How to Know When It’s Time to Regrout Your Bathroom or Kitchen Tiles

Is your grout trying to tell you something? Here’s what to look for—and when to call in the pros.

Whether you’re renovating or just sprucing up your home, your bathroom and kitchen grout is doing more work than you think. It’s not just about looks—grout seals out water, protects your tiles, and keeps mould at bay. But over time, grout can wear down, crack, or discolour—leading to bigger issues if ignored.

If you live in Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs—from Bentleigh to Berwick, Malvern to Mount Eliza—this guide will help you spot the signs that it’s time to regrout your space.

🚩 5 Warning Signs You Need to Regrout

1. Cracked or Crumbling Grout

Grout should be solid and intact. If it’s flaking off, cracking, or falling out between tiles, that’s a clear sign the bond has failed. This can let water seep underneath your tiles—leading to mould, rot, or lifting tiles.

🛠️ Pro tip: Small cracks can sometimes be patched, but if the issue is widespread, full regrouting is the better option.

2. Mould or Mildew That Keeps Coming Back

No matter how much bleach you use, mould in grout lines that returns fast—especially in showers—is a red flag. Once grout becomes porous, mould takes hold beneath the surface, and cleaning only treats the top layer.

If the grout feels soft or darkens even when dry, it’s time to replace it.

3. Discoloured or Stained Grout

Grout is naturally porous and can absorb moisture, oils, and dirt. Over time, it becomes stained—especially in high-use areas like showers and kitchen splashbacks. If scrubbing no longer brings it back to life, regrouting is your fresh start.

4. Loose or Hollow-Sounding Tiles

Loose tiles aren’t just a tiling issue—they often point to water damage caused by compromised grout. If you tap a tile and it sounds hollow or moves slightly, there may be water under the surface.

Regrouting can prevent needing a full retiling job down the line.

5. Your Grout Is Over 10 Years Old

Even with good care, grout doesn’t last forever. If it’s been over a decade since it was installed (or you’re unsure), it’s smart to have a local pro inspect it.

🏠 Why This Matters in Melbourne’s South East

Our homes—whether in coastal suburbs like Frankston or leafy pockets like Glen Iris—often face high humidity, especially in older bathrooms. Poor ventilation, frequent use, and age can wear out grout faster than you think.

We work with a lot of homeowners in the area who’ve just bought or are prepping to sell. Fresh grout makes your home feel clean and updated—without the cost of full tiling.

🧼 Regrouting vs. Retiling: What’s the Difference?

Regrouting means removing the old grout and replacing it with new material. It’s faster, more affordable, and less disruptive than full retiling. It’s perfect for:

• Shower walls and floors

• Kitchen splashbacks

• Laundry areas

• Bathroom floors

Retiling is only necessary if tiles are damaged, broken, or badly installed.

✅ Need an Expert to Check Your Grout?

We offer obligation-free inspections across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs. Whether you’re in Caulfield, Cranbourne, or anywhere in between—we’ll assess your grout, show you the options, and help you get your tiles looking like new again.

Your Top Grouting & Tiling Questions—Answered by a Local Pro

Everything Melbourne homeowners need to know about regrouting, tiling, and keeping their bathroom or kitchen looking its best.

Whether you’re planning a small renovation or just trying to fix up a tired-looking shower, tile and grout questions come up a lot. And let’s face it—Google doesn’t always give a clear answer.

That’s why we’ve compiled the most common grouting and tiling questions we hear from our customers across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs—from Berwick to Brighton, Frankston to Ferntree Gully.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Grouting & Tiling

1. How do I know if I need to regrout or retile?

If your tiles are still in good condition but the grout is cracking, flaking, stained or growing mould, regrouting is the smarter, more affordable option. Retiling is only needed when tiles are loose, broken, or water has gotten underneath.

2. How long does regrouting take?

A standard shower takes around 3–5 hours. A small bathroom or kitchen can often be regrouted in one day. We work fast and clean—no days without your bathroom!

3. What does regrouting cost in Melbourne?

Prices vary depending on the area size and condition, but most small jobs range from $250 to $700. We offer free quoteswith no pressure.

4. Can I regrout my tiles myself?

You can, but be prepared for a messy, time-consuming job. Removing grout without damaging tiles takes care and the right tools. A professional will get better results that last longer (and stay mould-free!).

5. What kind of grout do you use?

We use mould-resistant, waterproof grout that’s perfect for wet areas like showers, splashbacks, and laundry floors. It’s designed to last and stay cleaner for longer.

6. Do I need to seal my grout after regrouting?

Yes—sealing your grout adds a layer of protection against water, dirt and mould. We include sealing in all regrouting jobs, so your surfaces stay fresh and easy to clean.

7. How long before I can use the shower after regrouting?

We recommend waiting 24 hours after regrouting and sealing before using your shower or cleaning the area. This allows everything to cure properly.

8. Can you match my existing grout colour?

Yes! We carry a range of grout colours and can match or update the look depending on your preference. Many clients choose to switch to lighter or darker grout to freshen the style.

9. What’s the best tile type for small bathrooms or splashbacks?

We love using ceramic, porcelain, or subway tiles for small spaces. Lighter colours and larger tiles can make a room feel bigger and brighter. We’ll help you choose the right fit for your space and budget.

10. Which suburbs do you service?

We work across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs including:

✔️ Berwick

✔️ Bentleigh

✔️ Malvern

✔️ Frankston

✔️ Cheltenham

✔️ Mt Eliza

✔️ Glen Iris

…and everywhere in between.

If you’re unsure, just ask—we’re local and flexible.

✅ Still Got Questions?

We offer free inspections and quotes with no hard sell—just honest advice to help you make the best decision.

🗓️ Book your free tile and grout check today

Tiling a Small Bathroom? 5 Tricks to Make It Look Bigger

Smart tiling ideas to stretch your space without stretching your budget.

If you’re working with a small bathroom, you know the challenge—tight corners, limited natural light, and not much room to move. But the right tiling choices can transform even the tiniest space into a fresh, modern retreat.

We work with homeowners across Melbourne’s South East—from Caulfield to Cranbourne—to design small bathrooms that feel spacious, clean, and calm. Here are five clever tiling tricks we swear by to make a small bathroom look bigger.

🧱 1. Go Big with Your Tiles

It may sound counterintuitive, but larger tiles actually make a small space feel bigger. Fewer grout lines mean less visual clutter and more open surface area. Try 600x300mm or even 600x600mm tiles on walls or floors.

Bonus Tip: Lay rectangular tiles horizontally to visually widen the room.

🎨 2. Stick to Light Colours and Minimal Contrast

Lighter colours—like whites, soft greys, and beige—reflect more light and help open up the space. Match your grout colour to your tiles to keep the look clean and seamless.

Avoid strong contrast between floor and wall tiles. Keeping the tones similar helps blur boundaries and makes the room feel more continuous.

➰ 3. Use Glossy or Reflective Finishes

Gloss tiles or polished porcelain bounce light around and add a sense of space. If your bathroom lacks a window or natural light, reflective tiles can help keep it from feeling closed-in.

Avoid using gloss tiles on floors—they can be slippery when wet. Stick to matt or textured finishes underfoot.

📐 4. Tile All the Way to the Ceiling

Running tiles all the way up to the ceiling draws the eye upward and gives a sense of height. It also creates a more modern, clean-lined look—perfect for making compact bathrooms feel more open.

Partial tiling or “dado height” can visually cut the room in half and make ceilings feel lower.

🧭 5. Consider Diagonal or Vertical Tile Layouts

Installing tiles on the diagonal or using vertical stacking patterns can create visual length or height, depending on what your bathroom needs.

• Diagonal floor tiles: Make the floor space feel wider.

• Vertical wall tiles: Elongate walls and make the ceiling feel taller.

📍 Local Insight: What Works Best in Melbourne Homes?

Many older homes in Melbourne’s South East have narrow bathrooms, odd nooks, or low ceilings. We often recommend:

• Soft white gloss tiles for walls

• Large-format matt grey or stone-look floor tiles

• Matching grout for minimal lines

• Full-height tiling in the shower zone

Whether you’re in an Art Deco unit in Elsternwick or a 90s brick home in Frankston, a clever tile layout can instantly lift the look (and value) of your space.

✅ Need Help Picking Tiles That Actually Work?

We offer design advice and professional tiling services across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs. We’ll help you choose tiles that look great and suit your space, budget and lifestyle.

🛠️ Book a free tile consult and quote today

📍 Servicing Berwick, Bentleigh, Brighton, and beyond..