The Resurfacing Process

• Resurfacing a tile surface is not something that can be done on your own as a homeowner. Instead professionals must be called in to handle the project because specialty tools, experience and products are required. Plus, since workers are using acrylics and other chemicals, the area of your house where the tile is being resurfaced will need to be sectioned off for a day or two to let the fumes dissipate.
  
  

Limitations

• The process of resurfacing a tile project means doing the entire area, not simply a single piece of tile, so unless you are looking to resurface a large area, you may find the idea prohibitive. The resurfacing compounds cover the grout joints as well as the tiles themselves, which means the entire area takes on whatever finish you have chosen. If you are looking to simply refinish a couple of pieces within the tile area, you need to replace those pieces manually as refinishing is not for solitary tiles.
  
  

Costs

• If you were already planning to remodel the entire bathroom to achieve a new look, refinishing the ceramic tile areas of your home may be the best option in terms of price because refinishing is significantly cheaper than replacing the tile installation with a new one. The total cost may range anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot, as of July 2011, depending on the professional you hire for the project and the area of the country you live in.
  
  

Durability

• While the cost for refinishing a ceramic tile area might be less, the associated cost comes with a price: durability. While professional ceramic tile installation may cost more up-front, it will last a literal lifetime if installed properly. Refinished surfaces, on the other hand, generally only have a 15-year lifespan, with most contractors only warrantying their work for an average of five years.