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Yes, but you should only put tile directly on drywall in smaller areas that don’t experience excess moisture. For example, a small kitchen tile backsplash could work, but installing tile directly on the drywall in a bathroom or other chronically damp area is not a good idea. Either way, a cement backer board is a far more reliable solution, as drywall is susceptible to moisture and can warp or cause your tiles to crack.

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

On average, tiling a bathroom involves about 12 hours of labor, usually spread over two to three days to accommodate prep work and curing times. A professional tiler can often complete the installation in 6 to 8 hours, whereas a DIYer might take 10 to 16 hours. The total project time is influenced by factors like the bathroom layout, tile type, and necessary prep work, such as removing old tile. The process includes specific timelines for different areas; for example, tiling a floor takes about six hours, while a shower area can take six to ten hours. It is essential to allow for adequate curing time—typically 24 hours each—for the mortar, grout, and caulk, which is why the project extends over several days.

It’s best to start with tiling the shower floor before moving on to the walls for the most visually-pleasing results. When taking on any tiling project, you’ll want the wall tiles to “sit” neatly on the floor tiles rather than overlapping them. Finishing your floor tiles first will allow you to place your wall tiles without any gaps, holes, or awkward intersections.