Budget Friendly Tips And Tricks For Your Tiling Project

July 8, 2024

Replacing tired kitchen or bathroom tiles can totally transform the look of a room, without the upheaval and expense of a complete makeover. Furthermore, upgrading your tiles can be a much more budget-friendly project than you might think. Here are some top ideas to revamp your bathroom or kitchen tiles without breaking the bank.

Choose ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are the most affordable type of style, yet if you select them carefully they can resemble much more expensive tiles. Modern manufacturing methods can produce finely textured finishes to resemble stone or wood, or allow for intense colours or intricate patterns to be applied that won’t fade over the course of time. 

Also Read: Your Way to Luxury: Bathroom Tiles in London

Go for larger tiles

Larger tiles are great for helping small spaces to appear larger, and they can also be a more cost-effective option simply because you need less of them. They can also be quicker and easier to install, reducing time and labour costs. A further advantage of large scale tiles is that there are fewer grout lines, which can make them easier to keep clean and mould-free.

Focus on select areas

Instead of tiling the whole of the wall, choose a focal point such as a backsplash or a smaller accent wall. Alternatively, tile halfway up the wall only so you have the benefits of protection and waterproofing where the wall will be most prone to splashes and stains. The upper half of the wall can be finished with a mould-resistant paint or even a wallpaper.

Mix expensive & low cost tiles

Choose high-end tiles for certain features, such as framing a mirror or creating a border, and use cheaper tiles for large expanses. This will add interest and a touch of luxury to your tiling project, whilst helping you to remain within your budget. You could even use tiles with a striking colour or design to create a pattern, and use cheaper generic tiles in between.

Build up relationships with suppliers

Tile suppliers of manufacturers may often have deals, discounts and promotions, or even exclusive access to factory seconds or end of line ranges at a much lower market price. Follow them on social media and interact with their posts, or even reach out to them directly with a message, text or email. 

This way, you will be first to know about upcoming bargains and ready to snap them up before the competition. 

Install the tiles yourself

Installing tiles isn’t all that difficult if you are patient and use the correct techniques. This is particularly true if you are installing them over a plastered wall and do not need to go to the trouble of removing the original tiles. 

There are hundreds of ‘how to’ demonstrations on social media and video sharing platforms such as YouTube, so it’s very easy to pick up some excellent tips and tricks. The videos will walk you through all the tools you need for the job, which you could borrow from family or friends or even hire if you don’t want to buy them yourself. 

They will also discuss the preparation methods for the type of wall that you want to tile, and the correct techniques such as using spacers to ensure the tiles look uniform with an even distance between them. Learning how to tackle DIY projects for yourself not only saves money, but also brings you a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Consider using tile stickers or tile paint

Luxury vinyl tile stickers are another option to change the look of your tiles without the hassle and expense of reinstalling them. However, they are only suitable for smooth ceramic tiles, and will not adhere to rough or textured surfaces or tiles with pocked or irregular edges. They will not stick to cracked or porous tiles, or waxed coatings or any damp surfaces.

Therefore, tile stickers or decals need careful attention during installation, otherwise even though they are a cheap solution, they may still not be worth the investment due to lack of durability. 

It’s even possible to paint over tiles if you really hate the colour but all other methods are beyond your reach. It’s important to use a specially prepared waterproof paint, and to thoroughly scour your tiles first to remove any traces of dirt or mildew that could spoil the final result.