What to cover old tiles on the floor - a practical guide for every home
Tuesday, 9 September 2025   |   Deco tips

What to cover old tiles on the floor - a practical guide for every home

Old floor tiles can effectively ruin the appearance of even the most well-maintained bathroom or kitchen. Loose grout, discolorations, small cracks, and lack of shine make the interior look neglected and outdated. Removing existing ceramic tiles and laying new ones is a time-consuming task that generates a lot of dust and requires special tools. That’s why more and more people are considering how to cover old floor tiles to quickly and easily achieve a fresh effect without spending a fortune. Fortunately, there are many options! They allow you to easily refresh your bathroom, kitchen, or hallway, giving it a modern look without the hassle of a major renovation.

Vinyl flooring – a quick makeover without removing tiles

One of the most popular solutions for covering old floor tiles is vinyl flooring. These are modern materials that combine the aesthetics of wood, stone, or concrete with exceptional durability and moisture resistance. They can be easily laid over existing tiles as long as the surface is even and properly prepared. This way, within a few hours, old tiles can be transformed into a stylish, smooth surface ready for use immediately after installation.

what to cover old tiles with

Vinyl flooring stands out with its easy installation system – which doesn’t require special tools or extensive experience. Another advantage is its moisture resistance, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens. They are also easy to maintain – regular cleaning is enough to keep them looking great for a long time.

Laminate flooring – classic with a modern twist

If you’re wondering how to cover old floor tiles, laminate flooring could be an excellent solution. It’s a classic choice that has remained popular for years. Modern versions are much more durable and moisture-resistant than those from the past, which is why they are increasingly used in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Their biggest advantage is the wide variety of patterns and colors – from natural wood imitations to modern tiles in concrete or porcelain shades.
  • Laminate flooring can be laid over existing ceramic tiles, provided the surface is even and stable. It’s important to remember that proper surface preparation ensures durability and user comfort.
  • Installing laminate flooring is relatively easy, and the whole process doesn’t require special tools. This way, you can avoid the mess associated with removing old tiles while achieving the effect of a new, elegant floor for years to come.

Flexible flooring – an easy way to achieve quick results

Another option that works great for refreshing old tiles is flexible flooring. This solution is often chosen by those looking for the lowest cost and simple installation without dust and noise. Vinyl rolls or modern carpet-like coverings allow you to quickly cover floor tiles and give the interior a completely new look.

what to cover old tiles with

These types of materials are moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and available in many designs. It’s worth noting that flexible flooring doesn’t require grout, creating a seamless, smooth surface that’s easy to keep clean. In kitchens or bathrooms, this option is ideal, and installation usually involves just cutting the roll to the right size and optionally securing it with film or adhesive.

Tile paints and resins – a creative play with colors

You don’t always have to lay something over old tiles to completely change their appearance. For those who value creativity, tile paints and resins are a great idea. Painting existing tiles is a simple way to refresh a bathroom or kitchen without significant expenses. Paints can hide discolorations, refresh colors, and give old tiles or wall ceramics a new character.

Resins, on the other hand, create exceptionally durable and resistant coatings that not only cover old floor tiles but also give the floor a modern, seamless look. These coatings are moisture and scratch-resistant, and with proper surface preparation, they last for a long time. Importantly, you don’t need special tools for painting – a roller, brush, and the right tile paints are enough.

What to put over existing tiles? A quick trick to hide imperfections

The easiest way to hide old floor tiles is with rugs, runners, and vinyl mats. This solution doesn’t require glue, film, or paint – just place the material on the surface, and you’re done. Rugs work perfectly in living rooms or hallways, while in kitchens or bathrooms, practical vinyl mats are ideal as they are moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

what to cover old tiles with

Self-adhesive stickers and films are also becoming increasingly popular, which can be placed on old tiles. They allow you to quickly achieve the effect of new tiles without the need for renovation. This is a practical and aesthetic solution, especially if you don’t want to invest in more expensive materials but want to quickly refresh the interior.

Refreshing old tiles without a major renovation

Refreshing an interior doesn’t have to mean weeks spent in dust or high costs. Old floor tiles can gain a completely new life thanks to simple and effective solutions that don’t require removal or special tools. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of courage to lay new material over existing tiles and enjoy a look that rivals the effect of new walls or a new floor. This way, even old floor tiles or bathroom tiles can become the foundation of a new, stylish arrangement that will impress for a long time.