One of the most common questions we receive before booking a surface repair is: how long will it take? The honest answer is that it depends on what’s being repaired, the extent of the damage, and the material involved. This guide sets out realistic timelines for the most common surface repair jobs so you can plan your booking accordingly.
Bath Chip and Crack Repair
Typical time: 1–3 hours
A single small chip (under 10mm) in an acrylic or enamel bath can typically be repaired in 1–2 hours including preparation, filling, colour-matching and finishing. Larger cracks or multiple areas of damage on the same bath extend the time to 2–3 hours. The bath is usually usable again within 24 hours once the repair has fully cured.
Tile Chip and Grout Repair
Typical time: 30 minutes – 2 hours per tile
A single chipped tile can be repaired in 30–90 minutes depending on the size of the chip and the complexity of the tile pattern. Grout repair for a shower enclosure (cleaning out, regrouting and resealing) typically takes 2–4 hours for a standard-sized shower. The repaired grout needs 24 hours before getting wet.
Worktop Chip and Scratch Repair
Typical time: 1–3 hours
A single chip in a laminate, quartz or granite worktop typically takes 1–2 hours to repair. Deep scratches or burn marks may take longer due to the additional preparation required. The worktop is usually ready for light use the same day, with full heat/impact resistance returning after 24–48 hours.
Shower Tray Repair
Typical time: 2–4 hours
Shower tray repairs take slightly longer than bath repairs due to the typically harder materials (acrylic composite, ceramic or stone resin) and the need to match non-slip surface textures. The shower tray should not be used for 24–48 hours after repair to allow full cure.
Floor Repair
Typical time: 1–4 hours
LVT and vinyl plank repair for a single damaged area typically takes 1–2 hours. Hardwood floor chip repair is similar. Parquet block re-bonding and repair may take longer depending on the number of blocks affected. The floor can usually be walked on lightly within 2–4 hours and resume normal use after 24 hours.
UPVC and Composite Door Repair
Typical time: 1–3 hours
Chip and scratch repair on composite and UPVC doors typically takes 1–2 hours for a single area. Colour matching is done on-site and the finish is usually dry enough to use the door within 2 hours of completion.
How Many Repairs Can Be Done in One Visit?
Multiple repairs in the same property on the same day are always more cost-effective than separate visits. A full day’s visit can typically address 3–5 separate areas of damage in a standard property — for example, a bath chip, two tile repairs and a worktop scratch. We’ll discuss what’s achievable in a single visit when you book.
