Epoxy grout really is a different animal. I get the hesitation—it's not cheap, and yeah, it's less forgiving during install. But in beach houses, regular grout just can't stand up to the moisture and sand. I've redone bathrooms where the original grout was trashed in under a year. Epoxy's a pain to work with, but if you prep and work in small sections, it's manageable. For a powder room, maybe it's a bit much, but honestly, I'd rather not be regrouting every summer. Sometimes overkill is just good sense, especially near the coast.
Epoxy grout definitely has its fans, but man, the price tag makes me wince every time. I get it for showers and high-traffic spots, but for a powder room? I dunno... I’d rather put that money toward something guests will actually notice, like better lighting or a nicer mirror. Maybe I’m just cheap, but I’d risk a little extra maintenance if it means not blowing the budget on grout.
I hear you on the epoxy grout. I did a reno on our old cottage a couple years back and splurged on epoxy for the main shower—worth it there, since the humidity was wild and I got tired of scrubbing mildew. But for the half-bath? I just used a regular sanded grout and put the savings into a reclaimed wood vanity. Guests always comment on that, never the grout lines. Sometimes it’s about picking your battles, especially when every dollar counts.
Picking your battles is the name of the game, especially with beach houses where every upgrade seems to cost double. I’ve definitely learned that not every detail needs to be top-shelf—sometimes it’s the statement pieces (like your vanity) that people remember. I once obsessed over tile choices, but guests just raved about the driftwood shelves I slapped together last minute. Funny how that works. You’re making smart calls.
I get where you’re coming from about statement pieces, but I’ve actually found that skimping on some of those “boring” finishes can backfire, especially near the coast. Last year, I tried to save on hardware and fixtures in a rental, thinking no one would notice. Turns out, the salty air did, and I was replacing corroded handles within months. Sometimes it’s worth splurging on the basics, even if they aren’t flashy. Just my two cents—sometimes the little stuff really does matter in the long run.
