Grout vs caulking in shower tile?

Question

I installed tile couple of days ago in my shower. I was wondering isn't it better to put bathroom caulking instead of grout since it is flexible and it will last longer and provide better water resistance. Does grout make tile stronger or is caulking only applied on edges? Would I make mistake if I used bathroom caulking between tiles? Thanks

Answer 1

I'd use grout.  It's designed for this job, and last forever.  

I once lived in a house that was built in about 1929.  50+ years later, most of the grout was good, but the caulk that the landlord had put around the edge of the tub 2 years before was failing.

Grout it - and don't use the cheap stuff.

Answer 2

Caulk always seem to mold a lot worse than grout. Grout with silicone sealer will be fine.

Answer 3

well they say grout is best and put a good sealer on it too usually caulking goes around the edges and corners , good luck

If u have any more question try asking someone at home depot or Loes there supposed to know what there doing :)  

Answer 4

You will be sorry if you use Caulk. Use Grout and a good sealer and

you will be fine.

Ingrid

Answer 5

Grout is a hard material that stablizes the tile and is more appropriate when the tiles are going to be walked on, sat on or worked on (as in a counter)

Caulk is a soft material that water seals cracks and has little or no wear endurance.

In theory, you use grout on shower to make it match the appearance of tiles elsewhere in the room, but these days, that is often the only place tiles are used.

Answer 6

You need to grout the spaces between the tiles and caulk the area where the tile meets the tub or shower basin.  Use a grout sealer on the grout.