The Best Places To Buy Budget-Friendly Tile Second Hand

Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom floors, shower walls, and fireplaces all benefit from the durability and appeal of tile. However, the finished, upscale look that tile brings to a project can be a major expense. The types of tiles – along with the choices of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures — can be daunting, even when you have a vision of what you hope the finished project will look like and the budget to cover that vision. Your project may take a little longer to complete, and you might have to adjust your original plan, but secondhand, budget-friendly options are out there at thrift stores, retailers, salvage companies, and even online if you know where to look. Be prepared with measurements, watch out for scams, and don't be afraid to ask for bigger discounts when you go shopping.

Thrift stores are a fairly common sight in towns across the U.S., but you'll be more likely to find a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in bigger cities. Homeowners and builders often donate unused materials to these stores, and you may even find an entire set of cabinets that's been carefully removed from a home when a high-end kitchen renovation is done. While you might come across a box or two of unused tile at a thrift store, Habitat ReStores are a good place to score larger lots. Check big box stores like Lowe's for larger lots, too. Their discounted building materials section is usually in the back of the store and contains everything from tile to carpet remnants to dented but new appliances. They also have a "Daily Deals" webpage for discounted items.

Architectural salvage stores can be pricey, but if you're fortunate enough to have one of these stores specializing in reselling old house parts nearby, stop by and ask if they have anything inexpensive that's not on the sales floor or if they know of any projects around town. Sign up for the mailing lists of thrift stores that have sales days if you have the time to wait for even bigger bargains, and don't be afraid to let your creative juices flow. Two small lots of tiles can be combined to cover a larger space. If you need tile for a wall project, think about creating a mosaic by breaking up mismatched plates or pottery.

If you're buying online hoping to snag bargains from Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or you're looking for free items from your local Freecycle, ask questions before you buy. Your tiles won't be budget-friendly if you have to pay huge shipping charges or if the tiles aren't as described and you can't return them. Similarly, if you find the perfect tile at the perfect price at an online, but unknown to you, retailer, do your due diligence before giving anyone your payment information. Read reviews, make sure there's a return policy, and verify whether or not the company charges a restocking fee. Remember that you won't be able to check for breakage if you're buying online, so order extra tile to replace the ones that inevitably get broken during shipping.