How Long Does It Take to Tile a Bathroom?

Last updated on September 22, 2023

If you’re looking for a great way to add value to your home, tiling a bathroom is it. However, you might not have an opportunity to hire a professional to do it, so you’re wondering how long it can take to tile a bathroom yourself.

With proper instructions, and when you get used to the process, this can take up less time than you think!

There are a lot of factors that are put into consideration to determine the exact time it would take to tile a bathroom. This article is based on research from various sources to give you a timeline for how long it will take to tile your bathroom.

Here are some of the factors you need to consider in order to determine how long tiling your bathroom will take.

Size of Tiles

The size of your tiles directly determines the time it will take to tile your bathroom. Installing more oversized tiles is faster than installing small ones. This is because big tiles take up more space than small ones; hence, they take less time to install.

It is important to note that you have to measure your tiles concerning your floor. If tiles are an exact fit for your floor, cutting tiles for difficult areas won’t be necessary. If your bathroom has a peculiar shape, it will take longer to tile it.

Tile orientation is also another aspect you need to factor in. Diagonal tiling is a trendy tiling style that gives your bathroom a classy look. However, it takes a long time to install tiles in this fashion.

Tile Rates Per Square Feet

The prices of tiles usually vary. Tiles are typically priced per tile. Small tiles are generally costly. The cost of small tiles per square foot is high, and they are likely to make the overall installation process more expensive than you expected. Before you settle on a particular tile, make you calculate the overall “per square foot” cost of the tile.

Expertise of Tilers

Your first-time tile installation will take a long time. Practicing is an excellent way to establish a rhythm and streamline any kinks in your technique. If you have a limited timeline, it is best to seek the services of a professional as they are well versed in tile installation.

Prep and Curing

Tiles may crack or may not adhere properly on a floor that’s not entirely flat. In this case, you will have to add a backer-board layer to level out the floor bottom and cover protrusions of any raised seams or nails.

After completing the tiling, you must wait for at least 24 hours before stepping on the tiled floor. Your tile installation estimate should include this waiting time.

Grouting and Cleaning

Grout is used to hold the floor bottom of the tiles in place—after setting the tiles, add grout between them. This particular job is time-consuming, especially if the tiles have unusual shapes or are tiny. You should clean excess grout with soapy water after you’ve completed the process. You will have to be patient as removing excess grout may take too much time since it takes a couple of washes to remove them.

What to Do Next?

After tiling your bathroom, you should think about plumbing and decor. You probably had at least a general idea in mind, or even an elaborated design project of your new bathroom if you’re lucky. There are plenty of bathroom fixture styles to choose from, but you should also consider functionality and how they can help you save money in the long run.

For example, a great way to cut water bills is to get a dual-flush toilet that can save you over 50% of water compared to a regular toilet. Here is a handy list of dual-flush toilets you can use to pick one.

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