A tile shower can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom. A common question asked regarding tile in a shower is “should I seal the tiles?” First, a distinction must be made between tile and grout.

Grout is the mixture used to fill the spaces between the tiles. The grout needs to be sealed. Sealing it will make it easier to clean, protect it from mold and mildew, and keep it looking like new. Since the grout needs to set for about a day before it is sealed, most installers do not seal the grout; it’s something you may need to do yourself. The grout usually needs to be resealed every few years. If you don’t seal the grout, water will seep behind the tiles, which can cause mold problems and then you might have to re-tile your entire shower.

Tile sealing is usually optional and depends on the type of tile being used. Marble, natural stone, slate, limestone, terracotta, and matte tiles must be sealed to protect them from water, mold, mildew, and staining. Since stone is naturally porous, it absorbs water that washes over it and causes mold. Also, it stains quite easily. Ceramic tile usually does not need to be sealed. The benefit of sealing tiles is that they will require less cleaning and will not absorb moisture.

Sealing the entire tile has its drawbacks. For example, some types of sealers can darken or stain tiles, altering the natural color. It also takes a long time to seal the entire shower, rather than just the grout. Tiles also need to be resealed every few years to maintain quality. Older sealers had to be reapplied every year, but now you can find some that last up to fifteen years.

Before you can seal a shower, it must be completely dry. If the shower isn’t new, this can take up to five days, as the moisture behind the tiles needs to completely evaporate before being enclosed. If you decide to seal your new shower, be sure to do so before you use it, or you’ll have to find another way to shower while the shower dries. If you’re caulking your old shower for the first time, you may need to wait several weeks for the tiles to fully dry, in which case caulking the entire floor might not be the best option.