Updating your home can become quite the process. Over time, homeowners tend to fall out of love with their current space and look to update it with the latest trends. This includes any part of the house. In most cases, the bathroom and the kitchen are the two most popular places for upgrades. For example, updating a bathroom shower. Homeowners love to change the look of their bathroom by re-tiling the area. How long does it take to tile a shower? Depending on how big the space is, the size of the tiles, and how experienced a tiler you are.
Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding the timing of this project.
What Are The Steps To Accomplish This Project?
The timing of tiling your bathroom shower will vary based on a variety of factors. However, you should keep in mind that a day or two is needed to properly install shower tiles. Let’s take a look at the time it takes to tile.
- Installing new backer boards – This will take about 1 to 2 hours to complete.
- New tile installation – Depending on the size of the shower, this will take between 2 and 6 hours. However, the tile needs 24 hours to cure. So, once the tile is installed you must wait 24 hours to grout and complete the installation process.
- Grout the tiles – Grout will take up to 2 days to cure and settle. Then you will seal the grout after the time has passed.
What Are The Factors That Can Change The Timing?
Believe it or not, the factors that affect how long it takes to install shower tiles rest completely on the homeowner’s decisions. Let’s take a look below at what those factors might be.
- Installer – If the installation is being done by a professional this will save you time. The job usually goes a lot faster and smoother when you hire a professional. If you are a do-it-yourself project person, then any first-time tile installations take longer as cutting mistakes are typically made. This can become very time-consuming.
- Size of the tile – Depending on if you use small tiles or large tiles for your shower upgrade will determine if the project goes faster. The larger the tile the more area is covered and the faster the project.
- Size of the shower – The size of the bathroom and shower, and the shape of the shower and bathroom will determine how long it takes the tiler to complete this step of the project. The square footage along with tile size can drastically change the timing of the tiling job.
- Installation directions – Depending on what the directions say for each step in this process will determine the amount of time the installation takes. Tiling a shower has recommended installation instructions to keep the project going smoothly. Missing a step will delay the completion.
- Wall preparation – Installing a backer board should take between 1 to 2 hours. However, if the walls are not clean enough and level, it will take longer to prepare the area.
- Grout type – The two types of grout are sanded and unsanded. If you use unsanded grout the time to complete the project is extended by an extra day for drying. You cannot seal your grout until you have given the proper time for it to dry.
- Grout sealer – There are some grout sealers that take 2 days to dry and this can delay the use of your shower. In most cases, you will select a grout sealer that dries in a couple of hours.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you are aware of how long it could take to tile your shower, you should read up on how to cut tile around your toilet. This will give you an advanced look and preparation for that tricky piece of your tiling project.
Next, if you are tiling a shower that happens to have a window in it, you will want to read up on how to seal a window in a shower. You won’t want to miss any steps that will allow moisture to get into the shower or trapped behind the tiled walls. The trapped moisture will cause a very bad mold problem.
Lastly, while you are updating your bathroom shower tiles, you might want to consider updating your stone fireplace. This could be a project that your licensed contractor could help you with. Be sure to read up on all of the options so that you can make an informed decision on your upgrade.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Installing tile in a shower can be a tricky process. You really need to understand the process of how to get the best results. For example, should you tile the walls first or the floor first? These are all questions for your professional contractor. Be sure to hire a licensed contractor who has experience with tiling projects. Also, ask to see samples of the work. Call on your local home inspection team to ensure there are no plumbing concerns in your bathroom before you begin the tiling project.
Conclusion
Updating your bathroom shower tile can be a tough task for someone with no experience. There are tools and equipment required to complete the project, as well as a specific way of installing the tile. If you aren’t sure how to start, call your local home inspection team. They can give you some ideas for the space and inspect the integrity of the shower structure. Also, they can refer you to a reputable licensed contractor. Reach out to House Inspection Associates to conduct a full home inspection in the Virginia, D.C., and Maryland areas.
