time estimate for removing grout - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

garethdavies · 20-09-2008

Hi,

I know the answer will differ for each person but i am just trying to get a rough estimate for the following. I have just been to see a customer who wants me to remove all the old grout and replace in a shower cubicle. 3 full walls and a floor with tile sizes of approx 6" x 10". I have a dremel 300 with the grout removal piece but as i'm new to tiling havent actually done a job like this yet. I have practised at home and seem slow with the tool as i am very concious of the fact i dont want to slip off and scratch the tiles. Just dont want to say i'll be in and out in x amount of time if thats not realistic. Any thoughts?

**grumpygrouter** · 20-09-2008

I did a similar job last year and tried with the Dremel. I didn't find it all that successful to be honest as you need to rely on the grout joint being deep enough to give the guide lugs something to rest into. If the grout is fairly flush you need to be really careful as the bit WILL slice into the tiles and you won't really notice any difference in tool response. I ended up finishing the job by hand as, at that time, I didn't have a Fein. Fein is much quicker but you still need to be careful. Oh! took me 2 days by hand.

deanotile · 20-09-2008

Grumpy is spot on. I would re tile the bathroom quicker than re grouting it.

garethdavies · 20-09-2008

thanks for that both of you, i was thinking it would probably take me a couple of days but as i hadnt done it before that sounded a long time. i have tried to talk them into cleaning the grout and reviving it a bit or even just starting again and retiling but they are insistent they want the grout redoing.

deanotile · 20-09-2008

If they are happy to pay 2 days (£300.00 ish) then gr8

garethdavies · 20-09-2008

must be a mind reader deano, explained £150 per day and it would take as long as it takes really and they seemed a bit shocked but would rather that than do it themselves

deanotile · 20-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by garethdavies

must be a mind reader deano, explained £150 per day and it would take as long as it takes really and they seemed a bit shocked but would rather that than do it themselves

Cool

Daveyboy · 20-09-2008

Hi Gareth, make sure you explain to them that there is a real risk some of the tiles may get damaged by the dremel and/or doing it manually. I have re-grouted before and had tiles fall off the walls as it was only the grout that was holding them all together!

**Highlander** · 21-09-2008

I can strip two hotel bathrooms in a day and then have them grouted next day but that has taken me time to get that speed and this is one area that i specialise in. Or one bathroom striped and grouted in a day walls and floors.

Highlander

LM Ceramics · 21-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

I can strip two hotel bathrooms in a day and then have them grouted next day but that has taken me time to get that speed and this is one area that i specialise in. Or one bathroom striped and grouted in a day walls and floors.

Highlander

wow thats pretty quick for a re grout defintley not an area i would specialise in

TilingLogistics · 21-09-2008

Regrouting can be a very laborious job if you don't have the right equipment. It is very labour intensive and can be a very dirty job. I have recently done the toilets in a night club and I can honestly say I think it was one of the dirtiest smelliest jobs I have ever had to do. I thought I had put in a high enough quote not to have got the job but I got it anyway.

The next time the quote for any public toilets will be 50% higher again.

Gary (Highlander) is right when he says you get quicker. Initially you are frightened you will damage the existing tiles but as you gain experience you get quicker. Natural stone is easier for me because I am in a position to repair any errors. With porcelain and ceramics you have to be even more careful unless there are spares

If any of you get to quote for such a job don't be frightened to charge and allow yourself a day or so longer for cock ups. The first time it will take longer than you think and as Dean says sometimes it can be quicker to retile.

Kev

**whitebeam** · 21-09-2008

You want to be tiling a subway that double as a toilet, Gross