Tile Grout Classification CG2WA: What CG1, CG2, W, A, F and RG Mean in EN 13888

Understanding tile grout classification stops you from buying the wrong product: the CG1, CG2WA or RG code on the bag tells you how well the grout resists wear and water. In short, choose a cementitious CG2 grout with both W and A (CG2WA) for bathroom, kitchen and terrace floors, and use an RG epoxy grout where chemicals or strict hygiene are involved. The codes come from the European standard EN 13888 and ISO 13007-3, and the numbers can be checked on the technical data sheet (TDS).

Key Facts

• A CG1 cementitious grout must reach abrasion ≤2,000 mm³, compressive strength ≥15 N/mm², shrinkage ≤3 mm/m and water absorption ≤5 g (30 minutes) and ≤10 g (240 minutes) (2026-10-31, source: Sopro, Tile grouts and sealants guide (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026).
• The letter A on a CG2 grout means abrasion ≤1,000 mm³; W means water absorption ≤2 g after 30 minutes and ≤5 g after 240 minutes (2026-10-31, source: Sopro, Tile grouts and sealants guide (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026).
• Reaction resin (RG, epoxy) grouts require abrasion ≤250 mm³, compressive strength ≥45 N/mm² and water absorption ≤0.1 g after 240 minutes (2026-10-31, source: Sopro, Tile grouts and sealants guide (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026).
• Mapei Ultracolor Plus is classified CG2FWA under EN 13888-1 for joints up to 20 mm, with abrasion of 700 mm³ and water absorption of 0.1 g after 30 minutes (2026-10-31, source: Mapei, Ultracolor Plus technical data sheet (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026).
• The MU-408 ColorFill TDS (issued 9 March 2023) lists a joint width of 1–4 mm, abrasion of 850 mm³ (EN 12808-2) and compressive strength of 17 N/mm² (2023-03-09, source: Mortar Utama (Saint-Gobain Indonesia), TDS MU-408 ColorFill (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026).

Tile grout classification: what CG, RG, 1, 2, W, A and F mean

EN 13888 splits grouts into two types. CG (cementitious grout) is cement based, while RG (reaction resin grout) hardens through a chemical reaction, as epoxy grouts do. A cementitious grout that passes the basic requirements is CG1 (normal). If it also passes the additional requirements it becomes CG2 (improved), which is always followed by A (high abrasion resistance), W (reduced water absorption) or both. The letter F marks a fast-setting grout. So CG2FWA or CG2WAF means an improved, fast-setting cement grout that resists abrasion and absorbs little water. RG has a single class because resin grouts already perform at a very high level.

Besides the figures in Key Facts, CG1 also requires flexural strength ≥2.5 N/mm², while RG requires flexural strength ≥30 N/mm² and shrinkage ≤1.5 mm/m.

A lower abrasion figure means the joint survives shoes and brooms better; lower water absorption keeps stains, soap and mould out of the grout line.

Choosing grout for each area of the house

• Dry walls (living room, bedroom): a CG1 grout is usually enough because wear and water exposure are low.
• House floors, bathrooms, kitchens, terraces: choose CG2WA so the joints do not wear quickly or darken.
• Pools, façades, balconies: check that the TDS explicitly allows exterior use and immersion.
• Commercial kitchens, laboratories, chemical areas: consider an RG epoxy grout, which absorbs almost no water.

How to read a grout TDS

Not every grout sold in Indonesia prints an EN 13888 code. The MU-408 ColorFill TDS from Saint-Gobain Indonesia reports test results using EN 12808 methods (abrasion 850 mm³, compressive strength 17 N/mm², shrinkage 2.36 mm/m) but does not state a CG class. Although its abrasion figure is below the 1,000 mm³ limit for A, a class only applies once the manufacturer declares it after passing every test. If no code is printed, ask the distributor for written confirmation.

Application tips from the data sheets

• Let the adhesive cure first: the Ultracolor Plus TDS gives 24 hours for floors laid with normal adhesive and 7–10 days for floors laid on mortar.
• Empty the joints to at least 2/3 of the tile thickness and remove dust and adhesive residue.
• Follow the water ratio: 20–26% by weight for Ultracolor Plus, 330–340 ml per 1 kg for MU-408.

homeX, an Indonesian one-stop building materials and furniture service platform with a showroom, warehousing and delivery, can help match grout with tiles and adhesive in a single project order.

Tile grout classification: related articles and products

• C2TE tile adhesive classification under EN 12004
• Tile grout prices in Indonesia 2026 by brand
• Tile and granite installation cost per m²
• homeX building materials catalogue

FAQ

What does CG2WA mean on a tile grout? An improved cementitious grout (CG2) with reduced water absorption (W, ≤2 g in 30 minutes) and high abrasion resistance (A, ≤1,000 mm³).

Which grout is best for a bathroom floor? At least CG2WA; where chemicals or strict hygiene are involved, an RG epoxy grout with water absorption ≤0.1 g is the safer choice.

How long should I wait before grouting a floor? For Ultracolor Plus, the TDS states 24 hours when tiles are laid with normal adhesive and 7–10 days when laid on mortar.

Need help choosing or delivering materials? Contact the homeX team on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998, by email at homex9998@gmail.com or via the contact page.

Sources: Mapei Singapore, Understanding tile grouts and its standards (28/10/2020); Sopro, Tile grouts and sealants guide (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026; Mapei, Ultracolor Plus technical data sheet (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026; Mortar Utama (Saint-Gobain Indonesia), TDS MU-408 ColorFill (PDF), accessed 31/10/2026