How long does it typically take to tile a room?

It’s shouldn’t take more than an afternoon. But sometimes projects do get delayed. Like a tool malfunction, Or the blades not sharp enough. Or you buddy calls and just like to waste your time. But it’s a small job. And the next day is grout. And that’s maybe a 20min jobber. But it would be best to prime that fresh plaster before your backsplash.

Time Estimate for Adding 1.5 Square Meters of Subway Tile BacksplashAdding an extra 1.5 square meters of 100x200 mm subway tiles above your countertop on freshly plastered walls is a relatively straightforward task, especially since you’re already tiling around the sink and there are no tricky angles. Below, I’ll break down the time estimate for a DIYer or professional, followed by considerations for using a backsplash and addressing your concern about mismatching.Time EstimateThe time required depends on whether you’re doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional, your experience level, and the specific conditions (e.g., curing times, prep work). Since you’re already tiling, I’ll assume you have tools and materials ready (e.g., adhesive, grout, spacers, tile cutter). Here’s a breakdown:1. Preparation (1-2 hours)Surface Check: Freshly plastered walls need to be fully cured (typically 4-7 days for plaster to dry, depending on thickness and humidity). Confirm the wall is smooth, clean, and primed (priming takes ~30 minutes to apply and 1 hour to dry). Since you’re already tiling, this may already be done. Measuring and Planning: Marking the 1.5 m² area (roughly 1.5m wide x 1m high or similar) and planning the subway tile layout (staggered or straight) takes ~30 minutes. Subway tiles are simple to lay out, but you’ll want to ensure even cuts at edges. Dry Run: Setting out tiles to confirm layout and cuts takes ~30-60 minutes. 2. Tiling (2-4 hours)Applying Adhesive: Spreading tile adhesive (thin-set mortar) with a notched trowel for 1.5 m² takes ~30-45 minutes for a DIYer with moderate experience. Professionals may do this in ~20-30 minutes. Laying Tiles: Placing 100x200 mm subway tiles is quick due to their size and lack of complex cuts. Expect ~1-2 hours for a DIYer (faster if you’re experienced from the sink area) or ~45-60 minutes for a pro. Spacers ensure even grout lines. Cutting Tiles: Straight cuts for edges (using a manual tile cutter or wet saw) take ~30-60 minutes, depending on the number of cuts and your skill. No tricky angles simplify this. 3. Grouting (1-2 hours)Curing Time: Wait 24 hours after tiling for the adhesive to set before grouting (this is a delay, not active work time). Applying Grout: Spreading grout over 1.5 m² and cleaning excess takes ~1-1.5 hours for a DIYer or ~30-45 minutes for a pro. Subway tiles have more grout lines due to their smaller size, so precision matters. Cleanup: Wiping tiles and polishing takes ~30 minutes. 4. Sealing (30-60 minutes, optional but recommended)As you asked about grout sealer previously, applying it after grouting (wait 48-72 hours for grout to cure) takes ~30-60 minutes for 1.5 m². Use a small brush or applicator for the grout lines. Total Active Work Time:DIY (Moderate Experience): ~4.5-8 hours of active work, spread over 2-3 days due to curing times (24 hours for adhesive, 48-72 hours for grout before sealing). Professional: ~2.5-4 hours of active work, also spread over 2-3 days for curing. Pros may streamline prep and cutting. Calendar Time: With curing, expect 3-5 days total (1 day for tiling, 1 day for grouting after adhesive cures, 1-2 days for sealing after grout cures). If you’re already tiling the sink area, you might combine tasks (e.g., grout both areas simultaneously), saving a day.

This takes just 1 day to install and grout and cleaning everything

Typically this should only take a day to tile, then grout the next day. You want to wait until the next day to grout as it allows time for the mortar/mastic to dry. You mentioned freshly plastered walls, I usually recommend waiting a little while after a renovation or new build to do a backsplash as walls may settle in those first few months.

For an extra 1.5 m² of 100x200 subway tile above the countertop, on freshly plastered walls with no difficult cuts or angles, it usually adds about: 2 to 4 extra hours of install time, plus grout time if it is being done as part of the same job.

For about 1.5 m² with standard subway tiles on a flat wall, it should take around 2–4 hours, and can usually be finished in the same day including grout. Since you’re already tiling around the sink, continuing with the same tile will give the best, most consistent look. Mixing materials is possible, but may not match as cleanly.

Yes, you can easily add the extra 1.5 m² above the countertop. Using the same subway tiles will keep everything looking clean and consistent. It’s a simple addition and won’t add much time or cost.AMIRI Developments Inc.