Black Grout: 44 Best High-Traffic Options That Resist Stains

Black grout stands out for its rich depth and sophistication, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects. Our comprehensive guide examines the top black grout options on the market, comparing their durability, color consistency, and ease of maintenance to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Mapei Keracolor Sanded Grout

This premium black sanded grout from Mapei combines mold resistance with wide joint compatibility – perfect for both residential and commercial projects. With its BioBlock technology and ability to set in damp conditions, it's ideal for areas like swimming pools and bathroom walls where other grouts might fail. The 10-pound bag covers over 300 square feet, making it a practical choice for most floor and wall projects.

Red Devil Black Pre-Mixed Tile Grout

Black pre-mixed tile grout that adheres to ceramic and mosaic tile, suitable for both walls and floors. This water-resistant grout comes in an 8-ounce tub and cleans up easily with soap and water. Made in the USA at a factory in Pryor, OK.

Hemway Black Glitter Grout Tile Additive

Transform your bathroom or kitchen tiles with this subtly sparkling grout additive that catches light and adds a sophisticated shimmer. Available in over 50 vibrant colors, the waterproof formula adds a permanent sparkle that's resistant to fading and peeling.

Henry Grout Black Licorice 8lb

The Henry Grout Univ Black Licorice packs an impressive 8 pounds of rich, dark licorice flavor into each bag. With its robust, traditional black licorice taste, this chewy confection makes a substantial treat for those who love the rich, sweet-savory profile of authentic black licorice.

Laticrete Permacolor Midnight Black Grout

This versatile black grout sets quickly while maintaining a consistent color throughout your tile projects. Many customers praise its ease of use, though some note it shows dirt readily. The professional-grade formula creates a dense, long-lasting joint that's perfect for both residential and commercial applications.

Custom Building Products PBPG6010 Charcoal Polyblend Plus Grout

This professional-grade tile grout combines superior durability with enhanced resistance to efflorescence, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications including swimming pools and water features. The polymer-fortified formula ensures a hard, lasting finish that won't shrink or powder over time, while its non-shrinking properties allow it to fill joints up to 1/8 inch wide. Its ANSI A118.6 certified performance makes it perfect for highly glazed ceramic tile and polished natural stone where traditional sanded grouts would cause damage during installation.

Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA Premium Grout

This premium grout lets you set tile joints as narrow as 1/16 inch while remaining incredibly easy to clean. The fine aggregate formula works great for both indoor and outdoor projects, from bathroom backsplashes to patio stones. Simply mix it with water and apply - no special sealant required.

Mosaic Tile Grout

This handy 8-floz tube of premium mosaic grout lets you create stunning tile designs with just the right consistency for detailed work. The water-based formula mixes precisely in the tub, so you're ready to go without extra hassle. While some folks had trouble with drying issues, many users praise its convenience and performance for mosaic projects.

8oz Mapei Grout Refresh Black

Mapei's Grout Refresh changes old grout into new, while keeping the color uniform and sealed in. You apply it easily with a brush for both floors and walls - it works on just about any cement-based grout you can imagine. The black formula dries to a solid color that's hard-wearing and protects your grout from future staining.

CBP cpg6017 Black Charcoal Grout

Prism Ultimate Performance Grout combines a calcium aluminate cement base with recycled glass and fine aggregate sand for superior grouting results. Its uniform color remains consistent regardless of tile type, temperature, or humidity, while its rapid-setting formula allows walkability in just four hours. The lightweight grout delivers high early strength and superior stain resistance for both interior and exterior applications, including floors, showers, and countertops.

Jennifer's Black Tile Grout

Craft your mosaic projects with lasting durability using Jennifer's Mosaic Studio Tile Grout. The all-purpose sanded grout provides strong, uniform joints that outperform other options on the market. Users appreciate its easy mixing process and quick drying time, making it a practical choice for both indoor and outdoor projects.

TEC AccuColor Sanded Grout

Available in 25-pound bags, this premium sanded cement grout delivers consistent color and superior wear resistance for tile joints between 1/8" to 1/2" wide. The polymer-enhanced formula dries to a smooth finish while providing excellent performance in both residential and commercial settings.

Ardex DG1-24 Black Licorice Grout

Ardex DG1 Premixed grout brings a rich, crack-resistant black finish to shower walls and floors while protecting tiles from mold and mildew. The low-VOC formula and natural curing process make it a safer choice for sensitive surfaces, requiring no additional mixing or maintenance. This hassle-free grout applies smoothly even on vertical surfaces straight from the pail.

Mosaic Mercantile Black Tile Grout

With its smooth, easy-to-apply texture and water-based formula, this premixed black grout is a practical choice for filling narrow grout lines. The grout can be tinted to create custom shades, from rich blacks to various grays, giving you flexibility in your tiling projects. While some users find it sets up quickly and requires careful application to avoid excess, the consistent quality and strong bond make it a reliable option for both new and experienced tile installers.

Bostik Hydroment Vivid Grout H139

Hydroment Vivid Char Black grout combines fiber reinforcement with rapid curing technology to create a premium sanded tile grout suitable for joints between 1/16" and 1/2". Its advanced formulation provides excellent stain resistance without requiring additional sealants, making maintenance straightforward. The zero-VOC formula delivers consistent color application while protecting against efflorescence for both commercial and residential projects.

Power Grout Raven

This versatile grout delivers professional results with its stain-blocking properties and color consistency, while its quick-setting formula cuts installation time. The easy-to-clean, crack-resistant formula works great for both walls and floors, making it a practical choice for any tiling project.

Mapei Kerapoxy CQ Charcoal Gray Epoxy Grout

This high-performance epoxy grout delivers superior workability and water-cleanability for seamless installation in both floors and walls. The nonsagging formula ensures consistent color and durability in joints up to 3/8" wide, while BioBlock technology helps prevent mold and mildew growth. The premium black grout maintains its color intensity and stains effectively without requiring additional sealants.

Laticrete SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG #2 Black Grout

The black Spectralock 2000 IG grout combines superior chemical resistance with enhanced temperature stability for use in industrial settings. Its built-in antimicrobial protection helps prevent mold and mildew growth, while its bacteria resistance meets stringent ANSI performance standards for both epoxy and furan grouts. This factory-mixed epoxy grout system provides a durable solution for heavy-duty applications involving ceramic, stone, and paver installations.

Proma Pro Grout One Black 1 Gallon

A high-quality black grout that works great for both ceramic and natural stone tile installations, providing bright color consistency and excellent stain resistance without the need for sealing. The ultra-smooth formula makes it easy to work with and clean, while its exceptional sag-free properties ensure consistent results in all joint sizes from 2mm to 13mm. This versatile grout performs well in both dry and wet environments, contributing to LEED objectives while delivering mold and mildew resistance in challenging applications like showers and countertops.

Laticrete SPECTRALOCK Grout Part C Raven

This high-performance black epoxy grout delivers uniform color with no blotchiness or streaking, thanks to its patented formula that prevents common installation issues. With an 80-minute working time at 70°F, you get plenty of time to work with the grout while its anti-microbial properties ensure lasting cleanliness. Its superior stain resistance and durable finish make it ideal for both residential and commercial applications where appearance and longevity are key.

The Tile Doctor Crystal Glass Grout

The Tile Doctor's Crystal Glass Grout combines elegant black tones with the brand's signature Starlike EVO 700 formula to create a sophisticated grout that transforms ordinary glass tile installations into something truly special. This premium grout system, designed specifically for glass tile applications, offers both durable performance and design flexibility through its compatibility with a variety of subfloor types and its extensive color range enhanced by the Jewels additive. Whether you're working on an indoor or outdoor project, this imported grout system delivers lasting results with its impressive 10-year warranty and proven ability to cover up to 240 square feet.

Armstrong FlexStrong Black Grout

The Armstrong Flooring FlexStrong black sanded grout brings uniform color and flexibility to tile installations, with minimal maintenance requirements. This premixed formula saves time and reduces mess while providing stain resistance and quick drying for early traffic access. The versatile grout works with common joint widths and performs well in interior bathroom and kitchen applications.

Permacolor Select Grout (Midnight Black)

When it comes to grout, PERMACOLOR Select Midnight Black delivers superior performance with its ANSI A118.7 certification and built-in STONETECH sealer. The fiber-reinforced formula prevents cracks and shrinkage while the fast-setting properties allow for foot traffic in just 3 hours. The premium black grout maintains vibrant color consistency and excellent resistance to efflorescence.

Bostik Trucolor Rapidcure Pre-Mixed Charcoal Black Grout

This premium grout delivers superior performance without the maintenance hassle of traditional options. The ready-to-use formula speeds up your tiling project while its built-in protection keeps your installation looking great for years. The crack-resistant flexibility ensures your grout stays strong under pressure, maintaining its original appearance through everyday use.

Laticrete SPECTRALOCK 1 Midnight Black Grout

The Laticrete SPECTRALOCK 1 grout brings professional-grade performance to your next project with its remarkable durability and color consistency. At just 1 gallon, this pre-mixed grout eliminates the mess of traditional mixing while providing the strength typically reserved for epoxy grouts. Whether you're setting 3D tiles or installing a backsplash, its reliable performance makes it a practical choice for any grouting job.

Custom Building Products Simplegrout #60 Charcoal 1 qt. Pre-Mixed Grout

The Simplegrout #60 Charcoal provides an efficient grouting solution with its ready-to-use formula, preventing common issues like cracking and shrinkage. Its stain resistance and versatility for various tile types make it a practical choice for both residential and commercial projects.

The Tile Doctor Starlike Evo Nero Grafite Grout

This detailed grouting solution combines professional-grade durability with user-friendly application, featuring a unique multi-shade formula that blends seamlessly for precise coloring. With exceptional chemical resistance and mold protection, the epoxy grout delivers long-term performance while remaining surprisingly easy to work with - though patience is key when mastering this high-demand material. The result is a water-resistant, ultra-durable tile surface that maintains its pristine appearance without the need for additional sealing.

Mapei Keracolor Black Unsanded Grout

Mapei Keracolor grout brings a rich black tone to tile installations, perfect for both interior and underwater applications. The unsanded polymer-modified grout works well with narrow joints and meets ANSI standards for ceramic and natural stone tiles. While some users note color variations, many appreciate its mold resistance and performance in tight spaces.

Mapei Kerapoxy CQ Black Epoxy Grout

This high-performance epoxy grout delivers outstanding durability and ease of use for both novice and experienced tile installers. The proprietary blend combines superior water cleanability with nonsagging properties for joints up to 3/8" wide, while its mold-resistant formula and inherent stain resistance eliminate the need for additional sealants. Whether you're grouting floors, walls, or countertops, this versatile product consistently maintains its vibrant black color and provides long-lasting protection against chemicals and daily wear.

Polyblend Charcoal Grout

A dense black sanded grout that produces rock-hard joints resistant to shrinkage and wear, this 7-pound bag is perfect for both commercial and residential tile installations. The polyblend formula ensures consistent color and quick curing, while its water-clean-up properties make it practical for everyday use. Whether you're grouting porcelain floors or ceramic walls, this high-performance grout delivers the durability you need for any tile or stone project.

Fusion Pro #60 Charcoal 1-gallon Grout

When it comes to grouting, many DIY enthusiasts swear by Fusion Pro's single-component formula, which eliminates the need for separate sealants. While the product boasts impressive stain resistance and compatibility with all tile types, user experiences vary widely – some praise its ease of use and professional results, while others report significant issues with haze removal and material shrinkage. The grout's reputation suffered major blows when multiple users encountered severe installation problems that led to wasted time, materials, and ruined tile finishes.

Flexcolor CQ 1-Gallon Black Acrylic Grout

This premium black sanded grout brings a professional touch to bathroom and kitchen installations, featuring BioBlock technology that fights mold and mildew while preventing water-based stains. The specially formulated blend cures quickly in 24 hours without requiring additional sealing, making it a practical choice for both new and experienced tile setters.

Ardex FH Sanded Black Licorice Grout

A versatile black grout that works wonders with both porcelain and natural stone tiles. Its creamy consistency makes application a breeze, while its durable cement formula fills joints up to 3/4 inch thick in one-go. Whether you're laying new tiles in your bathroom or kitchen, this weather-resistant grout handles both indoor and outdoor jobs with ease.

The Tile Doctor Starlike Evo 230 Cacao Grout

The Tile Doctor's Starlike Evo grout brings a rich cacao hue to bathroom and kitchen tile jobs, setting with remarkable speed while resisting mold and stains. Despite its advanced chemistry, which requires precise mixing techniques, it proves its worth in high-humidity areas like showers and pools. While some users appreciate its ease of application and superior durability, others find it difficult to work with and expensive for the coverage it provides.

Black Wall and Floor Grout Pen

Restoring tile grout has never been easier or more efficient, thanks to this versatile waterproof pen that brings renewed life to your bathroom or kitchen tiles. With its generous 15mm tip and broad-nib design, it glides smoothly along grout lines, covering even the widest joints with consistent black color that matches most tile patterns perfectly. Its anti-bacterial formula provides an extra layer of protection against mold, ensuring your grout stays clean and fresh-looking for longer.

Mapei Keracolor S Charcoal Grout

While the premium Mapei Keracolor S delivers consistent performance for grout joints up to 5/8", its charcoal grout has disappointed many DIY enthusiasts who've watched it transform from jet black to undesirable shades of gray or white after drying. The sanded grout's mold-resistant properties and suitability for both interior and exterior applications make it a practical choice, despite color consistency issues that have plagued multiple users. With proper mixing and curing, it provides excellent durability for flooring and wall projects, including wet environments like swimming pools and spas.

Mapei Keracolor Unsanded Grout

This premium unsanded grout brings a warm, frosty gray tone to tile joints between 1/16" and 1/8" wide. The polymer-modified formula from Mapei ensures quick drying and a smooth finish, while BioBlock technology fights mold and mildew growth. The grout mixes easily with water and works well for both interior and exterior surfaces, though color variations may occur due to viewing conditions.

Ultracolor Plus FA Charcoal Grout

This charcoal-colored grout combines fine aggregate for cleanability with polymer modification for stain resistance, making it ideal for both professional and DIY projects. The efflorescence-free formula ensures a consistent black appearance, while its fast-setting properties allow for efficient application in joints from 1/16" to 3/4". With built-in sealer and high recycled content, it's a practical choice for modern bathroom and kitchen installations.

Quikrete Non-Shrink Precision Grout

This high-strength grout mixes easily with water to create a flowable cement that maintains its workable consistency for 30 minutes, making it ideal for precision construction applications. The non-shrinking formula reaches 14,000 psi and exceeds ASTM standards, while its quick set time and versatility in both indoor and outdoor projects make it a practical choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Mapei Grout Refresh Jet Black Sealer

This versatile black grout sealer transforms dull grout into rich jet-black while protecting it from stains. The water-based formula applies easily with a brush and dries to a deep, lasting color that shows off ceramic and porcelain tile installations beautifully. While some users have experienced minor issues like small flakes or color variations, most find it effective for refreshing grout in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms where tile meets grout.

Aqua Mix Black Grout Colorant

This highly-rated grout colorant transforms both new and old grout, covering up to 300 square feet per bottle. Users praise its effectiveness for both interior and exterior applications, with many successfully matching multiple grout colors using just a few bottles. The waterborne formula safely changes grout color without damaging the surrounding tiles.

Grout Solutions 40-Color Sample Kit

When it comes to selecting the right grout color, this comprehensive kit gives you 40 realistic options to choose from, helping you achieve a perfect match for your tiles every time. The included samples are highly accurate for comparison, though some users have noted the plastic samples aren't actual grout. Proper usage involves comparing the colors in different lighting conditions to see how they'll look in your space.

EpoxyElite Evo Acid-Resistant Grout

This acid-resistant epoxy mortar handles ceramic tile installations from 1/32" to 5/8" joints, perfect for bathroom, pool, and kitchen projects. The two-part system offers 60 minutes of working time and creates a smooth finish that resists stains and chemicals. While it excels in commercial and residential applications, some users suggest smaller container sizes to prevent material waste due to its quick-setting properties.

Jennifer's Mosaics Black Sanded Grout

A practical 2-pound sanded grout perfect for both indoor and outdoor mosaic projects, featuring an easy-to-use formula that requires only water for mixing. The compact powder formulation allows for convenient storage and portion control, while its superior compressive strength ensures durable grout lines over 1/8 inch.

Buyer's Guide

Black grout adds sleek contrast and sophistication to tile installations, but selecting the right type for your project requires consideration of several key factors.

Color and Finish Varieties

Black grout comes in various depths and sheens, from dark charcoal to nearly black, and can be solid or textured. Consider whether you want the grout to slightly distract from the tile or blend almost completely with it.

Durability Requirements

Black grout is highly visible, so it needs exceptional durability to resist staining and maintain its appearance over time. Look for grout that is specifically formulated for high-traffic areas when this applies.

Installation Considerations

The hardness of black grout affects both mixing and application. Some formulations are designed for specialized equipment or professional setting, requiring more upfront investment.

Cleanability and Maintenance

Black grout shows minor imperfections more readily than lighter colors, so select a grout that is easy to maintain and can be regularly cleaned without showing wear quickly.

FAQ

What exactly is black grout?

Black grout is a specialized cement-based mixture that is formulated to create dark, rich black color between tiles and other masonry materials. It combines sand, cement, and pigments to create a lasting, waterproof seal that prevents moisture infiltration and discoloration.

When applied properly, black grout creates a polished, professional look that can transform any tiled surface, from kitchen backsplashes to shower walls. Its darker hue helps mask stains and grime, making it easier to maintain clean and pristine finishes.

How durable is black grout?

Black grout is highly durable when installed correctly, resistant to wear from daily use and exposure to water and chemicals. It forms a strong bond with tile surfaces and is less likely to crack or shift than lighter-colored grouts over time.

However, it is susceptible to staining from certain materials and should be sealed for optimal protection. Regular maintenance and timely sealing can significantly extend its lifespan and preserve its appearance.

What tools do I need to use black grout?

You will need professional grout tools including a grout float, sponge, and grout hoe. A grout float applies the grout to the joints, while a sponge cleans and shapes the surface. A grout hoe removes excess grout before it sets.

Other essential tools include appropriate safety gear like gloves and goggles, masking tape to protect edges, and drop cloths to prevent mess. A small bucket for mixing and a grout float attachment make the process more efficient.

Can I use black grout indoors and outdoors?

Black grout performs well both indoors and outdoors but requires different considerations for each application. Indoors, it provides a clean look for kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms. Outdoors, it resists weathering and can be used on patios and walkways, though sealer maintenance is crucial.

Outdoor black grout should use weather-resistant additives and receive regular sealing to protect against freeze-thaw cycles and UV damage. Proper installation and maintenance prolong its performance in all environments.

How long does black grout take to cure?

Black grout usually takes 24-48 hours to cure fully, during which time it must remain undisturbed and protected from heavy foot traffic. Complete cure may take 7-14 days, depending on temperature and humidity.

Proper curing, often enhanced with curing compounds, ensures optimal strength and water resistance. During the curing period, the grout becomes less prone to cracking and softening under pressure.

Is black grout easy to maintain?

Black grout maintains its appearance well if cared for properly. Its darker color camouflages minor wear and hides dirt effectively, making it appear cleaner for longer between cleanings.

Regular cleaning with appropriate products and proper tools prevents staining and extends its lifespan. Sealing the grout before use provides an extra layer of protection against water damage and marks from cleaning solutions.