Decorating Guides
How to Cover Up Ugly Floors Without Retiling
From quick fixes to complete overhauls, we give you seven solutions to renew your floors
It is one of the largest canvases in your home, so flooring has a big effect on the entire decor. No matter how much time, effort and money you spend on doing up your home, ugly and drab floors can ruin the entire effect. Retiling is expensive and time-consuming and not a practical solution for rented apartments.
So what do you do if you just can’t stand the pre-existing floor? Choose from our solutions that range from quick and easy temporary ones to permanent options that, we admit, require a decent budget paired with a little DIY grunt work or professional help.
So what do you do if you just can’t stand the pre-existing floor? Choose from our solutions that range from quick and easy temporary ones to permanent options that, we admit, require a decent budget paired with a little DIY grunt work or professional help.
Cons
- Regular vacuuming is essential, especially in humid climates, to avoid mildew buildup. You might also need to schedule professional cleaning sessions every six months to a year.
- Carpets and pets don’t play well together.
- If you’re looking for a solution for wet areas, this is obviously not going to work.
2. Carpet tiles
Also known as modular carpets, these carpet tiles - usually square – come in a myriad of colours, patterns and textures which you can mix and match or use uniformly.
Pros
Also known as modular carpets, these carpet tiles - usually square – come in a myriad of colours, patterns and textures which you can mix and match or use uniformly.
Pros
- They can fit rooms with complex layouts.
- In case of damage to a particular area of the carpet, only those tiles need to be replaced.
- They provide sound insulation and are easy to install and remove.
Cons
- High on maintenance and not practical for humid climates prone to mildew, wet areas and those prone to spills and damage.
- Even when installed correctly, there is a chance of visible seams.
- The tile corners can curl over a period of time if not installed properly.
3. Wall-to-wall carpeting
While not a popular feature in Indian homes, with wall-to-wall carpeting you can cover up the flooring of an entire room or house. It works best in temperature controlled homes.
Pros
While not a popular feature in Indian homes, with wall-to-wall carpeting you can cover up the flooring of an entire room or house. It works best in temperature controlled homes.
Pros
- It imparts a luxurious, plush vibe to your decor and a soft surface to walk on.
- You can find products that come with stain-resistant treatment.
- Provides sound insulation which is great for home theatre rooms.
- Relatively easy to install and remove.
Cons
- High on maintenance.
- Not practical for humid climates prone to mildew, high traffic areas, wet areas, kids’ rooms prone to spills and damage, and homes with pets.
- In case of irreparable damage to a small area, either the entire carpet or a very large section will have to be replaced.
- 4. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF)
Made primarily from polyvinyl chloride, vinyl floors have a firm yet elastic constitution. Luxury vinyl flooring mimics other materials like hardwood and stone in a wide range of colours and designs but is not nearly as expensive.
- Finished with a protective coating, these floors are durable and easy to maintain.
- With proper installation, they are water-resistant and can be used in high-traffic areas and wet zones.
- While vinyl sheets are glued to the floor, we suggest LVF, which can be installed as a floating floor where the planks are attached to each other and not to the existing surface. As such, they can be installed on any material and easily removed.
Pros
Cons
- Vinyl flooring lasts quite long, depending on upkeep, but will eventually show damage and need to be replaced.
- It is not suitable for outdoor use. The material can fade and discolour with excessive exposure to UV rays .
- Sharp objects can puncture the floor.
5. Laminate planks
These planks are made by fusing or laminating multiple layers. A photographic image of real wood is fused onto the top of a core made of high-density fibreboard. This is backed with a moisture-resistant bottom layer. Unlike vinyl, they are hard to the touch.
Pros
These planks are made by fusing or laminating multiple layers. A photographic image of real wood is fused onto the top of a core made of high-density fibreboard. This is backed with a moisture-resistant bottom layer. Unlike vinyl, they are hard to the touch.
Pros
- The lightweight flooring planks are finished with a clear, protective coating and are easy to maintain.
- They imitate hardwood floors at a fraction of the cost.
- Like LVF, these are installed as floating floors on any surface and can be easily removed and taken away with you.
Cons
- Laminate flooring is not resistant to water, hence not suitable for outdoor areas and bathrooms.
- Unlike hardwood, damage such as stains and scratches cannot be repaired or sanded down. You will have to replace the planks.
- With constant use and cleaning, the topmost layer may slowly erode.
6. Paint
We know you have your reservations, but consider upgrading old, boring floors with paint. Over a period of time, you will see wear and tear and fading of the colours. However, the aged, distressed look can add a vintage appeal, which is charming in itself.
Pros
We know you have your reservations, but consider upgrading old, boring floors with paint. Over a period of time, you will see wear and tear and fading of the colours. However, the aged, distressed look can add a vintage appeal, which is charming in itself.
Pros
- It is an inexpensive solution for a complete makeover of the room.
- The range of colours, designs and patterns is limitless.
- You can use large stencils (at least a foot in size) for interesting effects.
Cons
- Painting floors in high-traffic and moisture-prone areas is not recommended.
- This solution only works for cement, concrete and unpolished hardwood floors. You will need to sand down polished wood for better paint adhesion.
- If you are stencilling the floor, it is time-consuming and requires patience and precision.
7. Epoxy resin coating
An epoxy resin coating consists of two parts, the resin and the hardener, which have to be mixed properly on site. Multiple thin layers are poured over the existing concrete floor and trowelled or rolled to a smooth finish. Each layer has to completely cure before the next one is applied.
See how a glossy white epoxy resin floor coating transformed this renovated apartment.
Pros
An epoxy resin coating consists of two parts, the resin and the hardener, which have to be mixed properly on site. Multiple thin layers are poured over the existing concrete floor and trowelled or rolled to a smooth finish. Each layer has to completely cure before the next one is applied.
See how a glossy white epoxy resin floor coating transformed this renovated apartment.
Pros
- It is relatively easy to clean and resistant to grease and chemical stains. It also has antibacterial properties.
- It is moisture- and heat-resistant making it great for high-traffic and outdoor areas as well.
- From solids and patterns to glossy and matte finishes to metallics and even 3D images, there is a lot to choose from.
Cons
Read More:
10 Unique Options for Your Floors
Tell us:
Which solutions appeal to you the most? Have you tried any other ways to cover ugly flooring? Write in Comments below.
- The coating develops cracks over a period of time and requires a fresh application every 5-10 years.
- Application is lengthy, elaborate and messy. Changing the pattern or colour and removing the coating is also difficult.
- Even though these floors are relatively skid resistant, they can get very slippery when wet. Avoid using them in kitchens and bathrooms.
Read More:
10 Unique Options for Your Floors
Tell us:
Which solutions appeal to you the most? Have you tried any other ways to cover ugly flooring? Write in Comments below.
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An obvious solution – laying down area rugs or large carpets – is the easiest, quickest and least expensive option.
Pros
- The right carpet or rug can uplift your room decor as well as visually separate different zones.
- By placing carpets and furniture strategically, you can cover almost the entire flooring of the room.
- Of course, this is a temporary solution but a good one in case you live in a rented apartment.
Here are a few tips choosing the right carpet for your home