I’ve researched and compared the best patio grout on the UK market. My top recommendation is the Sika FastFix All Weather Self-Setting Paving Jointing Compound.
My Top Recommended Patio Grout
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If you want something that’s easy to use, the Sika FastFix All Weather Self-Setting Paving Jointing Compound doesn’t require any previous grouting knowledge. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the grout can be applied whatever the weather. It’s perfect for footpaths, patios, pavements and driveways whether you’re repairing existing features or laying new ones.
And, when I say this grout can be applied “whatever the weather”, this includes rain. As long as the temperatures are above 5°C and below 25°C, there’s no need to wait to do the job. Once applied, it sets firm without shrinking or cracking, providing a strong barrier against weeds and producing a seamless finish. It comes in a range of natural colours that pair with most patio slabs.
To use this patio grout, you’ll need to prepare the area properly first by thoroughly wetting the joints and patio slabs that you are treating. The 14 kg tub contains two packets, so they can be used one at a time. Once a packet is opened, the grout will begin to set, so it needs to be used within an hour.
Using a broom or brush, work the product into the patio joints and compact down. There’s no mixing required, so the entire application process should be relatively quick.
The speed of setting can vary quite dramatically. On a dry day with temperatures of 15°C or above, it should set within 12 hours. On colder days, you should allow up to 5 days for the product to set. It’s also important to note that this paving grout is designed for joints over 5 mm wide and 20 mm deep, so it shouldn’t be used if you have very narrow spaces between your slabs.
The 14 kg tub should cover around 20 m², although some customers find that they use more product than anticipated, so be aware that you may have to use more than you expect.
Nevertheless, this grout is easy to use and comes in a good choice of colours as well. It’s one of the best patio grout products overall, and doesn’t require experience to get good results.
Scores:
- Application Ease
- Speed of Setting
- Value for Money
- Overall
If you want something that’s easy to use, the Sika FastFix All Weather Self-Setting Paving Jointing Compound doesn’t require any previous grouting knowledge. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the grout can be applied whatever the weather. It’s perfect for footpaths, patios, pavements and driveways whether you’re repairing existing features or laying new ones.
And, when I say this grout can be applied “whatever the weather”, this includes rain. As long as the temperatures are above 5°C and below 25°C, there’s no need to wait to do the job. Once applied, it sets firm without shrinking or cracking, providing a strong barrier against weeds and producing a seamless finish. It comes in a range of natural colours that pair with most patio slabs.
To use this patio grout, you’ll need to prepare the area properly first by thoroughly wetting the joints and patio slabs that you are treating. The 14 kg tub contains two packets, so they can be used one at a time. Once a packet is opened, the grout will begin to set, so it needs to be used within an hour.
Using a broom or brush, work the product into the patio joints and compact down. There’s no mixing required, so the entire application process should be relatively quick.
The speed of setting can vary quite dramatically. On a dry day with temperatures of 15°C or above, it should set within 12 hours. On colder days, you should allow up to 5 days for the product to set. It’s also important to note that this paving grout is designed for joints over 5 mm wide and 20 mm deep, so it shouldn’t be used if you have very narrow spaces between your slabs.
The 14 kg tub should cover around 20 m², although some customers find that they use more product than anticipated, so be aware that you may have to use more than you expect.
Nevertheless, this grout is easy to use and comes in a good choice of colours as well. It’s one of the best patio grout products overall, and doesn’t require experience to get good results.
Pros
- Very easy to apply and spread into the joints with no mixing required
- Instructions are very clear making it easy for people with no previous experience to use
- Available in 5 different colours, each one very natural
- Comes in two separate concealed packets so you can preserve one whilst spreading the other
- Dries hard yet remains permeable to water but not to weeds
Cons
- Once opened it needs to be used within one hour
- Slow to dry and set in wet/cold conditions - can take up to 5 days
- Very grainy consistency so brushing off the excess takes a bit of time
The EASYJoint Paving Grout is a ready-to-use grout, recommended primarily for its quick dry time and professional finish.
As grout goes, it’s relatively easy to apply providing the instructions are followed carefully. It’s ready to use with no mixing required, although it starts setting the moment the packet is opened so you’ll need to work fast.
To apply this grout, it can help to have an extra person on hand to make the process easier. A lot of water needs to be added during application – so it’s best if one person sweeps the compound into the joints whilst the other adds the water. This grout can be applied in all weathers, so there’s no need to wait for a sunny day.
The finish of this paving grout is long lasting and good quality. It dries and hardens in around 36 hours, providing conditions are reasonable, which is faster than a lot of similar products on the market. It’s one of the best patio grouts on the market if you want something low maintenance that sets fast. There are five colours to choose from, so it’s easy to pair the grout with your existing paving slabs.
The only downside to this grout is that the 12.5 kg packet may not cover quite as much area as you might expect – although it can depend on the size of the gaps between your paving. One pack covers approximately 10 m² in paving with a 15 mm gap, so you may need several boxes.
Even though this can work out a little expensive, the finish it achieves is impressive. Also, it will still save money compared to paying a professional to do the job.
Scores:
- Application Ease
- Speed of Setting
- Value for Money
- Overall
The EASYJoint Paving Grout is a ready-to-use grout, recommended primarily for its quick dry time and professional finish.
As grout goes, it’s relatively easy to apply providing the instructions are followed carefully. It’s ready to use with no mixing required, although it starts setting the moment the packet is opened so you’ll need to work fast.
To apply this grout, it can help to have an extra person on hand to make the process easier. A lot of water needs to be added during application – so it’s best if one person sweeps the compound into the joints whilst the other adds the water. This grout can be applied in all weathers, so there’s no need to wait for a sunny day.
The finish of this paving grout is long lasting and good quality. It dries and hardens in around 36 hours, providing conditions are reasonable, which is faster than a lot of similar products on the market. It’s one of the best patio grouts on the market if you want something low maintenance that sets fast. There are five colours to choose from, so it’s easy to pair the grout with your existing paving slabs.
The only downside to this grout is that the 12.5 kg packet may not cover quite as much area as you might expect – although it can depend on the size of the gaps between your paving. One pack covers approximately 10 m² in paving with a 15 mm gap, so you may need several boxes.
Even though this can work out a little expensive, the finish it achieves is impressive. Also, it will still save money compared to paying a professional to do the job.
Pros
- Dries quickly and generally hardens in around 36 hours
- Easy to apply by following the instructions provided
- Gives a professional and long-lasting finish
- Good protection against weeds
- Arrives ready to apply so no mixing required
Cons
- Starts setting the moment the packet is open so you’ll need to work quickly and use it all in one go
- One pack covers roughly 10 m² so you may need several for the whole patio
A fast-drying product that can be applied even on drizzly days, this Geo-Fix All Weather Paving Joint Compound is one of the best patio grouts if you want a slate grey finish.
This paving joint can simply be brushed in, with the edges smoothed using either a glove or a brush. It dries far quicker than a lot of others on the market thanks to its water resistance – you may be able to walk on your patio after six hours – although leaving it for at least twenty four is good just in case.
The grout is permeable and fast drying, so water doesn’t pool in the recesses or cause mould or damp.
Like many other patio grouts, this product needs to be used quickly once opened. It’ll begin to set as soon as the packet is opened, so it’s recommended you use it within 45 minutes. It’s pretty easy to apply, and not difficult to do within this time frame, but you still need to be prepared to work fast.
A single 14 kg pack will cover approximately 10 m² so it’s one of the more expensive products featured here, but the end results are high quality and you don’t need to wait until summer to apply it.
Scores:
- Application Ease
- Speed of Setting
- Value for Money
- Overall
A fast-drying product that can be applied even on drizzly days, this Geo-Fix All Weather Paving Joint Compound is one of the best patio grouts if you want a slate grey finish.
This paving joint can simply be brushed in, with the edges smoothed using either a glove or a brush. It dries far quicker than a lot of others on the market thanks to its water resistance – you may be able to walk on your patio after six hours – although leaving it for at least twenty four is good just in case.
The grout is permeable and fast drying, so water doesn’t pool in the recesses or cause mould or damp.
Like many other patio grouts, this product needs to be used quickly once opened. It’ll begin to set as soon as the packet is opened, so it’s recommended you use it within 45 minutes. It’s pretty easy to apply, and not difficult to do within this time frame, but you still need to be prepared to work fast.
A single 14 kg pack will cover approximately 10 m² so it’s one of the more expensive products featured here, but the end results are high quality and you don’t need to wait until summer to apply it.
Pros
- Very easy to apply and brush in
- Edges are easy to smooth using a glove or brush
- Can be applied in all weather conditions
- Dries very quickly in around 6 hours
Cons
- Cannot be saved as it sets once the bag is open - needs to be used within 30 - 45 minutes
- Dry time is slower if the temperature drops
The Bostik Easy To Use Patio Grout can simply be brushed into the paving joints for an aesthetic and hard-wearing finish that stands the test of time.
Available in a natural colour, this patio grout is suitable for neatening up existing patios. It can be used with stone, slate, clay, concrete, terracotta and cobbles, and the colour blends well with weathered stone. It’s suitable for filling joints between 5 mm and 30 mm in width, with a minimum depth of 25 mm. Plus, it’s easy to apply.
This grout can simply be brushed into the joints and compacted by hand. There’s no mixing required and, unlike many other products, you don’t need to keep the paving wet as you work. In fact, it should be dry whilst spreading the grout.
The only slight difficulty when it comes to application is that this grout is very sticky, which can make any excess difficult to brush away.
Additionally, this grout must only be applied in dry conditions. It shouldn’t be used if rain is expected within 24 hours.
It takes between 6 and 36 hours for the grout to ‘surface set’ and can take up anywhere from 10 – 48 hours to fully cure. This also depends on the weather conditions, and it shouldn’t be applied if the temperature drops below 5℃.
One 6 kg bag is enough to cover approximately 2 m², although it depends on the size of the gaps between paving. As a result, this particular bag is one of the best patio grouts for doing touch-up jobs and repairs, without having to buy a larger container. Once open, the grout will become unusable after approximately four hours.
Scores:
- Application Ease
- Speed of Setting
- Value for Money
- Overall
The Bostik Easy To Use Patio Grout can simply be brushed into the paving joints for an aesthetic and hard-wearing finish that stands the test of time.
Available in a natural colour, this patio grout is suitable for neatening up existing patios. It can be used with stone, slate, clay, concrete, terracotta and cobbles, and the colour blends well with weathered stone. It’s suitable for filling joints between 5 mm and 30 mm in width, with a minimum depth of 25 mm. Plus, it’s easy to apply.
This grout can simply be brushed into the joints and compacted by hand. There’s no mixing required and, unlike many other products, you don’t need to keep the paving wet as you work. In fact, it should be dry whilst spreading the grout.
The only slight difficulty when it comes to application is that this grout is very sticky, which can make any excess difficult to brush away.
Additionally, this grout must only be applied in dry conditions. It shouldn’t be used if rain is expected within 24 hours.
It takes between 6 and 36 hours for the grout to ‘surface set’ and can take up anywhere from 10 – 48 hours to fully cure. This also depends on the weather conditions, and it shouldn’t be applied if the temperature drops below 5℃.
One 6 kg bag is enough to cover approximately 2 m², although it depends on the size of the gaps between paving. As a result, this particular bag is one of the best patio grouts for doing touch-up jobs and repairs, without having to buy a larger container. Once open, the grout will become unusable after approximately four hours.
Pros
- Doesn’t need to be applied with water
- Smaller bag is suitable for doing repairs without wasting product
- The colour blends in with weathered stones so it doesn’t stand out and look unnaturally ‘new’
- Once finished, can withstand pressure washing
- Finish is high quality and long lasting
Cons
- Needs to be applied during dry weather when no rain is expected for a few days
- Dries with a rough finish as opposed to smooth texture of some other products
- Small bag not suitable for covering a large area
Tips For Buying Patio Grout
- Patio grout prevents weeds from popping up between slabs, reduces water damage and stops your paving from moving. While epoxy grout and sand and cement mixes are available, I’ve chosen to only recommend pre-mixed patio grout. This is because they’re quick and easy to apply, require no mixing, and can be used by beginners.
- These grout mixes will start setting as soon as the packet is opened; therefore, it helps to look for grout that comes separated into different packets. This will avoid wastage and can offer better value for money.
- The best patio grouts can be applied in various weather conditions, including rain. This makes them easier to apply as you don’t need to wait for a dry day. I also recommend looking for grout that can be applied in various temperatures, from as low as 5°C.
- You’ll need to check the grout’s coverage, as some products offer better value for money. For larger patios, look for a sizeable tub (around 15 kg) covering approximately 20m². A smaller container, or one covering 2 – 10m², will suit a smaller patio or can be used to grout a few select slabs.
- With patio grout you’ll also get a choice of colours, so you can decide if you want the grout to contrast or blend in with your paving.
Overall, I’ve chosen the Sika FastFix All-Weather Self-Setting Paving Jointing Compound as the best patio grout. This product’s ease of application ensures a good finish, whatever your experience level. It comes in various colours, works for multiple surfaces, and you can apply it in any temperature between 5 – 25°C!
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How to Choose the Best Patio Grout
Whether you’re laying a new patio or tidying up an existing one, choosing the right patio grout is important. In the past, grouting a patio was best left to professionals, but now, thanks to the creation of pre-mixed patio grouts, it’s easier than ever to skip the middleman and do it yourself.
Grout is applied between paving slabs or tiles, keeping them in place, protecting from water damage and preventing weeds. Here’s some advice to help choose the best patio grout.
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What is Patio Grout?
Patio or paving grout, is a mixture used to fill the gaps between paving slabs or tiles. Grout is used both on patios and in between bathroom/kitchen tiles. It can be used for laying a new patio, or repairing an existing patio.
Grout will prevent paving slabs from moving. It also prevents weeds from growing between the slabs and reduces water damage. When patios are fixed with grout they look neat and professionally finished.
Different Types of Patio Grout
There are a few different types of patio grout, each with their own pros and cons. The most important thing is that the instructions are followed correctly to prevent residue and staining.
Pre-Mixed Patio Grout
Pre-mixed patio grout comes in an airtight bucket/bag. It already contains a mixture of resin and sand. Once the bucket is opened, the grout will begin to set, so it needs to be used quickly.
Premixed grout is usually preferred for small/medium jobs because it’s so easy to use. Depending on the specific product, there are a few ways to apply pre-mixed patio grout. You may need to keep the paving very wet as you apply the product, or simply apply it straight from the packet.
If you’re after something quick and easy to use, pre-mixed grout is the best option. It’s the best patio grout for anyone who has limited experience grouting the patio as well.
READ NEXT: The UK’s Best Porcelain Patio Ideas
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout requires sand to be mixed with an epoxy resin. There are often three components that require mixing together. These may be liquid or solids.
Some epoxy grout products come with liquid resin, hardener and sand. Others come with a resin mixed with a sand compound and a hardener mixed with a sand compound. The latter needs water added. The resin and hardener will need to be mixed together in the correct ratio so that the grout will set properly.
After mixing all three components together, the grout can be applied to the joints using a squeegee or brush.
Epoxy grouts are durable and weathertight. They’re also quite an expensive grout and are more commonly used for indoor areas like showers rather than large spaces like patios.
This type of grout tends to be more durable than pre-mixed grout. Once hardened, it should last over 10 years, and your patio should also be able to withstand jet washing.
Traditional Sand and Cement Mix
Another option is to use a traditional sand and cement mix. This mix is made up of four parts sand and one part cement, and is still often used by contractors.
The mix is combined with water and applied into the joints. The downside is that the weather has to be very dry, as moisture on your patio may lead to staining.
READ NEXT: The Best Patio Cleaners
What to Look For
Selecting the Right Colour
One thing you’ll need to consider is the colour of your patio grout. Whether you’ve got darker granite tiles or lighter limestone, you should be able to find a pre-mixed grout available in a colour that blends with your existing patio.
Ease of Application
All the patio grouts I’ve recommended are specifically made for ease of use. I’ve only selected premixed grouts, and most can be applied single handedly with just a brush. Some products, like the EASYJoint Paving Grout require the paving to be kept wet during application.
A lot of premixed grouts can be applied in any weather conditions, including rain. This isn’t the case for all products though, so check their description before purchase if you want an all-weather option.
Drying Time
The dry time is important as this indicates how long you’ll need to keep off your patio for. Some are specifically designed for speedy drying, such as the Geo-Fix All Weather Paving Joint Compound which can ‘surface set’ in as little as 6 hours.
Weather conditions will usually affect how long it takes the grouting to set and fully cure. Dry weather above 15℃ and below 25℃ is optimal.
Pre-mixed patio grouts are undoubtedly the easiest to apply, especially for those with very little experience. The only thing you need to remember is that they usually begin to set as soon as they are opened, so you need to work quickly!
One of the most important things to check before opening your patio grout is whether or not it needs to be applied to a wet patio. This can vary between products.
The following steps outline the general method for applying grout that needs to be applied to a wet patio:
1. Once your patio has been laid (if you are laying a new one) fully wet it using a garden hose. You’ll need a lot of water for the resin to bind with, otherwise you may end up with stains.
2. Empty the tub of patio grout onto the slabs and wet it.
3. Use either a brush or a squeegee to brush the grout into the gaps between the paving slabs. If the instructions indicate that the paving slabs need to be continuously wetted, you may need an extra pair of hands.
4. Once you’ve brushed the bulk of the product into the slabs, use a hose to wash any remaining grout into the cracks.
5. Allow the patio to dry according to the instructions. The grout will usually set in under 24 hours, and may take up to 48 hours to fully cure.
6. Sweep off any excess using a hard brush.
READ NEXT: The UK’s Best Garden Patio Ideas
Patio Grouting FAQs
How long does patio grout take to dry?
This depends on the grout you’re using, as well as the weather conditions. On average, you should find your grout takes between 24 and 72 hours to fully cure, but the longer you leave it before using your patio, the better.
How long does grout between pavers last?
This depends on what grout you use. Premixed grouts tend to be the least durable, although they should still last a good few years. You’ll need to be a little more careful on your patio however, as this grout is unlikely to withstand frequent washing with pressure washers.
Epoxy grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain proof. It won’t crack, shrink or discolour, and with the right maintenance, should last up to 20 years.
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