Residential demand for porcelain tile reached over 2.5 billion square meters in 2022. Typically when flooring, backsplash, bathroom tile, etc. is applied, installers or consumers are advised to purchase 10 percent more material that the area of the surface they are applying it to so as to account for waste. This helps guarantee that material will not run out, but often leaves extra behind. If they are unable to return leftover tile to the seller or to recycle it, there are endless practical and creative ways to repurpose it! There are porcelain tile upcycling projects for DIY beginners and pros, and everyone in between!
- Magnets - Porcelain tiles that are small, individual pieces can be used to create stylish refrigerator magnets by gluing magnets to the back. As an alternative for magnets, you can also use these tiles to make push pins by gluing tacks onto the back.
- Paint Palette – Large porcelain tiles can be used as a palette for multiple paint colors, and small tiles can be used for mixing shades or for individual colors. Porcelain is stain-resistant and easily cleaned, making it perfect for this repurposing hack!
- Mosaic Art – Mosaic art can be created by arranging small, broken pieces of the leftover p into designs and gluing them together on a backing of wood, cardboard, or paper. This can also be done by dropping or pasting pieces into wet cement to decorate planters, steppingstones, or walkways.
- Coasters – Individual porcelain tiles can be used for coasters of various sizes. All they may require is sanding on the edges, and foam or cork can be added to the bottom to keep them from scratching tables or counters. (These tiles are typically not heat tempered or shockproof, and therefore should not be used for extremely hot or cold items).
- Tabletops – Using leftover porcelain tiles, adhesive, and grout, consumers can use leftover materials to give any table, stand, or side table a makeover. If there are not enough materials to cover an entire tabletop, they can be used to create a table runner or a border!
- Dry Erase Labels – Leftover subway style tiles can be used to label cubbies, hooks, or anywhere in the consumer’s home. Labels are easily erased and changed as needed, but tiles look more permanent and stylish than traditional white boards! They can be easily mounted to walls or cabinets with mounting tape and erased with dry erasers or paper towels.
Porcelain tile is popular in household use due to its slip resistance, durability, and variety in both appearance and application. Whether consumers are using porcelain tile for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, or one of its many other uses, they will likely have leftover tile at the end of their project. The above are only a few of the ways to upcycle or repurpose leftover porcelain tile! To find more information regarding porcelain tile worldwide, check out Freedonia Group’s study “Global Porcelain Tile and Slab” at freedoniagroup.com
About the Author: Bethan Davis is with MarketResearch.com, where she writes, edits, and provides production assistance for The Freedonia Group and other brands.