The 5 Best Tile Repairs to Spice Up Your Home
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Do you love tile but are bored of the same old look? It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with your tile, especially if you live in an older home. Fortunately, there are lots of different ways to freshen up your space without spending a ton of cash. The key is using small tiles as accents instead of covering every square inch of wall space. They’re cheap and easy to install, which makes them the perfect way to add flair while keeping costs down. Here are some ways you can spruce up your tile!
Change up your grout
If you’ve been living with the same tile floor for a while, you can give it a fresh look by changing the grout. You’ll want to match the colour, but if you don’t have enough grout to do an entire room, you can add it where it’s needed. Grout paint is a great option if you aren’t sure how to mix the colour yourself. If your tile is old, you may have to replace the grout. If you’re not sure if it’s time to replace the grout, look for signs of damage, like spalling. Spalling is the chipping and flaking that happens around grout that isn’t properly sealed. Replacing the grout every 10 years or so will keep your floor looking newer, longer.
Install a bench
You can use small tiles to build a bench in a favourite room. This is a great way to add storage and seating in a small space. It’s also a great way to repurpose an old bench. Bring it back to life by ripping out the old fabric and replacing it with new tile. Bench tiles are usually smaller than the tiles used in floors and walls. You can also consider using hex tiles or small square tiles to build a bench, which will give the bench a different look than wall tile. If you’re installing a bench in a high traffic area, consider using a tile like porcelain or ceramic that is more durable than natural clay tile. You can even use cork tile, which is softer and more comfortable than many other tile options.
Add a border
If you’ve got a favourite design or colour in tiles, you can draw attention to it by adding a border. Borders can be decorative or functional. You may want to use them to hide a messy wall or add a splash guard to a tub or shower. Borders can also be used to hide a seam where two or more tiles meet. There are lots of different tile borders to choose from, but you’ll want to ensure they’re rated for the area you’re planning to put them in. For example, a decorative tile used on the wall may not stand up to the moisture of a shower.
Try a new flooring material
If you’re not a fan of your tile, but you don’t want to rip it out and start over, try a new flooring material. Wall to wall carpeting has fallen out of favour, but you can use small tiles on the floor to create a more interesting look. Stepping stones are another way to create a unique look on your floor. They are a good choice for high traffic areas because they are extremely durable. You can also consider using wood floor tiles for an organic look that will warm up any space. If you’re installing new tiles, keep in mind that they will look different than the tiles already in place. Select tiles that will blend well with the existing tile, or use a pattern that is different but works well together.
Repaint walls with light colours
You don’t need to tear out your tile to change the look of your space. Painting the walls a lighter colour will change the way your tile looks. If your tile is a dark colour, this is an easy way to open up the space and make it feel brighter. You’ll want to choose a paint that is rated to be used on tile. If your tile is porous, you’ll also want to use a paint that is water-based so it doesn’t dry with a sticky texture. If you have dark tiles, you can also use a dark paint colour as an accent wall. Accent walls help break up a large room and are a great way to incorporate tile into your space.
Conclusion
Tile is a great option for homeowners who want to be able to create a custom look without breaking the bank. There are many different tile options to choose from, and you can use them in just about any room in your home! If your tile is looking a little dated, it’s easy to freshen up the space with a few small updates. By changing up grout colour, adding a border, trying a new flooring material, or repainting the walls, you can give your tile an entirely new look.
