Flexible grout definitely has its perks, but I wouldn't completely write off standard grout just yet. A lot of times, hairline cracks pop up because of underlying issues like slight movement in the substrate or improper mixing/application. I've seen standard grout hold up perfectly fine for years when the prep work is done meticulously:
- Ensuring the subfloor and walls are rock-solid stable before tiling.
- Mixing grout exactly according to manufacturer specs—too much water weakens it significantly.
- Proper curing time and conditions (humidity/temp) are crucial.
Not saying flexible grout isn't a good solution—it absolutely can be—but it's often more forgiving of minor installation errors or slight movement. If your bathroom structure is solid and stable, standard grout can still be a reliable choice and save you some cash.
As for plumbing connections, warped washers are sneaky little culprits. But another common issue I've run into is overtightening fittings. Ironically, tightening too much can deform washers or threads, causing leaks rather than preventing them. Usually, hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with a wrench is plenty. Took me a few frustrating experiences to learn that one myself...
Glad you got your issues sorted though—bathroom renos always seem straightforward until you're knee-deep in grout dust and plumbing puzzles.
I went through something similar when renovating our guest bathroom last year. Initially, I leaned heavily toward flexible grout because of the eco-friendly angle and durability claims. But after chatting with a contractor friend, I realized standard grout could still be sustainable if applied correctly and maintained well. Ended up going standard grout (carefully mixed!) and haven't had any cracks or issues yet. Sometimes it's less about the product itself and more about how thoughtfully it's installed...
"Sometimes it's less about the product itself and more about how thoughtfully it's installed..."
That's an interesting point, but I'm not totally convinced. When we redid our bathroom, I went with flexible grout mainly because our house tends to shift a bit seasonally. Even with careful installation, wouldn't standard grout eventually crack if there's any movement at all? I mean, you might've lucked out so far, but what about long-term settling or humidity changes...?
I get that proper application helps a ton, but sometimes the product itself does matter, especially in older homes or areas with fluctuating weather. I guess it depends on your specific situation—maybe your place doesn't have those issues? For us, going flexible just seemed like a safer bet in the long run.
Flexible grout can definitely save headaches down the road, especially if your house likes to dance around a bit seasonally, lol. But honestly, even standard grout can hold up surprisingly well if the subfloor and prep work are done right. Did you reinforce or prep your subfloor beforehand?
"Flexible grout can definitely save headaches down the road, especially if your house likes to dance around a bit seasonally, lol."
Haha, I feel this. My old place was basically doing the cha-cha every winter. Ended up reinforcing the subfloor with extra plywood and screws before tiling—made a huge difference. Did you add any extra support underneath?
