Is Tile Refinishing Worth It? What Homeowners in North Carolina Should Know

Leading Lynx
May 14
3 min read

Refinished white bathroom tile surround with updated grout lines and a glossy, like-new finish.

If your bathroom or kitchen tile is stained, outdated, or just plain dull, you’re probably wondering whether it’s time for a full renovation or if there’s a more affordable solution. Enter tile refinishing, a cost-effective, quick, and surprisingly transformative process that can restore the look of your tile without replacing it.

But is tile refinishing worth it?

In this guide, we’ll cover what tile refinishing is, how it compares to replacement, and why it’s becoming a go-to solution for savvy homeowners across North Carolina.

What Is Tile Refinishing?

Tile refinishing, sometimes called tile resurfacing or reglazing, is a professional process that restores the appearance of existing tile by applying a new, durable coating directly over the surface. The process involves:

Deep cleaning and deglossing the existing tile
Repairing chips, cracks, or imperfections
Applying a bonding agent
Spraying on several layers of specialized coating for a smooth, high-gloss finish

The result? Tile that looks new, without the mess, cost, or downtime of replacement.

Unlike tile replacement, refinishing doesn’t involve tearing out existing materials or dealing with plumbing or subfloor disruptions. That means less debris, less labor, and less time spent remodeling.

Why Homeowners Are Choosing Tile Refinishing

1. It’s Significantly More Affordable

Full tile replacement can cost thousands. Between demolition, new tile, grout, labor, and possibly plumbing adjustments, it adds up fast. According to HomeAdvisor, tile refinishing can save homeowners up to 75% compared to full replacement—without sacrificing results.

If your tile is in good structural shape but just looks outdated or worn, refinishing gives you that like-new aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.

2. Refinishing Is Fast and Convenient

One of the biggest pain points of traditional renovation is the downtime. Tile replacement can stretch out for days or even weeks, especially if it involves custom materials or extensive plumbing work.

In contrast, professional tile refinishing by Refinishing Pros typically takes just one day. Most surfaces are ready for use again within 24 to 48 hours after the application, thanks to quick-curing topcoats and proper ventilation techniques.

This makes it perfect for busy families, rental property owners, or anyone who wants a bathroom or kitchen update without putting life on hold.

3. It Instantly Modernizes Outdated Spaces

Remember when pastel pink tile was in? Or that brownish-gold ceramic from the ‘80s? If your bathroom is stuck in another era, refinishing allows you to completely change the color and sheen of your existing tile.

Whether you're going for crisp white subway tile, modern matte finishes, or even faux stone looks, refinishing gives you the freedom to update your space to match current design trends—without gutting your bathroom or kitchen.

4. It’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

If you're looking to renovate responsibly, refinishing is the greener choice. Every year, renovation projects produce tons of waste that ends up in landfills. According to the EPA, construction and demolition debris contributes more than 600 million tons of waste annually in the U.S.

By choosing to refinish rather than replace, you help reduce landfill waste and avoid the energy and resource costs of manufacturing new tile. Plus, many refinishing coatings used today are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), which means better air quality and fewer environmental

pollutants.

When Is Tile Refinishing Not the Right Option?

While tile refinishing is a fantastic solution for many homeowners, it's not right for every situation. You may need to consider full replacement if:

Tiles are loose, shifting, or missing
There is severe mold or water damage beneath the tile
You're planning a complete layout redesign that involves moving plumbing or walls
Your tile surface has structural issues that refinishing cannot resolve

For the majority of homeowners, however, refinishing is an ideal solution when the tile is still intact but simply outdated or stained.

Real Use Case: Why NC Homeowners Love It

At Refinishing Pros, we’ve helped countless North Carolina homeowners transform dated bathrooms and kitchens through tile refinishing. Whether it’s reviving an old backsplash, restoring shower walls, or refreshing tile countertops, the results speak for themselves.

Homeowners are often amazed at how quickly their space is revitalized—and how affordable it is compared to what they expected.

What Surfaces Can Be Refinished?

Tile refinishing isn’t just for showers or backsplashes. We can refinish:

Shower and tub surrounds
Kitchen backsplashes
Bathroom walls
Tile countertops
Entryway and laundry room floors

As long as the tile is secure and structurally sound, refinishing is a great option for almost any tiled surface in your home.