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Adam Benson
Adam Benson

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A yellow wall in a bathroom is being tiled with white subway tiles, showing the initial application of mortar and a few tiles. A toilet is visible on the left.
More white subway tiles have been applied to the yellow bathroom wall, extending the tiled area. A blue tape line marks the top boundary of the tiling.
The white subway tiling on the yellow bathroom wall is progressing, with more tiles added. A hammer lies on the tiled floor near the toilet.
The white subway tiling on the yellow bathroom wall is nearly complete, reaching the blue tape line. The toilet and a red bucket are visible.
A different wall is being tiled with larger, light-colored rectangular tiles, using white spacers to ensure even gaps. Mortar is visible on the untiled section.
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Tiling

2024/12/13 Edited to

... Read moreOne of the most common questions I had before diving into my bathroom tiling project was, "How long does this actually take?" Online estimates vary wildly, and for a DIYer like me, getting a realistic timeline is crucial. So, I'm here to share my personal experience tiling a small bathroom, specifically focusing on the time commitment involved. My project involved updating a bathroom wall that was originally painted yellow, opting for classic white subway tiles. This wasn't my first rodeo with a home improvement task, but it was my first time tackling a significant tiling job. Here’s a breakdown of my journey and the time I spent: Phase 1: Preparation (1.5 Days) This phase is often underestimated but is absolutely critical for a good finish. For me, it involved: Clearing out the bathroom: Moving the toilet temporarily, removing fixtures. (Half a day) Surface prep: Cleaning the wall thoroughly, patching any imperfections, and ensuring it was perfectly flat and ready for mortar. I also applied a primer. (Half a day) Planning and layout: This was super important with subway tiles. I measured extensively, found my starting point, and used a blue tape line to mark my first row to ensure everything stayed level. (Half a day) Phase 2: Tiling Application (3-4 Days) This is where the magic happens, but it demands patience. I worked in sections, letting parts dry before moving on. Mixing and applying mortar: This took some practice to get the consistency right. I started by applying mortar to small sections of the yellow wall and pressing the white subway tiles into place. (Day 1 for the first section around the toilet area) Tiling the main wall: I focused on laying the bulk of the subway tiles, using white spacers diligently to ensure even gaps. Cutting tiles, especially around tricky areas like the toilet, added significant time. I found myself setting a few rows, then stepping back, and sometimes taking a break to let the mortar cure slightly before continuing. (Days 2-4, working a few hours each day after my regular job). I also had a second wall with larger, light-colored rectangular tiles planned, which I realized would go much faster due to fewer tiles and fewer cuts, but my focus was mainly on the subway tiles for this initial push. Phase 3: Grouting (1 Day) After all the tiles were set and the mortar had fully cured (I waited 24 hours), it was time for grouting. This was surprisingly messy but satisfying. Applying grout: Spreading the grout, working it into all the joints, and then wiping off the excess. This took about 4-5 hours for my small bathroom, as I was meticulous about cleaning each tile surface. A hammer lay on the tiled floor nearby, ready for any minor adjustments, but thankfully, I didn't need it much during this stage. Phase 4: Curing and Sealing (1-2 Days) Once grouted, it's essential to let it cure properly before exposing it to moisture. I also applied a grout sealer for extra protection. Total Time: All in all, for a first-timer tiling a small bathroom with subway tiles, I spent approximately 6 to 8 full days of dedicated work, spread out over two weeks because of my schedule. This doesn't include the time spent researching, buying materials (mortar, tiles, spacers, tools, a red bucket for mixing, etc.), or the final cleanup. Factors Influencing Tiling Time: Experience Level: A seasoned pro could likely halve my time. Tile Type & Size: Larger tiles generally go faster than smaller ones (like subway tiles), as there are fewer to set and less grouting. Room Complexity: Bathrooms with many corners, windows, or fixtures (like a toilet) require more cuts and precise work, extending the time. Surface Condition: If your walls need significant repair or leveling, add extra time for prep. Tools: Having the right tools (a good tile cutter, mixer, spacers) makes a huge difference. My biggest takeaway? Don't rush it! Tiling is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time with each stage, especially prep and layout, and you'll be much happier with the final, polished result. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding DIY project!