Bathroom floor tiles go through a lot. They not only get worn down from constant foot traffic, but they also regularly come into contact with water and strong cleaning agents, which can lead to discoloration and changes over time. If your tiles have been subjected to this kind of abuse long enough, you’re probably considering refinishing them but aren’t sure if it’s the best step.
Bathroom tiles can be refinished if they are made of ceramic and have minor surface-level damage. However, tiles made of clay and vinyl or those that have suffered significant damage or are too old may need to be replaced instead. You don’t have to live with them anymore.
The rest of this article will discuss what you need to know if you’re considering taking on a project to refinish ceramic bathroom floor tiles, including whether replacing could be the right choice.
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Refinishing and Repainting: The Difference
If you want to improve the appearance of your bathroom tiles, you might be considering repainting or refinishing them. While these two processes are closely related, they are actually quite different.
Repainting simply covers the tiles in their current state. This is a great quick option if the only issue you have with your tiles is their color. However, unlike walls, floors tend to experience more wear and tear, which can affect the lifespan of a paint job.
On the other hand, refinishing is a longer process aimed at improving the appearance of your tiles by addressing any discoloration (including repainting if desired), scratches, and surface-level damage through various chemical steps.
You’ll need to obtain primer, adhesion promoters, and top coatings and glazes to properly refinish on your own. While it will take more time, the end product should last much longer than a regular paint job if you make sure to follow all the steps.
Deciding Whether to Refinish or Replace Your Bathroom Floor Tiles
Replacing your tiles is much more expensive and time-consuming than refinishing, and it’s not always necessary. However, in some situations, simply repainting your floor tiles may not be sufficient.
If you’re unsure whether to replace or repaint your bathroom tiles but know that you want to improve them, here are a few things to consider:
The current condition of your tiles
If your floor tiles are chipped, worn down to the point of being uneven, cracked, or scratched beyond the surface, all of these can affect the overall condition of your tiles. This type of damage is likely too severe for refinishing.
If that’s the case, replacing your tiles may be the best solution.
Whether the issues are superficial
If your tiles are in good condition but just have some superficial issues that make them look somewhat dull, then replacement is likely unnecessary.
Superficial wear and tear can be addressed through refinishing. It’s a more cost-effective solution that should last about as long as replacing tiles with similar ones would.
Deciding Whether to Refinish Bathroom Floor Tiles on Your Own
If you’ve decided that refinishing your tiles is the solution for you, you may be debating whether to call someone to do the work for you or to take on the project yourself.
Here are a few things to consider:
The size of the project
Renovating the floors of a half bathroom versus a master bathroom are two very different projects. Even if you’re comfortable with a DIY project, it might be worth calling in an expert if you’re dealing with a larger bathroom that will require a significant amount of time. The real question here is, do you have the time?
Your do-it-yourself experience
Have you, or someone you know, ever done a DIY project before? Especially when it comes to tiling?
You might feel confident that you can refinish your bathroom tiles without much trouble. However, if you don’t have much experience, it’s worth considering whether you have the skills and patience required for the job.
It’s not just your skills that you need to consider. You also need to assess your risks.
If someone you hire makes a mistake, you likely have a warranty or a number to call to have them fix everything for you. If you make a mistake, it’s your responsibility to fix it. At worst, you might have to start the whole process over again. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility and the associated costs?
Your budget
This is one of the last things to consider, but if you feel that you have the skills you would need to complete the project and are only debating time and cost, your budget could be a deciding factor.
Doing it yourself will cost significantly less than calling in a professional. You just have to consider the cost of materials. If you think budget should be a factor in your decision to refinish your tiles, you can look into the average costs of this project on Home Advisor for a more accurate estimate.
If you call in a professional to refinish your bathroom tiles for you, it will cost you more no matter how low the initial quote is. However, you likely won’t need to provide any equipment yourself and won’t have to worry about getting everything perfect on your own.
It’s also important to consider the short-term vs. long-term implications of cost. While refinishing your floors yourself might save you money in the short term, you’ll end up spending more in the long run if you have to hire someone to fix your mistakes.
Can All Bathroom Floor Tiles be Refinished?
Ceramic floor tiles are the most commonly used for bathrooms. So when I say that bathroom tiles can be refinished, it’s easy to assume that this applies to all types. However, that’s not necessarily true.
Not all floor tiles can be refinished. Tiles made of clay or vinyl generally cannot be refinished without causing damage. And while tiles with carved patterns can be refinished, they rarely regain their original appearance.
So, before making any calls or purchasing what you’ll need to refinish your bathroom floor, make sure your tiles are made of ceramic or another material that can be refinished.
Final Thoughts
Your floor tiles can impact or ruin the look of your bathroom. While worn-out tiles can be an eyesore, you don’t have to replace them if they aren’t damaged. If your bathroom tiles are made of ceramic and their imperfections are minor and superficial, you can refinish your tiles instead.
Whether you take on the project yourself or hire a professional, refinishing your bathroom tiles is not only possible but a practical way to revitalize your bathroom.
Sources
- Wonder Method: Refinishing Ceramic Tile
- Home Advisor: 2022 Cost to Refinish Ceramic Tile
- Showers for You: How to Revive Bathroom Tiles Without Replacing Them
- Home Advisor: How to Reglaze Tile
- Apartment Therapy: Refinishing Tile