Real-World Tile Refinishing Expenses: Save 50% by Refinishing Your Outdated Bathroom Tiles

If your bathroom tile is chipped, cracked, or worn, it gives the entire room an unpleasant appearance.

Removing and replacing bathroom tiles, however, is a messy, not to mention expensive, project.

And in fact, it is also unnecessary, as you can restore tile to its original appearance through resurfacing.

Bathroom tile resurfacing, also known as tile refinishing or reglazing, updates your dated and worn ceramic tile at a fraction of the price of new tile installation.

How Much Does Bathroom Tile Resurfacing Cost? #

Resurfacing existing bathroom tile instead of replacing it costs $4-$9 per sq ft. An average 5x7 ft shower resurfacing job runs $1,400-$2,500 installed. Cost breakdown:

Basic Tile Resurfacing

• Epoxy paint coating: $4-$7 per sq ft
• Cementitious acrylic overlay: $7-$9 per sq ft

Additional Charges

• Wall prep & repairs: $2-$5 per sq ft
• New grout: $0.75-$1.50 per sq ft
• Pattern stenciling: $10-$20 per sq ft
• Floor resurfacing: $3-$5 per sq ft

So a 60 sq ft bathroom with tile walls and floor could be resurfaced for $750-$1,300. A 100 sq ft space with heavy repairs could cost $2,000+. Price includes materials, labor and new caulk.

Real-World Bathroom Tile Resurfacing Costs #

• "I had the dated white 3x3 ceramic tile in my small 35 sq ft bathroom resurfaced with an epoxy paint coating for $750." - Janet D., Ohio

• "The granite tile walls and floor of our 70's era master bathroom shale were resurfaced in a marble-look acrylic overlay for $1,900." - Mark F., Illinois

• "I upgraded from basic white tile to a stone look slate pattern tile when I renovated my kids' bath. Instead of retiling, their 70 sq ft bathroom was resurfaced for $1,575 installed." - Jessica N., Indiana

• "For my basement's new bathroom I chose to get the 100 sq ft subway tile shower surround resurfaced instead of retiled since it was cheaper at $2,300 with epoxy and new grout." - Robert T., Maine

• "The previous homeowners of my house installed green and brown floral ceramic tile in the main bathroom shower walls and floor. Instead of gutting it all, I had the 120 sq ft space resurfaced in a neutral beige color for $2,800." - Sarah K., Oregon

• "I converted my home office into a small bathroom with stand up shower. Rather than fully tile the 75 sq ft walls, a company resurfaced the existing drywall in a faux marble pattern for much less at $1,925." - Kevin T., New Jersey

• "My basement bathroom had 150 sq ft of old palladium glass mosaic tiles that I wanted to salvage. A specialist was able to safely resurface over the tiles creating a shiny new overlay for $4,500." - Olivia G., New York

• "The master bathroom in my dated guesthouse had 150 sq ft of pink tile in good shape, but I wanted to update the look. I had the walls and floor resurfaced in a white and gray stone pattern for $5,250." - Noah S., California

How Bathroom Tile Refinishing Works #

Bearing in mind that the specific methods used by individual companies vary, the following is a breakdown of the tile reglazing process:

1. The tile is cleaned to remove dirt, grease, oils, soap film, and other residues.
2. Chips and cracks in the tile are filled in and the grout (the filling between tiles) is recoated. If refinishing bathtub tile, damaged or missing caulking is additionally repaired.
3. Once the tile surfaces are cleaned and the grout and caulk lines filled to create a smooth, uniform coat, a refinishing product is applied. While companies will match the existing tile color, some offer an update to the color of your choice and others can even use a process that adds the look of more expensive materials such as stone.

NOTE: The process described above can be used not only for bathroom floor tile, but also bathtub surrounds, tile walls, and counter tile.

The Benefits of Refinishing Bathroom Tile #

Reglazing bathroom tile offer the following advantages:

• Saves Money: By resurfacing tile rather than removing and replacing it, you can save up to 50%.
• Saves Time: Tile refinishing is typically performed in a single work day, much faster than demolition and replacement.
• Less Mess: Although most homeowners grin and bear it as a means to an end, nobody enjoys the mess that comes with tearing up and laying down new tile.
• Color Choice: If your tile is old enough to need repairs, chances are the color scheme could use an update as well. Kill two birds with one stone by changing your tile color at the same time that it is resurfaced.
• Improves Cleanliness: Filling in worn out caulking and grout will not only look better, but will improve sanitary conditions by thwarting the growth of mold and mildew.

Use Our Free Service & Find Tile Resurfacing Pros Near You #