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How Long Does a Bathroom Refit Take? A Stage-by-Stage Timeline
Being without a bathroom is the part of a refit most people dread. This guide sets out how long a typical UK bathroom job takes, what happens on each day, and how to stop it dragging on.
The short answer
A straightforward refit of a standard bathroom — same layout, one dedicated fitting team — usually takes 5 to 10 working days. A small bathroom with minimal tiling can be done in under a week; a luxury bathroom or one with a layout change more often takes two to three weeks.
If your fitter brings in separate trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, plasterer) on different days, expect the job to run over more calendar days even if the working time is similar, because there will be gaps between visits.
What happens at each stage
| Stage | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Strip-out | Old suite, tiles and flooring removed; water isolated | 1 – 2 days |
| First fix | New pipework, wastes and cables run before walls are closed | 1 – 2 days |
| Boarding and plastering | Walls boarded or skimmed; shower areas waterproofed | 1 – 3 days (plus drying time) |
| Tiling or panelling | Walls and floor tiled and grouted, or wall panels fitted | 1 day (panels) to 5 days (full tiling) |
| Second fix | Toilet, basin, bath or shower, taps, radiator and lights connected | 1 – 2 days |
| Finishing | Sealant, accessories, decorating and snagging | 1 day |
What makes a bathroom job overrun
- Products not on site. The most common delay. Have everything delivered and checked before the strip-out day — missing a single waste or valve can stop the job.
- Drying and curing times. Plaster, tanking, adhesive and grout all need time before the next stage. Rushing them causes problems later.
- Surprises behind the walls. Rotten floorboards, old pipework or damp only show up once the room is stripped.
- Layout changes. Moving the toilet or shower adds plumbing time and sometimes floor work.
- Wet rooms. A level-access wet room adds floor preparation and waterproofing, so allow extra days.
How to speed things up
- Order every product in advance and open the boxes to check them as soon as they arrive.
- Choose shower wall panels instead of full tiling — they can save several days and there is no grout to cure.
- Keep the existing layout where you can.
- Ask your fitter for a day-by-day plan and agree a start date only when everything is on site.
- If you have a second toilet, the disruption is far easier to live with — plan the work around it.
Products in this guide
Kartell Complete Bathroom Suite – 1700mm Bath, Low Level Toilet, Basin & Taps – Chrome
£411.87
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AKW Alveo 600mm PVC Wall Panels – 2500mm High – Pack of 2 – White Gloss, Marble, Concrete & Graphite
£124.95
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Nuie White Slip-Resistant Slimline Square Shower Tray (All Sizes)
From £144.00
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Kartell K-VIT Options 550 Short Projection Toilet – Pan Only or Complete WC (POT078OPR)
From £106.20
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Frequently asked questions
Can a bathroom be fitted in a week?
Yes, if the layout stays the same, all products are on site before work starts and one team does the whole job. Wall panels rather than full tiling make a one-week refit much more achievable.
How long will I be without a toilet?
Usually only for part of the job. Many fitters reconnect the toilet at the end of each day or refit it early. Ask your fitter to plan for this before work starts.
How long does it take to tile a bathroom?
Full wall and floor tiling in an average bathroom typically takes three to five days, including grouting. Large-format or patterned tiles can take longer.