Most standard tile projects take three to five consecutive days from teardown to final cleanup. A simple kitchen backsplash might take two days, while a full walk-in custom shower usually takes five to seven days due to cure times between steps. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect when our crew rolls out of Vancouver and sets up at your home in Camas.
A REALISTIC DAY-BY-DAY TILE INSTALLATION TIMELINE
When we start a tile project, the work follows a strict order. Skipping steps or rushing drying times leads to cracked grout and failed waterproofing down the road.
Day 1: Demolition and subfloor preparation. We strip out old materials, whether that involves LVP floor demo at $1.65 per sqft or a complete prefab shower removal for $935 per ea. We inspect the subfloor or wall framing for level and rot, then complete necessary floor preparation at $3 per sqft to ensure a flat substrate.
Day 2: Substrate builds and waterproofing. For a custom shower, this is when we build a solid base. That might include a mudset shower pan build and waterproofing for $60 per sqft, or installing shower wall prep with HydroBlock waterproofing at $18 per sqft. We also construct custom features like a shower niche for $500 per ea or a shower curb for $330 per ea.
Day 3: Tile installation. Once substrate builds and waterproofing layers cure, we set the tile. Whether layout involves standard 12-36" floor tile at $17 per sqft or 12-36" wall tile at $19 per sqft, setting requires careful layout marking, precise cuts, and placing tiles clean into mortar.
Day 4: Grouting and trim. After thinset mortar cures overnight, we clean tile joints and apply grout. For standard new installations, epoxy grout installation runs $4 per sqft, providing stain resistance. We also install metal finishes like Schluter edge trim at $15 per lnft along exposed tile borders.
Day 5: Caulking, details, and cleanup. We apply specialty color-matched silicone for $50 per job along movement joints, such as inside corners and floor transitions. Once everything is detailed, cleaned, and inspected, the job is complete.
WHY CURING TIMES DICTATE THE SCHEDULE
Tile work cannot be rushed because chemical curing dictates when the next step begins. Thinset mortar needs a full 24 hours to cure before anyone steps on the tile or presses grout into the joints. If you walk on newly laid tile too early, you break the mechanical bond between the mortar and the tile, leading to loose tiles later.
Waterproofing systems also require specific drying times before tile setting. Skipping curing windows to finish a day early almost always results in product failure.
WHAT DELAYS A TILE PROJECT IN CAMAS
While most projects stay on schedule, a few common jobsite findings can add a day or two. When working in local neighborhoods near Prune Hill or Crown Park, older subfloors or previous water leaks sometimes reveal surprises once old materials come off.
Rotten wood framing or soft subflooring must be replaced before installing tile. Tile requires a rigid substrate to prevent movement and cracking. If plumbing lines need to be moved or corrected after teardown, that work must happen before waterproofing starts. Tile delivery delays or broken shipments can also hold up the timeline.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSE BEFORE CREW ARRIVAL
Preparing your home ahead of time helps us start immediately and keep dust managed throughout the process.
- Clear a direct path from the entry door or garage to the work site so we can move tools and materials safely.
- Empty vanities, counters, and closets in or adjacent to the work area to protect your items from dust.
- Identify a garage or covered outdoor spot where we can set up tile saws and mixing stations.
- Keep pets and children away from the work space while heavy equipment and adhesives are in use.
To learn more about our local work, you can explore our page on tile in Camas or read about our general tile installation services.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Can we walk on the tile or use the bathroom during installation?
No, the work area must remain unused during installation. Walking on freshly laid tile ruins the mortar bond, and using water before grout and caulk cure completely will cause moisture damage.
How loud and dusty is the project?
Demolition and tile cutting create noise and fine dust. We set up plastic dust barriers and use vacuum-assisted tools, but some noise during cutting and demolition is unavoidable.
Does choosing epoxy grout add days to the job?
No, epoxy grout is applied on the same scheduled grouting day as standard cement grout. It requires precise mixing and faster cleanup, but it cures quickly and will not extend the overall project timeline.
If you are planning a project in Camas, WA, we are happy to come out and review the space with you. Visit Buddy Tile to schedule a free in-home estimate and get a written price delivered the same day.
Stan Misiuk