Black lines between the tiles, crumbling grout in the shower and the odd hollow tile can make a bathroom look ready for a full renovation. In most Dubai apartments, though, the tiles themselves are fine. What has failed is the grout. Knowing the difference between regrouting and retiling can save you thousands of dirhams and a week without a bathroom.
What Grout Does and Why It Fails
Grout fills the joints between tiles and stops water getting behind them. Standard cement grout is porous, so in Dubai's humidity it absorbs moisture, soap and body oils. Over time it stains, grows mould and starts to crack or wash out.
Signs your grout needs attention:
- Dark or black lines that do not clean up
- Cracks or gaps in the joints
- Grout that crumbles when scratched
- Mould that returns days after cleaning
When Regrouting Is Enough
Regrouting means cutting out the old grout to a good depth and filling the joints with new grout. It is the right choice when:
- The tiles are firmly stuck and do not sound hollow when tapped.
- Tiles are not cracked, or only one or two need replacing.
- You are happy with the tile style and colour.
- Water damage is limited to the grout lines.
A typical bathroom regrout takes one to two days and costs much less than retiling. You can also change the grout colour to freshen the look. See our regrouting service for details.
When You Need to Retile
Retiling is needed when the problem is behind the tiles, not between them:
- Many tiles sound hollow or move when pressed.
- Water is leaking into the room below or the next room.
- Tiles are cracked across large areas.
- The waterproofing under the shower has failed.
In these cases, regrouting only hides the damage. The tiles need to come off, the wall or floor needs to be dried and waterproofed, and new tiles laid. Our bathroom wall and floor tiling page explains the full process.
Cement Grout or Epoxy Grout?
For showers and wet areas in Dubai, epoxy grout is worth considering. It does not absorb water, resists stains and mould, and does not need sealing. Cement grout is cheaper and fine for dry walls, but it should be sealed after regrouting and resealed every year or two.
How to Keep New Grout Clean
- Squeegee shower walls after use.
- Run the extractor fan during and after showers.
- Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, not bleach every day.
- Reseal cement grout regularly with a grout sealer.
How Professional Regrouting Is Done
Knowing the steps helps you judge a quote and spot shortcuts.
- Inspection. Tiles are tapped to find hollow spots, and cracked tiles are marked for replacement.
- Grout removal. Old grout is cut out with an oscillating tool or grout saw to at least two thirds of the tile depth. Skimming a thin layer over old grout does not last.
- Cleaning. Dust and loose material are vacuumed out and the joints wiped so the new grout bonds.
- Regrouting. New grout is pressed firmly into every joint with a rubber float, then shaped and cleaned off the tile faces.
- Silicone. Corners and joints where walls meet the tray or bath are sealed with flexible silicone, not grout, because these joints move.
- Sealing. Cement grout is sealed once it has cured to resist water and stains.
If a quote skips grout removal or uses grout in the corners instead of silicone, the result will crack and stain again quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Bathroom Regrouting Cost in Dubai?
Regrouting a standard bathroom usually costs a fraction of retiling, with small areas starting from a visit fee and full bathrooms quoted by area. The price depends on the size of the joints, the grout type and whether you choose epoxy. Send photos of the area for an accurate quote.
How Long Does New Grout Take to Dry?
Cement grout is usually touch dry within a few hours and can take light use after 24 hours, but it should be kept away from heavy water for 48 to 72 hours and sealed after it has cured. Epoxy grout cures faster and does not need sealing.
Can You Change the Grout Colour Without Retiling?
Yes. Regrouting removes the old grout so new grout in a different colour can be used. For grout that is sound but stained, a grout colourant or stain can also refresh the colour without removing it, although it is less durable than new grout.
Why Does My Grout Keep Turning Black?
Black grout is usually mould growing in porous cement grout that stays damp. Poor ventilation, no sealer and soap residue make it worse. Cleaning only removes the surface, so long-term fixes are regrouting with epoxy in wet areas, sealing cement grout and running the extractor fan after showers.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Send us photos of your bathroom and tap a few tiles to check for hollow sounds. We will tell you honestly whether tile regrouting will do the job or whether retiling is the better long-term fix.