Whether you unknowingly bought too much tile for your latest remodeling project or you intentionally bought extra “just in case,” rather than storing the extra tiles in the garage or tossing them out, you should repurpose them for a creative project! From backsplashes to side tables, here are five project ideas to get you started repurposing that leftover tile.
Durable Backsplash
Leftover ceramic or glass tiles can be used to create a durable, easy-to-clean backsplash or countertop. If you are a few tiles short, individual tiles can be purchased. In fact, picking up a few tiles in various colors to combine with the ones you already have is a perfect way to add a splash of color to your kitchen. If the tiles you currently have are white or cream, you can still add a splash of color to the backsplash by using a tinted grout.
Side-Table Makeover
Side tables typically take a lot of abuse, especially if they are used outdoors on the deck or patio. It only takes a few extra tiles to revamp an old, worn-out table. There are a couple of different ways you can use leftover tile to cover a small tabletop — either install the full tiles on the table or break them into smaller pieces to create a mosaic tabletop. Should you choose to create a mosaic design, make sure to wear eye protection and cover the tile with a thick towel or cloth before breaking each piece of tile. Have fun and play around with different designs. In fact, you can also incorporate a variety of tile shapes, sizes and colors to create your own one-of-a-kind design.
Colorful Coasters
Trying to find unique gifts for an event, such as a bridal shower, birthday or anniversary, can be frustrating. A simple, inexpensive solution to giving a great gift and using leftover tiles is to make personalized coasters. Tie two coasters together with a piece of twine or a colorful ribbon and you have an instant one-of-a-kind gift. Here are the instructions to get you started making your own unique coasters from leftover 3×3 ceramic tiles:
- Search the internet or even your own personal photo files to find a suitable design.
- Place the tile on top of the printed picture and cut to fit on the smooth side of the tile.
- Adhere the picture using decoupage glue and allow drying for a few hours.
- Apply two coats of decoupage glue to the top of the picture, allowing the first coat to dry completely before adding the second.
- Cut a piece of thin cork to fit the back of the tile.
- Adhere the cork to the tile using heavy-duty glue and allow drying time.
Hot-Pot Trivets
Got only one or two thick tiles left? Don’t throw them out! They can be used to make an excellent trivet for setting hot pots or plates of food on. You don’t even have to pull out the craft items because the tile can be used just as it is. Here’s a tip: if the edges are sharp or slightly uneven, lightly sand the edges to smooth them out.
Cutting Board
Leftover tiles can also be used to make a durable, easy-to-clean cutting board. If you have one large ceramic tile, simply sand the edges and wipe clean and it’s ready for use. For several smaller tiles, simply glue them to a piece of clean wood, add grout, sand the edges and wipe clean. If creating a cutting board from smaller tiles, make sure to allow the grout to dry thoroughly and clean well before using.
Repurposing leftover tile is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. So turn on your creativity, pull out those dusty, unused tiles and do your part for the environment while adding splashes of color to various areas of the house.
Need new flooring? The Mees Distributors, Inc. showroom has tile in a wide range of sizes, colors and styles. Whether you are installing a new kitchen floor or you’re ready to remodel the entire bathroom, we have flooring and tile options to suit everyone’s needs.