Wrapped up a tile project and now stuck with a bunch of extras? Don't toss them yet. At Wayne Tile, we look at leftover tiles as a chance to get creative. Whether it's ceramic, porcelain, glass, or stone, you can turn those scraps into some pretty cool DIY home upgrades. 

Tile Coasters 

Here are some tips on making tile coasters. Start by cutting your tile down to 4x4-inch squares if needed. Stick felt or cork to the bottom, and seal the tile if it's porous. You can use a bit of sandpaper or a rotary tool to smooth out any sharp edges. Porcelain and ceramic are great because they don't absorb moisture easily. Glass tiles give a clean, modern look. 

Grab some colorful tiles or patterned leftovers for a bold, artsy set. Want to go personal? Add initials or symbols using tile-safe enamel paint. 

Heatproof Trivets 

Here's how you can make some heatproof trivets. Glue tiles onto a wood or metal base. Use thinset or any strong adhesive that bonds well with tile. Once everything's dry, grout and seal it up. Add rubber or silicone feet at the bottom to keep heat off your counters. Porcelain and natural stone are best since they handle high temperatures without cracking. 

Try a two-color checkerboard look using 2x2 mosaics. Or arrange long strips of tile for a clean, simple pattern. 

Framed Tile Mosaics

These simple tricks ensure durable framed tile mosaics. Use tile nippers to break down large pieces into smaller bits. Arrange the design inside a picture frame or shadow box. Once it looks right, glue and grout everything into place. 

While glass tiles bring color to the piece, natural stone tiles add texture. Form letters, basic shapes, or recreate a classic pattern. Think Mediterranean blues or geometric lines. 

Upcycled Plant Stands 

Want to make an upcycled plant stand? Grab an old stool or plant stand and tile the top surface. Use tile adhesive, grout once it sets, and seal it for extra protection. Make sure the stand is strong enough to handle the added weight. Porcelain and natural stone are your best bet here. They hold up well outside, too. Keep it subtle with neutral tones or try a mosaic border using small cut tiles.

Tools Required for Repurposing Leftover Tile

For most of these projects, here's what to keep handy: 

  • Tile adhesive or thinset 

  • Grout and float 

  • Wet saw or tile cutter 

  • Sealant for porous surfaces 

  • Wood or board backing (for trivets and mosaics) 

  • Felt pads or rubber feet 

Style Tips That Tie It All Together 

Matching tile accents to your existing space makes all the difference. Play with grout color to create contrast or keep it all seamless. Either way, a minor tile adjustment can give an old space a fresh feel. 

Ceramic tiles work well in cozy kitchens. Glass tiles add pop in modern rooms. Porcelain slabs are great for big surfaces like tabletops or consoles. For rustic or spa-style looks, check out our natural stone picks. Want something durable but stylish? LVT options are worth a peek, too. Visit any of our eight locations to see our full product catalog.