With so many easy ways to update your tile floors, there’s no need to live with dreary tile anymore. You can update your old tile floors on a budget without the expense and mess of replacing tiles.

“Updating tile floors on a budget means getting creative and focusing on small changes that make a big impact,” says James Marino, of Pinnacle Home Improvements.

We talked to the experts to find out their best recommendations for updating your tile floors without breaking the bank.

Clean the tile

Tiles are incredibly durable and stain-resistant, but they do get dirty over time. Regular cleaning may be all you need to update your old tile floor.

And if you decide to continue with other updates—like stenciling, painting, and decals—a thorough cleaning is still a necessary first step.

Contractor James Marino recommends avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

“They can dull the tile over time and weaken the grout,” he says. “A mild detergent goes a long way in preserving their shine.”

Stick to gentle cleaners and cloths or microfiber cloths to keep things looking polished without damage.

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Add area rugs

The best bang for your buck, says designer Jessica Bandstra, is adding a new rug.

“No elbow grease required,” she says.

Marino agrees that using mats or rugs in high-traffic areas is an easy way to prevent wear and tear. He installed a runner in his kitchen not only to add personality to the space, but also to protect the tile.

Paint over the grout

Dirt and mold accumulate in tile grout (seams) over time. Painting the grout with a new color refreshes the tile without the need to replace the grout or tile.

Even if the grout is clean and in good condition, it can be painted over for a bright, new look.

Change the grout color by applying the grout color with a brush. Some stains are available in marker-like pens that allow you to draw color directly onto the grout.

Tile Decals

For a more dramatic change, consider tile stickers.

“For a floor that’s dated but structurally in good shape, peel-and-stick decals can give you the look of a patterned tile without the cost of replacement,” says Marino.

Tile stickers are applied to ceramic, porcelain or stone floor or wall tiles. The surface should be smooth and smooth, not porous, rough or textured.

The decals fit any tile size, but leave the grout exposed. The label design fits edge to edge.

Color the tile

Another way to update tile is to paint it, says Bandstra.

“Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface, then apply a quality primer and tile-friendly paint,” she says.

For long-lasting durability, use a primer. The paint should be one-component or two-component epoxy paint.

Tile paint covers both tile and grout. So it’s a great option for dirty tile grout.

Tile template

Stencils are often used on walls and work equally well on tile floors. Create damask, classic or floral designs on floor tiles using stencils. You can stencil the entire floor or just the edge.

Start by coating the tile with a bonding primer that also doubles as a base coat. Place the template on the tile and use a dense foam roller to roll according to color.

Apply a water-based urethane clear coat on top for protection.

Replace the plaster

Grout replacement is one of the best ways to update old tile floors while staying within budget.

“Although they take time and practice, the results can be well worth the effort,” says Bandstra.

Re-grouting is also the best option when the grout is chipped and cracked.

The trick is to use an electric multi-tool with a special blade for removing plaster. The blade chews through the soft grout but leaves the harder edges of the tiles undamaged – as long as you go carefully through.

Once the grout is gone, adding new grout to the tile takes just a few hours – resulting in a floor that not only looks great, but is strong and waterproof.