How Long Does Bathroom Tile Installation Take?

A bathroom tile upgrade is a smart move to transform your bathroom's function and appearance. However, how long would it take? Do you have a realistic timeline? It’s something that affects your routine, so you must understand the factors that affect bathroom tile upgrade timelines based on your needs. Understanding the process helps homeowners set proper expectations and avoid unnecessary delays. This blog covers all of it.

The key highlights are:

●     Whether your bathroom will take an average of 3-5 days, as most upgrades do.

●     What adds extra time for completion, e.g., shower and tub surround installation.

●     What sort of prep work and waterproofing is required to ensure long-term durability?

●     How tile complexity affects installation time and cost.

●     Why hiring professionals is the right choice.

Bathroom tile installation is one of the smallest upgrades around the house, but it can turn into a nightmare if there is inadequate planning. There are multiple steps behind the scenes that must be done correctly to avoid cracks, leaks, or uneven finishes.

If you are considering a bathroom tile installation and want to know how long it will take, this blog is for you.

Whether you are upgrading floors, walls, or full shower enclosures, knowing the timeline helps you plan better and avoid rushed decisions that could compromise quality.

Read on!

Here is the complete breakdown of the bathroom wall installation timeline:

How Long Does Bathroom Tile Installation Typically Take?

A standard bathroom tile installation typically takes 3-5 days, from start to finish. In smaller bathrooms with less prep, it takes even less time, and vice versa for larger, more complex projects.

A basic timeline includes:

• Removal of old materials
  
• Surface preparation
• Tile layout and setting
• Grouting and sealing



These are essential steps and should not be skipped to avoid problems in the future.

Bathroom Wall Tile Installation Timeline Breakdown

Wall tile installation takes longer than floor tiling, as it requires proper alignment and curing between steps. Wall tile work typically adds 1–2 days, depending on height, pattern, and tile size.

Read more: How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Hiring Bathroom Remodel Contractors?

Shower and tub surround tile installation is more complex. Here is a complete timeline breakdown for the same:

Tub Surround Installation: How Long Does It Take?

A standard tub surround installation usually takes 2–4 days. It includes demolition, waterproofing, tile installation, and curing time. You can choose between prefabricated and tiled options. Prefabricated surrounds are faster, while tiled surrounds require more precision and drying time.

Bathtub Surround Installation vs. Shower Tile Installation

Bathtub surround installation is generally faster than full shower tiling because:

• Bathtub areas are often smaller
• Fewer plumbing penetrations are involved
• Layouts are simpler



Full shower installations often include benches, niches, or custom designs, which add time to the project.

Factors That Affect Bathroom Tile Installation Time

Every bathroom is different, so the timeline varies accordingly. Here are the factors that impact it:

Bathroom Size and Layout

Larger bathrooms or complex layouts with multiple angles take longer to tile. Tight spaces may also slow down work due to limited movement and cutting precision.

Tile Type and Design Complexity

Tile choice is a major factor and impacts the timeline significantly:

• Large-format tiles require leveling systems
• Mosaics take longer due to the detailed placement
• Natural stone often needs sealing before and after installation
• Intricate patterns increase labor time significantly.

Choose a tile based on your preference, budget, and time.

Subfloor and Wall Preparation Needs

Uneven subfloors or damaged walls must be repaired before tile is installed. Proper prep ensures tile longevity but can add 1–2 extra days to the schedule.

Availability of Bathroom Tile Contractors

The timeline depends significantly on the contractor that you hire. You must search for “bathroom tile contractors near me” and choose someone skilled, reputable, and trustworthy to finish the project on time.

Read more: Top Laundry Room Remodel Ideas Every Homeowner Should Consider

Here is a step-by-step tile installation process:

Day 1: Demolition and Surface Preparation

Old tile, flooring, or wall materials are removed. Surfaces are cleaned, leveled, and inspected for damage.

Day 2: Waterproofing and Layout Planning

Waterproof membranes are applied, especially in showers and tub surrounds. Tile layout is planned to ensure even spacing and alignment.

Day 3: Bathroom Wall Tile Installation

Tiles are set using proper adhesives. Drying time is critical for successful installation. Spacers are used for consistent grout lines.

Day 4: Grouting, Sealing, and Touch-Ups

Grout is applied and cleaned. Sealers are also added depending on tile type.

Day 5: Final Inspection and Cleanup

It is an optional step, but an important one. Final checks ensure proper adhesion, alignment, and finish quality.

The installation cost and time are directly related:

Bathroom Tile Installation Cost Overview

More labor hours increase the overall bathroom tile installation cost, especially for detailed or custom projects.

Cost of Tiling a Bathroom by Scope

The cost of tiling a bathroom depends on:

• Tile material
• Area being tiled (floor, walls, shower)
• Prep work required
• Design complexity

Larger projects naturally take more time and cost more.

Labor Cost to Tile a Shower

Labor costs to tile a shower also depend on factors such as waterproofing, vertical surfaces, and detailed installation requirements. Shower tiling demands precision, takes more time, and thus, also costs more.

It can be tempting to choose to tile your bathroom all by yourself, but how good an idea it is, find out:

DIY Bathroom Tile Installation: Time and Risk Comparison

DIY projects take two to three times longer than professional installation. Most of them are also halted halfway, and homeowners end up calling professionals. So, it is a time-consuming choice.

The other factors that impact quality are:

• Improper surface prep
• Uneven tile spacing
• Inadequate waterproofing

These mistakes don’t seem significant, but they can lead to cracked tiles or leaks later.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Bathroom Tile Contractors

On the other hand, choosing a bathroom tile contractor near me offers the following benefits:

• Faster completion times
• Proper waterproofing
• High-quality finishes
• Reduced risk of future repairs

Professional installation is better in terms of quality, time, money, and especially expertise.

You can shorten your project timeline by:

• Selecting simpler tile designs
• Finalizing materials before work begins
• Ensuring clear access to the bathroom
• Hiring experienced installers
• Avoiding last-minute design changes

The better the preparation, the less time it will take.

Bathroom tile installation isn’t just about replacing tiles; it's about ensuring the installation is efficient, cost-effective, aesthetically beautiful, and completed promptly. It requires careful planning and hiring a reliable contractor, such as Garot Plumbing & Heating.

We offer a complete range of plumbing and bathroom remodeling services in Green Bay. We understand your needs and offer a realistic timeline so you can be confident your project will be completed on time.

Contact us today to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions