Floor tile refinishing and floor tile replacements: What’s the difference? Both processes fix cracked tiles but with their own very distinct characteristics. We’ll break down the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about the process.
When you need to replace your floor tile, there are a few options. You can either replace the whole floor with new tiles, remove and replace the individual tiles if it’s not too many or you can refinish them.
This is less expensive than replacing the entire floor and is also an option for those who want to renovate their home but don’t want to go all out. It is a good idea to consider your options before making a decision on which one will work best for you and your budget.
Perks of Refinished Floor Tiles
This is an excellent option for those who are on a budget, don’t have the time to move furniture, want to refresh their home, or are looking for a more cost-effective option.
One of the many benefits of this process is that it can be done by you with some advice from a professional. This will not only make your floors look brand new but it will also make your home feel fresh and new. After stripping and resurfacing your floors, they will look like they’ve been replaced. This is one of the cheaper options available for flooring repair.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or just want to freshen up your home, this may be the perfect choice for you!
When to Choose Refinishing Over Replacement
When you decide to replace tiles in your home, the first thing you need to do is identify what type of flooring needs to be replaced. If only a few of the tiles need to be replaced, it might be less expensive and easier on your body to just remove and replace those individual tiles instead of the whole floor.
However, if you’re planning on getting new flooring for your entire home, refinishing will not work for you. When the tile’s surface is removed and replaced with a new finish, it becomes brand-new again. Plus, the refinishing process doesn’t work well for larger areas because it takes much longer.
If you are looking for an affordable option that still provides a refreshed look, then stripping and resurfacing may be enough for you. However, if you’re looking for more of a “refreshed” look without having all the layers stripped off, then you may want to refinish the floor as this may be best for you.
Pros & Cons of Replacement
Replacement is typically the most expensive option, but it can be less expensive if you are replacing an entire floor with new tiles.
The pros of replacement are that you will have a brand new-looking floor and you can replace the tiles quickly. The cons are that installing new tiles on an entire floor can be time-consuming, more costly, and require professional help. If you want to update your tile for a refreshed look without spending too much money or time, refinishing might be better for you.
Pros & Cons of Refinishing
One of the best things about this process is that you can still have a floor that is looking brand new. It will be just like putting on a new coat of paint. There are also some other perks to this option. For example, if you want to keep the same color and pattern as your original tile, then this would be your best option. You can also save money by this method rather than replacing them and not having to buy all new tiles and grout.
However, there are some downsides to this process as well. For example, it will never provide the same durability as a brand new tile so water may leak through or surface scratches could cause problems in the future. Also, it can take longer than replacement because it requires stripping the old layer before applying a new layer of sealant and color sealant to protect against stains and scratches.
If you need help deciding which option would work best for you, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a professional who can help determine what type of service would suit your needs and budget best!
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When choosing between refinishing and replacement, it’s important to consider the following:
- Do only a few of the tiles need to be replaced?
- Do I have time/energy/money to move furniture before buying new flooring?
- Do I want my home to feel refreshed or brand new?
- If I'm looking for more of a "refreshed" look, is stripping and resurfacing enough?
Replacing floor tiles is often more expensive than the option to refinish the tiles. For those who don’t want their home to feel too old or outdated, this can be a great option. Floor tiles are easy to remove and replace with new ones, but what if you don’t want your floors to shine like they’re brand new? Just refinish them instead!
Conclusion
The long and short of it here is that your floor tile company will perform a much more attractive and cost-effective job than your tile replacement company. Of course, there’s no guarantee, and there are many factors to consider.
Whether or not you end up refinishing your tiles instead of replacing them, it is important to communicate with your contractor beforehand—especially when they ask you if you want to move forward with the project after seeing what the damage is like beneath the tile.
