My new novel: "How Effed Was My Bathroom"
May 27, 2009 2:58 PM   Subscribe

Bathroom DIY Filter: Tiling our one full bathroom. Is it okay to do one wall of tile, cover it with plastic, and take a shower? It's really the only way I see of doing this and having a normal life in the process. Or we're gonna be some stinky people.

Also, I realize the grout will need to cure after it's sealed. Does it necessarily need to do this in a 100% moisture free environment, or can I tape 2 mil plastic sheeting over the whole affair so my wife and I can take (quick, cautious) showers?
posted by littlerobothead to Home & Garden (12 answers total)
 
There's a better solution: do it the night before a vacation. Or join a gym on a provisional basis.

Really, plasticking over the grout won't allow it to dry out properly - it will lock moisture *in* and take much longer to harden.
posted by notsnot at 3:03 PM on May 27, 2009


It is not just the direct water hitting the wall that is the issue, it is all the steam and humidity that a hot shower will create - the steam will cause you problems.

if you have no toher shower options, then i would say, make sure you tape the hell out of it, and then take cold showers only
posted by Flood at 3:16 PM on May 27, 2009


If you don't want to shower elsewhere, you can wash your hair at the sink, and wash your body with a washcloth. That's how people used to bathe before showers were readily available.
posted by Ery at 3:18 PM on May 27, 2009 [1 favorite]


Don't take chances with wall tile and grout -- make arrangements to shower elsewhere instead, or wash your hair in the kitchen sink.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 3:25 PM on May 27, 2009


Best answer: Well, when I redid the bathroom at the last house I lived in, we took baths for a week or two while the shower was being worked on. This didn't generate much steam, and didn't really splash on the grout or tile. The job turned out fabulously, and we never had any issue with the grout or thinset letting loose or degrading. As always, YMMV, I am not an expert, etc.
posted by Antidisestablishmentarianist at 3:33 PM on May 27, 2009 [1 favorite]


I think you'll actually be ok. Most grouts are portland cement products, which typically cures better in a moist environment. That's why you'll see newly cured slabs covered with plastic backed burlap. A common problem for portland cement concrete is not enough moisture while curing, which is why everything is hosed down before pouring concrete.

Do make sure that grout is fairly firmly set and try not to bump it. Otherwise you should be fine.
posted by electroboy at 3:38 PM on May 27, 2009


The very best place to ask questions about tiling is the John Bridge Tile Forums.

In case you didn't know, the waterproofing of a tile job is behind the tile; the tile and grout is not designed to be waterproof. So make sure you have a moisture barrier behind the tile. I used tar paper under the backer board; there are now systems that paint onto the backerboard to waterproof it. So your framing should be fine.

As for the tile/grout, I agree with the above poster that says a bit of moisture isn't really going to matter for the curing reasons mentioned. The real concern is bumping the tiles and unseating them or messing up the grout--it's not super easy but it can happen if you're not careful.

So be careful, tape up that plastic and go at it. I would try to let the thinset and grout set as long as practical afterwards. Even if you, say, skip a day you should be in pretty good shape.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 7:08 PM on May 27, 2009


Electroboy is right- grout doesn't care about the moisture from a shower. I did that with my own bathroom and it hasn't fallen off the walls yet after 6~ years.
posted by gjc at 7:09 PM on May 27, 2009


ya just don't bump it if it's still soft.
posted by patnok at 7:54 PM on May 27, 2009


Let the tile set for several hours. Take a short, refreshing shower. No problem.

Hanging the plastic may be a good idea. Cleaning the shower floor well before you stand on it in your bare feet is an ever better idea.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 6:24 AM on May 28, 2009


Oh yeah, forgot to add, I covered my bathroom floor after grouting and it's practically bulletproof. As long as your substrate is solid and the tiles are fully set in the mortar you shouldn't have a problem.
posted by electroboy at 6:45 AM on May 28, 2009


We did this. It's been 6 years and everything's fine.
posted by HotToddy at 9:30 AM on May 28, 2009


« Older To apply or not to apply.   |   Can anyone identify the actress shown in this... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.