ers start the process, then call a pro after realizing how long the job will take.

For DIY-ers, 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’re concerned about having too much tile repair, consider hiring an experienced pro who can do the job efficiently and keep the cost to repair ceramic or porcelain tiles as low as possible.

Grout Replacement Cost Factors

When calculating the potential cost to regrout a tiled surface, consider factors like the type of grout you’re using, the condition of the existing grout, and the size of the tiles you’re working with.

Type of Grout

The average cost to regrout tile depends on the type of grout you use. Several types offer unique properties that make them more expensive than generic grout. These include antifungal grout, antibacterial grout, epoxy grout, unsanded grout, and finely sanded grout. Dry grout costs approximately $10 to $65 per 25-pound bag, while premixed grout costs around $12 to $160 per bag.

Condition and Repairs

The condition of your existing grout can impact costs, especially if repairs are needed. For example, if your current grout is degraded and moldy, moisture may have gotten through and damaged it. You’ll need to pay for water damage restoration costs before any regrouting can begin.

Size of Tile

The tile size you're using for your project will impact the amount of grout you need for the job. The smaller your tiles, the more grout lines your surface will have.

Grout Restoration Cost

The national average for grout restoration costs is $450 for 100 square feet. The price depends on the square footage, joint width, and the types of materials used. With restoration, an expert uses special cleaning agents and then seals the joints to preserve the new look. Pros also apply a sealer after regrouting, and homeowners are advised to reapply the 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 DIY-ers bargain for. DIY pricing is attractive because you only pay for materials and tools, not labor. However, improper regrouting can lead to moisture damage and mold if not done carefully. Learning to regrout correctly requires experience and knowledge of the proper tools and techniques.

If the job is more than you can handle and you feel you may run the risk of damage, hire a trusted tile professional.