The DIY revolution has well and truly hit Australia with homeowners increasingly spending their weekends trying to out-do contestants on The Block by renovating their homes or apartments with next-to-nothing budgets.

Using tiles in your home is an excellent way to give it a clean, fresh or colourful new look. And the good news is that tiling doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are five ways to tile on a budget that would make you a reality TV star.

1. How much is too much?

The first thing to consider is how much of your home actually needs tiles. In terms of flooring, there are many options that may be cheaper for you — think recycled timber floorboards or polished concrete for your living areas, kitchen or even bathroom.

For walls, paint is a cheaper option and can allow you to renovate more easily with a change of colour if it takes your fancy.

But there will always be areas of your home that you just can’t – or won’t – want to do without tiling whether for aesthetics, waterproofing or safety. Think the shower area in your bathroom or ensuite, your kitchen walls and splashback or perhaps your laundry floor.

Once you have a plan, it’s time to get started.

2. I like your old stuff better than your new stuff.

If you are renovating, one key way to save money on tiling is to not replace existing tiles, but repair them. 

Instead of spending valuable time and money wrenching off old tiles from your floor or walls, consider finding replacements for any that are cracked, broken or missing. 

You can also give old tiles new life with a lick of tile paint which is designed to not flake off over time. Thoroughly clean built-up grime from your tiles and ensure they are dry, then put masking tape around any nearby furniture, walls or power points and then apply a tile primer. Lightly sand the surface once it has dried and you can simply paint the tiles in a new colour of your choice. 

3. Search for cheaper tiles.

Don’t think you have to go to the biggest retailer to buy your tiles. There are often much cheaper distributors in outlying suburbs which service both trade and retail customers. You shouldn’t expect flash showrooms – but you can expect cheaper prices and a great variety of products as they are often located in large warehouses. Sometimes these outlets can offer discounted delivery rates, or better yet, borrow a friend’s ute or even hire a light commercial vehicle for the afternoon to pick up your tiles in bulk and safely deliver them to your home.

Keep a vigilant eye out for specials, too. Who knows, you may change your mind about a certain shape or colour of tile for your kitchen splashback when you spot a particular design on sale for half the price of the one you first chose.

4. Consider tiles for unusual purposes.

Using tiles in locations you hadn’t thought of can save you money. 

The kitchen is typically one of the most expensive rooms to renovate and you could give your kitchen bench a makeover by adding a granite top to it.

Tile shops will often sell what they call “end of run” tiles and, depending on your kitchen bench’s measurements, you could ask for granite tiles in appropriate lengths. If you have an existing laminate bench, lay the tiles on top and then finish it off with a polished timber edge.

It would certainly be a conversation-starter when guests come around for dinner. 

5. Do it all yourself.

Having a professional tile your home is undoubtedly one of the best ways to ensure quality and precision, especially if you need to trim tiles and lay them on tricky, hard-to-reach surfaces.

But this isn’t the most cost-effective way if you’re renovating on a budget – it’s much cheaper to do it yourself. 

Tiling can be a delicate craft which involves careful calculation and planning, so the best advice is to attend a few free seminars hosted by larger hardware stores to learn the basics, and even watch a few online tutorials by DIY renovators who have been there, done that. If you can enlist the help of friends who have experience with tiling – and may be willing to help for a nice bottle of Shiraz or two – even better. 

But if you’re uncertain, perhaps mix it up and hire a professional to do the jobs you’re a little nervous about, and then tackle the others yourself.

Renovating a house or apartment can become a money pit, but there are plenty of ways you create your dream home on a budget.