How to Cover the Bathroom Floor Easily and Cheaply

Painting Floors

• 1

  Sand down any shiny or uneven areas to create a rough, even surface. Remove as much sealer, such as urethane or varnish, as possible.

• 2

  Apply a coat of quality primer to the floor using a roller. Allow to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions for the product you are using.

• 3

  Paint a base coat using oil-based paint, such as meant for an exterior application or a product marketed specifically for painting floors. Stencil in other designs, such as borders or faux tiles to complement your decor.

• 4

  Allow the paint to dry for two or three days. Apply three coats of water based "non-yellowing" urethane to protect your floor, allowing the appropriate drying time in between coats, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

Peel-and-Stick Tiles

• 5

  Lay the first tile in the center of the room, working your way out to the edges. Peel off the backing of the tile and press down firmly to ensure a good bond.

• 6

  Use a tape measure to fit tiles around vanities and other straight fixtures in the bathroom. Mark the cuts on the back of the tile before taking the paper off using a pencil.

• 7

  Hold a metal ruler firmly along the pencil measurements to ensure a straight cut. Cut through the tiles using a utility knife or straight edge razor.

• 8

  Cut paper templates out to fit around curved elements in the space, such as toilets. Lay those templates down on the tiles, securing with tape before making your cuts.

Carpet, Rugs and Mats

• 9

  Choose a carpet that is resistant to moisture and mold to cover an entire bathroom floor easily. Have one custom cut or buy a large piece and cut it to fit yourself.

• 10

  Lay down bathroom rugs and mats to cover smaller or more damaged areas and distract from the overall appearance of the floor. Options include washable rugs made from plush material or easily cleaned vinyl mats.

• 11

  Create your own linoleum mats using scrap pieces from your local home improvement or flooring store. Hold a metal ruler down firmly along the edge and cut through the material with a utility knife to create the sizes that you need.