With the Natural Surface M Series that we use, an HDB bathroom usually takes 3 to 4 working days and a whole unit usually takes 4 to 6 working days. Timing varies with the area, the condition of the existing surface, how much detailing there is and the product system, so other systems may take longer. Your applicator should confirm timing for your flat in the quote.
Here is what goes into those days, and how to plan around them.
What happens on each day
Every system is different, but a microcement job generally moves through these stages:
- Protection and preparation. Covering fittings and adjoining areas, cleaning the surface, fixing any loose tiles and dealing with grout lines.
- Base layer. The first coat that bonds to the existing surface.
- Face layer. The finishing coat that gives the look and texture.
- Top coats. Protective sealing layers that give water, stain and scratch resistance.
Each layer needs time to dry before the next. That waiting time, not the trowelling itself, is what sets the schedule. Our system has four layers and no primer, which keeps the number of stages down.
What can make it take longer
- Hollow, cracked or uneven tiles that need repair first
- Lots of niches, kerbs, vanities, steps or curves
- Humid or wet conditions slowing drying
- Other trades working in the same space
- Larger areas or several rooms in sequence
When you can use the space again
Finishing the last coat is not quite the same as moving back in. Ask your applicator when you can walk on floors, when you can use the shower, and when heavy furniture can go back. Set aside a buffer in your renovation plan, especially if you are moving in straight after.
Planning around HDB rules
- New flats: HDB restricts hacking and replacing the original bathroom floor and wall finishes for an initial period, generally the first three years. A microcement overlay that leaves the original finish and waterproofing in place is generally the route people take during that time.
- Renovation hours: HDB sets permitted hours for noisy work. Microcement overlays involve far less noise than hacking, but check the current rules.
- Permits and contractors: some renovation works need an HDB permit or an HDB-registered contractor. Check what applies to your scope.
HDB updates its rules from time to time, so confirm your own flat’s conditions on the HDB renovation page.
Why it is faster than re-tiling
A traditional bathroom redo involves hacking, debris removal, a new screed and waterproofing, tiling and grouting. A microcement overlay over sound tiles skips the hacking and the screed. The finish is 1 to 1.5mm thick in our system, against roughly 40 to 60mm for screed and new tile. Read more in can microcement go over tiles without hacking.
How Jiu Ding Sheng plans an HDB job
We survey the flat first, agree the rooms and sequence, and confirm the working days in the quote. With the M Series, a bathroom usually takes 3 to 4 working days and a whole unit 4 to 6. If you are coordinating with an interior designer or contractor, tell us the sequence and the handover condition and we will tell you what we need and when we will be off site. Read about the system on the Material page and see finished bathrooms on the Projects page.
Weighing it up for a bathroom? See is microcement worth it for an HDB bathroom.
Quick answers
How long does a microcement HDB bathroom take?
With the Natural Surface M Series we use, usually 3 to 4 working days. Other systems and surface conditions can change this.
How long does a whole HDB unit take?
With our system, usually 4 to 6 working days, depending on the area, the detailing and the existing surface.
Can I stay in the flat during the work?
Often yes, but the rooms being worked on cannot be used, and floors need time before they are walked on. Discuss the sequence with your applicator.
Can I do microcement in a new BTO bathroom?
HDB restricts hacking and replacing the original bathroom finishes in the early years. An overlay that does not disturb the original finish or waterproofing is generally the route taken. Check your flat’s conditions with HDB.
Next step
Tell us your flat type, the rooms and when you need it done. WhatsApp +65 8049 1188 or use the contact page.
