Where to Find Discontinued Tiles

Finding discontinued tiles can be a challenging task, especially if you need to replace a few broken tiles or complete an unfinished project. Whether you’re looking for a specific colour, pattern, or material, knowing where to search can save you time and money. Below are some effective ways to find discontinued tiles and tips for sourcing the right match for your needs.

Why Might You Need Discontinued Tiles?

1. Tile Repairs: If a few tiles in your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor area are damaged, matching the existing tiles ensures consistency.
2. Extensions or Renovations: If you’re expanding a space, using the same tiles creates a seamless appearance.
3. Aesthetic Consistency: Finding the exact colour, pattern, or texture ensures the original design remains intact.

Where to Find Discontinued Tiles

1. Tile Retailers
   Start with local tile shops and showrooms. Some retailers may have old stock, clearance items, or discontinued collections available at discounted prices. Be sure to ask if they have surplus or out-of-season tiles.
2. Manufacturer Contact
   Reach out to the original tile manufacturer. Many manufacturers keep limited stock of discontinued tiles for warranty replacements or special requests. Provide them with as much detail as possible, including the tile model, colour, and size.
3. Online Marketplaces
   Websites like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace often list discontinued tiles sold by individuals or contractors. Search for specific tile models or descriptions to find what you need.
4. Tile Recyclers and Salvage Yards
   Tile recycling centres and salvage yards often stock discontinued or vintage tiles. These places collect tiles from renovations or demolitions and resell them to the public.
5. Social Media Groups
   Join tile-specific or home renovation groups on platforms like Facebook. Members often share resources, sell tiles, or help others locate discontinued models.
6. Tile Swap Websites
   Some websites are dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers of discontinued tiles. Examples include TileFinder or TileMatch, which are designed to help you source hard-to-find tiles.
7. Speak with Tile Installers
   Experienced tile installers or contractors often have leftover tiles from previous jobs. They may also have industry connections to help locate discontinued tiles.
8. Architectural Salvage Companies
   These companies specialise in recovering and reselling building materials, including tiles, from historic or high-end properties.

Tips for Finding a Perfect Match

1. Take Photos: High-quality photos of your existing tiles help suppliers or sellers identify a match.
2. Bring a Sample: If possible, bring a tile sample to the store or upload detailed images for online inquiries.
3. Note the Specifications: Include details like tile size, colour, finish (glossy, matte, honed), and material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone).
4. Consider Subtle Variations: If an exact match isn’t possible, find tiles with similar tones or textures that complement the original ones.

Alternatives if You Can’t Find Discontinued Tiles

1. Replace Entire Sections: If matching tiles are unavailable, consider retiling the entire area for a cohesive look.
2. Accent Tiles: Use contrasting or decorative tiles to create a feature area, making the mismatch intentional.
3. Tile Restoration: Professional restoration can sometimes recolour or retexture tiles to better match your existing ones.

Finding discontinued tiles may take some time and effort, but with the right resources and persistence, you can source the perfect match for your project. Start with local suppliers and expand your search to online platforms, recycling centres, and manufacturers. If all else fails, consider creative solutions like accenting or retiling to achieve a stunning result. For professional guidance or assistance, consult with tile experts or contractors who can help you navigate the process.