The tile in your kitchen and bathroom makes up a large part of the design. If you’re unhappy with the look but don’t want to replace the tile, there are a few ways to cover it. The options vary in cost, durability and appearance. You must weigh all the factors to find the right fit for your home.
Read on to compare peel-and-stick tile vs. tile refinishing.
Pros and Cons of Peel-and-Stick Tile
Peel-and-stick tile is essentially a thick sticker. It goes right over the existing surface to mimic the look of tile. You can find peel-and-stick in a vast assortment of colors, designs, thicknesses, etc. This is a DIY-friendly option, but it comes with many drawbacks.
High-quality peel-and-stick tile comes with strong adhesive backing. When you go to remove the tile, the adhesive remains on the surface below. This makes for a messy and tedious cleanup time that lasts far longer than installation.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, low-end tile isn’t going to stick well at all. You may not have adhesive on the walls because it just doesn’t stick. The really cheap options have noticeable seams, or they may only have adhesive on the very edge of the sheet. If you have to cut the sheet for a corner or outlet, the tile has no way to grab onto the wall.
Although peel-and-stick tile is easy to install, it’s not exactly a fast project. If you have to cut around a toilet, wall fixtures, shelving or anything else, that’s going to add to your time. The cost may not be what you think either. Even at $1-$3 per tile, you’ll potentially spend hundreds redoing your kitchen or bathroom. You could use that same money to get much longer results from tile refinishing.
Pros and Cons of Tile Refinishing
Tile refinishing is the process of reglazing your tile and grout. You can choose just about any color you want, from plain white to a faux stone finish. Tile refinishing costs much less than tile replacement, and it lasts a lot longer than peel-and-stick tile.
Refinishing is largely reliant on the surface below. If the tiles are cracked and falling off the wall, refinishing may not be an option. There are certain levels of repair that can be done before refinishing. In fact, we do that a lot for chipped bathtubs. If there is large-scale deterioration though, neither coverage options are going to do you much good.
The biggest drawback to tile refinishing is that you are limited to the shape of tile you already have. If your existing tile is in a subway pattern, it’s still going to look that way when it’s refinished. You can somewhat change the look with peel-and-stick tile, but the original grout lines may show below the stickers. That depends on how thick the top tile is, which impacts cost and removability.
A big perk of tile refinishing is that it covers your grout. That means no more tedious grout cleaning! Your grout lines will no longer be absorbent sponges that stain on command. They’ll look like the tiles that surround them.
How to Choose the Best Tile Cover for Your Needs
Price, installation, aesthetic, durability – these are all factors to keep in mind. Tile refinishing lasts for years, but it’s best completed by professionals. Peel-and-stick is easier to install, but the joints may warp with water exposure. Cost varies based on the amount of tile you need covered and the types of materials you choose. Do your research to find the ideal option for your home.
Plan Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel with Maryland Tub and Tile
Tile refinishing is just one of many ways to cover surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom. Here at Maryland Tub and Tile, we specialize in remodeling through reglazing. We offer:
- Tile refinishing
- Bathtub refinishing
- Shower pan refinishing
- Cabinet refinishing
- Countertop refinishing
- Backsplash refinishing
- Sink refinishing
- And other kitchen and bathroom refinishing services
Contact us at 443-285-0558 to learn more or to schedule a quote today.
