Tiling the shower walls and floor allows you to personalize your shower. The final look will be determined by your choice of the tile types, tile size, and additions like shelves or cubes.
Upon completion, a tiled shower will be a reflection of your creativity. But, how long does it take to tile a shower?
Tiling a shower is a multi-step project that takes 1-3 days, depending on the size and space of your bathroom. It will take a professional around three days and up to 5 days for a DIYer. Some of the factors that influence the time taken to tile a shower include:
- DIYer or a professional
- Preparation
- Size and layout of the shower space
- Size of the tiles
Homeowners prefer to finish up their showers with tiles because they are aesthetically appealing, durable, and long-lasting.
When done correctly, the result is to marvel; however, the process is time-consuming and costly compared to other bathroom finishing options.
Factors That Influence The Time (How Long) To Tile A Shower
The time taken to tile a shower is determined by various factors, from the expertise of the tiler to the layout and space of the bathroom. Keep reading as we discuss the factors in detail.
1. Professional Or DIYer
If you decide to DIY, the installation process will be cheap but take the longest time. On the other hand, a professional tiler will take a short time, costing you cost.
Hiring a professional will cost you, but it is the best route to take because shower tiles must be waterproof, and only a professional or a licensed DIYer can effectively achieve that. Irrespective of whoever takes the job, ensure that the wall is inspected after it is done to ensure that it is waterproof.
2. Size Of The Tiles
The size and shape of the tiles used determine the time taken to finish tiling a bathroom. For instance, big tiles cover an ample space; hence less have to be laid. On the other hand, small-sized tiles of old shapes are more time-consuming.
3. Preparation
Proper preparation influence the durability of the tiles and the ability to resist moisture which is a significant consideration for shower tiling.
For quality installation, the floor and the walls must be cleaned to remove debris and dust; otherwise, the adhesives used to hold the tiles will loosen, causing the tiles to break or move.
The preparation time depends on the size of your bathroom and adds to the time taken to tile a shower.
4. Size Of The Shower
Tiling a large shower takes longer than a small-sized shower. Large bathrooms have many pipes, angles, and corners. Cutting tiles to fit such a layout takes a lot of time. What’s more, it takes more time for the tiler to get even spacing between tiles for a large room.
How To Choose The Best Shower Tiles
There are various types of shower tiles on the market, which is a good thing because homeowners have a variety to choose from. However, getting the right shower tiles is daunting for many homeowners.
The tiles you choose determine the final look of the shower. Therefore, it is important to make the right choice, whether for a first-time installation or bathroom remodeling. Here are a few tips that will help you make the right decision. Read on:
1. Design Of The Bathroom
The shower is a space in the bathroom; therefore, it is important to ensure that the type of tiles you choose matches the design of the bigger space.
Whether your bathroom is modern, minimalist, or coastal, the tiles in the shower must synch with the fixtures and decorations of the entire bathroom.
2. Size Of The Tiles
Tiles come in various sizes, primarily small, medium, and large. It is essential to consider the best size for your space with the variety to choose from.
For example, large-sized tiles go well with small bathroom spaces because they give the impression of a large room, and fewer grout lines are needed.
On the other hand, small-sized tiles will work best for you if your shower space is large. However, small tiles mean many grout lines, which require more upkeep and cleaning.
3. Texture Of The Tiles
After hacking the right size of the tiles, the next important consideration will be the texture of the tiles. The texture determines the cleaning time; therefore, consider how much time and energy you are willing to dedicate to cleaning before making your choice.
For instance, rough tiles have crevices that call for regular deep scrubbing compared to polished tiles.
4. Material Of The Tiles
The material of shower tiles is a significant consideration, and you must get it right. For shower tiles, the walls and floors require different types of tiles.
The choice of shower floor tiles is restricted because the floor can get slippery from water and soap. For this reason, shower floor tiles must be anti-slip to prevent bathroom accidents. You can choose tiles with many grout lines or a textured format that will provide a grip.
For the wall tiles, you are at liberty to choose any texture as long as it matches the design of the bathroom. You can settle for glass mosaics because water bounces off naturally. Also, you can go with large tiles with fewer grout lines for easy cleaning.
3 Types Of Tiles For Shower Walls
As already stated, there are different shower tiles to choose from. The main concern when selecting tiles for shower walls is the ease of cleaning the material because you do not have not to worry about slip resistance.
Below are top picks for shower wall tiles:
1. Glass Tile
Glass tiles are new in the industry, but they are becoming trendy in modern houses. Modern homeowners are leaning more towards glass tiles because they are available in various colors, giving you the liberty of choice. Also, they reflect and allow light to pass through, making the bathroom appear big.
What’s more, glass tiles are the easiest to clean on the market. Even with soap and water scum, these tiles are easy to clean. With glass cleaner or vinegar solution, your glass tiles will be as good as new.
2. Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular tiles on shower walls. They have been in existence since time immemorial.
They have remained a go-to option for many homeowners because they come with a protective glaze that makes them durable and easy to maintain.
What’s more, since these tiles are manufactured, they can be crafted to fit different bathroom styles and designs.
They come in various sizes, colors, textures, designs, and qualities, allowing you to choose depending on your budget. What’s more, some companies make custom-made Ceramic and porcelain tiles to cater to individual needs.
3. Marble/Stone
Marble and stone tiles are also popular but have a high price tag. They are perfect for appearance, they will make your bathroom look beautiful, but they are not durable. What’s more, they are fragile and should only be installed by professionals.
To have these tiles serve you for long, they must be installed appropriately and require regular maintenance compared to the other options above.
They should be sealed to prevent staining, and they are hard to clean, especially if you choose the types with rough surfaces.
If you decide to go with marble or stone tiles, money should not be an issue, and you should be prepared for regular cleaning and maintenance.
4 Reasons Why Showers Should Be Tiled
Not all showers are tiled because there are different options to finish your shower out there. However, many people prefer tiles for their bathroom surfaces. So, why are many showers tiled?
1. Waterproof
Shower walls stand the risk of water because of showering all that happens in that room. Therefore, to protect your walls from soaking water, it is crucial to invest in waterproof walling, and tiles serve that purpose effectively.
2. Variety
Tiles come in different sizes, colors, and designs, meaning that you can customize them as per your preferences. Irrespective of the design, color, or decorations in your bathroom, you can always get a tile design that suits your needs.
3. Slip Resistant
Showers are dangerous places because the floor can get slippery from water and soap. Using anti-slip bathroom tiles prevents the occurrences of such accidents.
4. Good For Your Health
High humidity and moisture areas like showers make suitable hiding spaces for bacteria and mold growth. Tiles make a perfect walling choice for showers because they are easy to clean and waterproof hence preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.
Disadvantages Of Tiling A Bathroom
Tiles make the best walling and flooring option for bathrooms. However, they come with their downsides. Below are some of the downsides of tiling your shower you should be aware of:
1. Joints And Seams
The joints and seams keep the tiles waterproof and keep them in place. However, the joints weaken and crack without proper maintenance, making the tiles lose their waterproof nature.
2. Not Easy To Clean
The surface of the tiles is easy to clean by simple wiping. However, grout lines can be challenging to clean and require extra time and energy. What’s more, if the grout lines are cleaned properly, they become a breeding space for bacteria, putting the health of the shower users at risk.
3. Need For Professional Installation
The need to ensure that the tiles are waterproof calls for a professional installation. The shower will look nice after the work is done, but your wallet will be left with a dent. What’s more, finding the right professional can be a challenging task.
4. Tile Installation Is Pricey
In addition to paying the professional tiler, tiling your bathroom requires expensive tools and materials. Even buying the tiles is costly, and it gets more expensive if the shower is large.
5. Repairs And Remodeling
Tiles are durable and long-lasting, but they can for repaired and replaced with time. The grout is very sensitive and cracks anytime when exposed to a lot of pressure. A simple crack on the tile can result in water leaking and massive damages; hence should be replaced immediately.
What Are The Alternatives To Shower Tiles?
If shower tiles are not working for you for any reason, you can use the tile alternatives below for your bathroom:
1. Stone Resin
Stone resin is better than tiles because it is long-lasting and looks great in your bathroom. Also, the stone resin stays warm and is suitable for cold areas.
However, you must choose a rough texture for the bathroom floors to prevent slip and fall accidents. On the downside, they are not resistant to mold and cracks.
2. Marble Slab
A marble slab is another alternative for tiles. Since the marble slab for the bathroom is fully customizable, the look of your bathroom with being unique. However, it is costly to install. Also, it requires extra care and maintenance to keep looking good.
On the positive, though, if the marble slab is well maintained, it is very durable and resistant to scratching and chipping.
3. Acrylic Panels
Acrylic panels are seamless because they are made of solid materials. They are laced with glass fibers making them completely waterproof. Also, they are easy to clean, durable, and do not crack easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Tile A Shower In A Day?
A shower cannot be tiled in a day because the installation process is systematic. The floor and walls should be cleaned and leveled. Then the installation is done, and lastly, you should give the tiled surfaces time to cure. This process takes around three days.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Tile A Shower?
The cost of tiling a shower depends on the size of the shower, the type of tiles you choose, and the cost of the tiler.
3. Do I Need To Waterproof Shower Walls Before Tiling?
Yes, you must apply a waterproofing sealer before installing tiles on the bathroom walls. Since the shower and tub get the surrounding wet, you must have the walls waterproof to prevent leakages and related damage.
4. Can I Tile My Shower?
Tiling your shower on your own can be very challenging because of the waterproofing procedures, materials, and tools used. Therefore, for effective and faster tiling, consider hiring a professional tiler.
In Conclusion, So, How Long Does It Take To Tile A Shower?
Tiling a shower is a sensitive project with no room for mistakes. If you do not have the skills and patience for this project, hire a professional tiler. The time is taken to tile a shower depends on:
- The size and layout of the shower
- Size and design of the tiles
- If the installation is done by a professional or a DIYer
- Preparation time.
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