| Cement grout | Marble gum | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Visible grid lines, slightly recessed | Colour-matched, flush, near-invisible joints |
| Absorbs dirt | Yes — porous, darkens over time | No — non-porous resin |
| Cleaning | Needs scrubbing; dirt collects in the groove | Mop glides over a flat surface |
| Mould in humid conditions | Can grow in porous grout | Much more resistant |
| Finish | Tiles and grout separate | Polished with the tiles as one surface |
| Cost | Comes with your tiling | $4 per sq ft including full polishing |
| Suitable for wet areas | Yes (with the right type) | Living areas, bedrooms, corridors, kitchens — not bathrooms |
When cement grout is fine
If you like a visible tile pattern, your grout is in good condition, and you're happy with occasional scrubbing, keeping your cement grout and simply polishing the tiles is a good, lower-cost option from $2 per sq ft.
When marble gum is worth it
- You want the seamless, marble-like look without paying for real marble
- Your grout lines are already stained and make the floor look old
- You've just collected a BTO and want to upgrade once, before move-in
- You have light-coloured tiles where dirty grout shows clearly
Cost example
For a 300 sq ft living and dining area, polishing alone starts from $600 and marble gum grouting with polishing is about $1,200.
Related service: Marble Gum Grouting — $4 per sq ft including polishing. Smaller areas quoted from photos on WhatsApp.