Are you in the market for a bathroom tile installation in your home but are concerned about the price? In many cases, new tile is well worth that investment! One reason is that old tile might risk water leaks and resultant damage. Two, outdated tile might be slick and unsafe underfoot.

However, homeowners might still want to consider reglazing or painting rather than full-scale bathroom tile installation. Before you do, consider the pros and cons of this process. Next, discuss them with a tiling expert or renovation contractor near you. This will ensure you make the right choice for your home’s bathroom!

Can bathroom tile be reglazed?

First, note that reglazing is any “touchup” of a tile’s appearance, including painting, adding fresh gloss, and so on. Second, reglazing is not an option for chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged and broken tiles. In these cases, it’s best to replace those tiles altogether.

Also, reglazing can improve the appearance of grout between tiles. However, it won’t correct worn and peeling grout and adhesive! If your tiles need more than just a touchup of their appearance, consider full-scale retiling.

Consequently, note that reglazing offers an updated look for tile that’s in good condition but simply outdated. Also, reglazing can also offer some extra waterproofing protection. As with many home improvement projects, you’ll need to consider some important reminders before diving in!

First, invest in an actual reglazing kit, or ensure you use paint meant for ceramic or other smooth surfaces. Second, you’ll want to keep the exhaust fan running, for proper ventilation. Third, the tile should be clean and dry before reglazing, so consider using another shower for a day or two!

Many reglazing kits include cleaning equipment and materials to prepare tiles properly. If not, you’ll probably want to sand the tile surfaces with a fine grit sandpaper. Next, scrub the tiles thoroughly and rinse completely. Ensure you’ve removed all grit and soap residues.

Lastly, allow the tiles to dry completely. You can take this time to apply painter’s tape to areas around tile edges as if painting any surface. Apply the paint, glaze, gloss, or other material per package directions and let dry thoroughly.

How do you refresh old bathroom tiles?

Before reglazing or painting tiles, give them a thorough cleaning! One trick is to coat them with thick toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing. Two, try watered down hydrogen peroxide and spray this on the tile, to remove surface stains.

To address rust or hard water stains, try a cleanser designed for these in particular. When scrubbing, turn on the hot water and let the shower fill with steam. This can help loosen dirt and grime trapped in all those pits and pores along tile surfaces.

Also, consider removing dirty or moldy grout and replacing it with new grout. Bright, white grout can renew tile appearance quickly and easily. Additionally, you might consider repainting the rest of the bathroom. You might be surprised at how fresh paint can improve the appearance of surrounding tile!

Cost to resurface shower tile

As with any home improvement project, shower resurfacing costs depend on the size of the shower and materials chosen. In many cases, you can find kits for a standard-sized tub for as little as $100. Higher-quality paints, fresh grout, and other materials might increase those costs to over $1000.

Considering these costs, you might still be asking if reglazing bathroom tile is worth it. The short answer is yes! Reglazing or painting tile supplies a fresh new look for your bathroom. Also, paint especially can cover tough stains or discoloration. In turn, your bathroom will look cleaner and more stylish when you choose to reglaze.

Retile versus reglazing: Which to choose

While reglazing allows you to update tile instantly and affordably, it’s not always the right option! Instead, consider replacing broken, chipped, or otherwise damaged tile. Also, retiling allows you to pull out and replace worn-out and unsightly grout.

Additionally, remember that reglazing adds some waterproofing but doesn’t correct water damage. Removing old tile allows a contractor to repair or replace rotted framing, drywall, and other materials. Also, a contractor might want to add a new waterproof barrier behind that wall during this project.

Moreover, consider if you might sell your home sometime in the near future. If so, potential buyers might appreciate new tile rather than painted or reglazed tile. Advertising your new waterproof barrier and repaired framing can also make your home more desirable! Consequently, you might get back some of your retiling costs with increased interest from buyers.

In addition to retiling, you might consider a renovation if the tub and other fixtures are old and unsightly. Replacing that tub with a shower kit is an affordable, quick update! A bathroom contractor can also note if it’s time to replace fixtures and how to do it on a budget.

When is it time to schedule a bathroom renovation?

Sometimes retiling is a better option than tile reglazing, as said. In the same way, sometimes a full renovation is better than a few “touchups” in your home’s bathroom! Consider when and why you might schedule a remodeling project for your bathroom space:

• A renovation might create usable, accessible storage. In turn, you can stay organized, keep things separate in a shared bath, and have items close at hand.
• Damaged floor tiles create a slipping hazard in a bathroom. Consequently, your contractor might recommend replacing them along with any damaged subflooring. This ensures a safe surface for your home.
• A full-scale renovation can include low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and other energy-efficient features. In turn, you might save money on your utility costs while conserving water and energy!
• New tile and paint, a new vanity, and other features can sometimes run into thousands of dollars. Consequently, you might end up paying almost as much for those “touchups” as you would a full renovation. In that case, talk to a contractor about your remodeling options.

Above all, remember that a bathroom space should work for you and your family and add value to your home. If any bathroom is extremely outdated and inconvenient to use, consider investing in a renovation!

Rhode Island Bathroom Remodeling is happy to provide this information about bathroom tile installation to our readers. Hopefully, you found it useful! If you’re ready for a change, call our Rhode Island bathroom remodeling contractors. We’ll schedule a FREE consultation and help you decide on changes needed to create the bathroom of your dreams.

A new shower installation in a RI home is a great investment for any family! An updated shower can include more room in the shower area, providing space for accessible storage. Adding a shower where there isn’t one means less stress for everyone on busy mornings! In many cases, a shower renovation or installation can even increase property values.

However, many homeowners still hesitate to schedule a needed shower installation in Rhode Island, worried over its cost. So that you can make the right decision for your home, check out some details about average shower installation costs. Discuss this information and renovation plans with a professional contractor as well. This will ensure you’re happy with your new shower for years to come!

Average Costs for Rhode Island Shower Installation

As with any home improvement project, your average costs for a Rhode Island shower installation vary according to materials chosen. Also, a larger shower costs more than something smaller! Additionally, contractors might charge extra for various details of your installation, such as dual showerheads or a built-in seat.

Moreover, consider that labor costs add to your overall installation price. For instance, a standard acrylic shower shell might cost from $750 to $3000. On the other hand, installing a tub and new tile by hand might start at $4000 and run over $8000.

If you need an existing shower removed before installing a new one, expect to pay from $1200 to over $6000. Adding or relocating plumbing pipes can also add $600 to $1600 to the project, on average.

On the contrary, if you just need a shower removed and not replaced, a contractor might charge $50 to $100. Hauling away the resultant debris might mean another $250, on average. However, having a professional manage this work ensures safe tear-outs and shower removals. Also, paying them to remove the debris is often easier than trying to haul away that mess yourself!

What Type of Shower Installation is Best for a Home?

Homeowners are often surprised to discover their various options for a shower installation or remodel. However, knowing a bit more about your options ensures you choose the right one for your home. Also, some choices are more affordable than others. In turn, you might be surprised to learn that you can afford that new shower your family needs!

• A standard bath/shower combo offers a relaxing soak or needed shower. If your current tub and shower offers the space you need, consider a simple update. New tiles or a fitted shell provide a stunning new look without high labor costs.
• Custom showers are excellent for small or awkward spaces, or for creating a large shower space. However, labor needed for installing a custom shower by hand can be cost prohibitive for many homeowners.
• Prefabricated showers, or those preassembled by the manufacturer, offer many advantages! One advantage is that you can install them in any space that can accommodate plumbing, including a basement or bathroom corner. Also, they need very little labor for installation, reducing their overall costs.
• Corner showers use a glass enclosure that extends in a semicircle, from one wall to another. These are excellent for small bathrooms or for converting a lavatory to a full bath.
• Step-in showers are excellent for wheelchair users and those with balance issues or other health concerns. These install without a “lip” or ledge across the front, allowing for easier access and added bathing space.
• Steam showers offer upscale luxury, but they are not a DIY project! Warm steam relaxes muscles and open pores, like a sauna. However, steam showers need specialty enclosures. In turn, you’ll need to hire a professional for your steam shower installation.

Does a Shower Installation Add Value to a Home?

A shower remodel or adding a new shower where there is none can increase property values! Expect to see a 60%-80% return on your investment in terms of increased property values. In other words, your home’s value might increase $600 for every $1000 you spend.

In addition to property values, consider the functional value of a shower renovation or addition. An updated shower can offer added space, for more comfortable bathing. Also, a shower renovation can include built-in shelves, for accessible storage. Walk-in showers are also easier to manage for those with balance issues or other health concerns.

Above all, another shower in the home can ease congestion in the bathroom on rushed mornings! You can avoid a line outside your home’s bathrooms and get out the door on time with an added shower. Also, a new shower can mean family members not having to share a bathroom, for added privacy and comfort.

Rhode Island Bathroom Remodeling is happy to offer this information about a shower installation in Rhode Island to our readers. If you’re ready for a new shower or shower renovation, call our Rhode Island bathroom renovation contractors. We offer FREE consultations and customized designs. To get your home started, call us today!