Outdated, damaged tile floors are an eyesore. While a full replacement might seem like the only option, ripping up and re-tiling an entire floor is messy, labor-intensive, and costly. For renters or homeowners on a budget, covering or disguising flawed tiles through clever fixes can transform the space until a full remodel becomes feasible.
With a little creativity, even seriously damaged tiles can be given new life with easy weekend projects, temporary solutions, or even more permanent covers.
Reasons to Cover Instead of Replace Tile
Damaged or outdated tile might make you eager for a flooring upgrade, but full tile removal and replacement isn’t always the best course. Here are some benefits of opting to cover tiles instead:
- More affordable options – Covering through paint, rugs, or overlay tiles is budget-friendly compared to mortar, new tile, and labor.
- Preserve underlying floor structure – Removing tile risks harming the subfloor, while covering preserves structural integrity.
- Avoid installation mess and labor – Covering avoids plumbing disconnects, dust, debris and allows DIY instead of contractors.
- Great for renters – Landlords rarely permit tile replacement, making non-permanent covers ideal for renters.
Materials Needed
Many tile cover-up projects simply require basic supplies you may already have at home. Here are some common materials used:
- Paint and painting supplies – Tile paint, primer, brushes, rollers.
- Rugs or carpeting – Area rugs, carpeting, carpet tiles.
- Vinyl flooring – Self-adhesive vinyl tiles, planks, sheet vinyl.
- Trim or molding – Baseboard trim, quarter-round, transition strips.
- Miscellaneous – Plywood, floor mats, wallpaper, caulk.
Simple Small-Area Covers
For covering just a few isolated damaged or unsightly tiles, small contained solutions disguise flaws without much work or expense.
Throw Rugs
A throw rug or small area rug is the easiest way to mask a few problem tile spots. Use a rug larger than the damaged area by at least 6 inches on each side. Rugs can be swapped out seasonally or moved anytime.
Floor Mats
Like rugs, vinyl, rubber, or woven floor mats can conceal irregular tile areas. Mats come in a range of sizes for covering everything from entryways to large sections of a room.
Throw Pillows or Cushions
In a fun twist, an arrangement of throw pillows or floor cushions can double as improvised area rugs. Arrange and overlap pillows to fully cover and disguise damaged spots.
Full-Floor Tile Covers
To conceal tiles across an entire room, there are several all-encompassing flooring solutions that install over the top for full-coverage.
Area Rugs
For a quick and easy full-floor transformation, large area rugs come in a range of sizes, colors, and patterns to match your style. Coordinate rug dimensions to cover from wall to wall.
Vinyl Tile or Plank Flooring
Self-adhesive vinyl tile or plank flooring assembles into a new surface floating over existing tile. After thorough cleaning, the vinyl pieces stick directly to the old tile for an instant upgrade.
Install Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Carpeting or carpet tiles can be professionally installed using tack strips around the perimeter to create wall-to-wall coverage over damaged tile.
Paint the Tile
With proper primer and preparation, painting both the grout and tile itself is an affordable way to completely transform the look of a tile floor. Use a paint color that complements new furnishings.
Partial Updates and Accent Treatments
If you want to update your tile without obscuring it completely, try these subtler refresh tactics in high-visibility areas:
Perimeter Tile Trim
Floor trim or molding installed around the outer edges of a room can conceal the tile borders. Choose materials that match your decor like wood, nickel, plastic, or painted MDF.
Wallpaper Border
Running a strip of wallpaper along the joint where tile meets wall disguises the uppermost row of tile and adds a decorative touch. Select patterns that integrate with floor tile style.
Chalkboard Paint
For a unique accent, painting tile with chalkboard paint transforms the floor into a fun, ever-changing landscape. Dense black paint obscures imperfections.
Carpet Runners
Runners are long, narrow rugs that can be positioned to guide the eye away from flawed areas. Use in high-traffic zones or to join flooring spaces.
Potted Plants
Strategically placing potted plants atop imperfect tiles helps divert attention away from damage or discoloration naturally and affordably.
Rather than undertaking the sizable cost, work, and disruption of a full tile replacement, covers offer budget-friendly ways to rejuvenate your space. With clever use of rugs, overlaying, paint, trim, and accent additions, tile cover-up projects check all the boxes – easy, quick, inexpensive, and completely transformational.
Floating Floor Tiles
One innovative solution that has gained popularity in recent years is floating floor tiles. These tiles are not attached directly to the subfloor, but instead, float on top of it. They are held in place by their own interlocking mechanism and require no adhesive or grout. Floating floor tiles are an excellent choice for those who want to cover existing tiles without the hassle of removal or messy installation processes. They are also easy to install and can be done without any professional help.
Paint
Another simple and cost-effective solution is to paint the existing tiles. This can be a great option for those who want to change the colour or pattern of their flooring. It can also help to hide any cracks or imperfections in the tiles. To do this, you need to clean the tiles thoroughly and apply a primer before painting. Use a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for tiles to ensure long-lasting results.
Tile Stickers
Tile stickers are a fun and creative way to cover existing tiles. These self-adhesive vinyl stickers come in various shapes, colours, and patterns, allowing you to transform your floors into a work of art. They are easy to apply and can be removed and replaced as often as you like. They are also a great option for those who want to try out a new design or pattern without committing to a permanent change.
Tile Decals
Tile decals are similar to tile stickers, but they are more complex and intricate in design. They can be used to create mosaic-like patterns and designs on your tiles. They are made of vinyl and are easy to apply, although they may require more skill and precision to achieve a professional look. They are also a great option for those who want to add a touch of elegance or sophistication to their floors.
Tile veneer is a layer of ceramic or glass that is applied over the existing tiles. It is a great option for those who want to change the texture, colour, or pattern of their tiles. The veneer is adhered to the tiles using a special adhesive, which ensures a strong and durable bond. It is also a great option for those who want to hide any imperfections or cracks in the existing tiles.