7 Easy Ways to Update Your Old Tile Floors Without Breaking Your Budget

With so many easy ways to update tile floors, there’s no need to live with drab tile anymore. You can update your old tile floors on a budget without the cost and hassle of tile replacement.

“Updating tile floors on a budget is all about being creative and focusing on small changes that make a big impact,” says James Marino of Pinnacle Home Improvements.

We talked to experts to learn their best recommendations for updating tile floors without spending a lot of money.

clear tile

Tile is incredibly durable and stain-resistant, but it does get dirty over time. To update your old tile floors you may need regular cleaning.

And a thorough cleaning is still an essential first step if you decide to move forward with other updates like stenciling, painting, and decals.

Contractor James Marino recommends avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

“They can dull the tile and weaken the grout over time,” he says. “A mild detergent goes a long way in maintaining their shine.”

Stick to gentle cleaners and microfiber cloth Or mopping to keep things shiny without damaging them.

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Add Area Rugs

Designer Jessica Bandstra says the best bang for your buck is adding a new rug.

“No elbow grease required,” she says.

Marino agrees that using carpeting or mats in high-traffic areas is an easy way to prevent wear and tear. They have placed a runner in their kitchen not only to make the space attractive but also to protect the tiles.

repaint grout

Dirt and mold accumulate in tile grout (seams) over time. to stain Grout with a new color Refreshes tile without the need to replace grout or tile.

even if grout is clean And in good condition, it can be repainted for a shiny, new look.

change grout color Applying grout colored stain with a brush. Some stains are available in marker-like pens that allow you to draw color directly onto the grout.

tile decals

For a more dramatic change, consider tile decals.

“For a floor that has aged but is still in good shape structurally, peel-and-stick decals can give you the look of a patterned tile without the cost of replacement,” says Marino.

Tile decals stick to ceramic, porcelain, or stone floor or wall tiles. The surface should be smooth and shiny, not porous, rough or textured.

The decals fit the size of each tile but leave the grout exposed. The deck designs match edge to edge.

paint tile

Another way to update tile it has to be paintedAccording to Bandstra.

“Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface, then apply a quality primer and tile-friendly paint,” she says.

For longer durability, use bonding primer. Paint must be either one-part or two-part epoxy paint,

Tile paint covers both tile and grout. So, it is a great alternative for dirty tile grout.

stencil the tile

stencils are often used on wallsAnd they work equally well on tile floors, too. Create damask, classical or floral designs on your floor tiles with stencils. You can stencil the entire floor or just the border.

Start by covering the tile with a bonding primer that also serves as a base color coat. Place the stencil on the tile and use a dense foam roller to roll on the color coat.

Apply a water-based clear urethane coat over the top for protection.

replace grout

Replacing grout is one of the best ways to update an old tile floor while staying within budget.

“Although time-consuming and a workout, the results can be worth every effort,” says Bandstra.

Regrouting is also the best option When Grout is cracking and falling apart,

The trick is to use an electric multitool with a special grout removal blade. The blade chews through soft grout but leaves harder tile edges safe – as long as you proceed carefully.

Once the grout is finished, Adding New Grout to Tile It takes just a few hours – resulting in a floor that not only looks great but is also solid and waterproof.