I’ve been thinking about home improvements a fair bit since the country went into lockdown. I’m sure it’s the same for everyone, but spending so much time in my home has given me a sharper focus on all the things I’d like to change in our flat.
I have found it a little frustrating that we now have plenty of time on our hands to do all these jobs, but we don’t have the resources and equipment that we need, can’t go out to get it, can’t get it delivered and also don’t have the spare finances to buy it right now anyway.
But this situation is providing plenty of time to plan and look at our options. One of the many jobs we really want to do is to replace the kitchen floor. It was one of the things we didn’t do when we did our kitchen makeover because it is quite a big job. We need to remove all the floor tiles, level the floor and then fit new flooring.
We haven’t been able to face it when the kids have been so small, but I can’t wait to get it done. I’m tempted to pull up the tiles now while we have time but who knows when things will get back to normal and we’ll be able to finish the job? Probably best not to start until we can be sure that we can finish.
So for now, I’ll use all the research that I’ve been doing to create content ideas to share with you. Today, I’ll be looking at the benefits of using antique tiles for your home renovation or improvement projects. I’ve discovered 8 benefits that antique tiles have over modern, mass-produced tiles. So let’s take a look.
Unique History
One of the best things about using reclaimed or antique tiles in your home improvement project is the fact that these tiles are one of a kind and have a unique history. These unusual finds are sourced and carefully lifted from ancient homes and buildings and, because of this, supplies are often limited. So it’s unlikely that many other people will have the same tiles as you. It is worth investing in reclaimed or antique tiles so that you can be sure you have something unique.
Due to their age, antique tiles have been a part of history and by using them in your project, you bring that history directly into your home. The heritage and journey of the tiles add interest and intrigue to the project as well as becoming a great talking point.
One important tip when using reclaimed tiles is always to order more than you need. Due to the limited supply of these unique tiles, you may find them impossible to replace should one get broken or damaged over time. By ordering more than you need, you can rest assured that you can replace odd tiles as and when you need to.
Beautiful Designs
Genuine reclaimed or antique tiles will have had many years of wear and will have been sealed on countless occasions throughout their lifetime. Because of this, they will have developed a beautiful, aged patina.
They will also have an alluring variation in colour throughout the design. When they were made, it was obviously the intention that every tile in that batch would be exactly the same. However, due to the natural materials that were used and the pigments of those materials, getting an exact match was near on impossible.
When antique tiles are reclaimed, they are carefully removed from old buildings and then restored by hand, one by one. There will inevitably be tiny chips and varying signs of ageing throughout the batch, but it is these inconsistencies that give antique tiles the character and charm that so many people love.
Versatility
Reclaimed or antique tiles are extremely versatile as they can be used on floors, walls or as accent tiles. They are suitable for hot areas like oven surrounds and splashbacks but as they do not absorb moisture they are also ideal for wet areas.
They can be used in kitchens, bathroom, boot rooms and cloakrooms, as well as many other spaces throughout the home.
Longevity & Durability
When it comes to renovating our homes, a major aspect that we must take into consideration is durability. Of course, we want to ensure that the choices we make will last. Floors and walls are prone to a lot of wear and tear, particularly in a busy family home. So it’s important that the products we choose can withstand these daily vigours.
Antique Spanish tiles, for example, are generally made from high-grade marble dust, cement, sand and natural pigment dyes. This unique combination of materials has proven to be one of the most durable when it comes to flooring.
The fact that these tiles have been reclaimed from old buildings to use again, proves that they are durable and will continue to stand the test of time. Reclaimed Terracotta and encaustic cement tiles are very durable and a great choice if you are looking for something with longevity.
Practicality
Practicality is a big consideration when it comes to choosing wall or floor coverings. Of course, we all want something that is easy to take care of and maintain so that it can look its best for as long as possible.
Reclaimed and antique tiles are surprisingly easy to look after due to their non-porous surface. They require no special cleaning equipment or processes. Sweeping the surface to remove dust and loose dirt followed by a quick clean with a damp mop is generally enough to keep the floor looking its best.
Their long history and many years of sealing will ensure that most stains don’t penetrate the surface. For those that do, an all-purpose cleaning solution lightly sprayed onto the floor and scrubbed with a soft brush should be enough to remove them.
Environmentally Conscious
For anyone trying to minimise their carbon footprint and lead a more sustainable lifestyle, reclaimed or antique tiles are a great option. In recent years, we have seen an increasing movement towards reusing and recycling products rather than buying new.
The manufacturing processes for creating new tiles require intense amounts of energy to fire the tiles in the kilns. Burning fossils fuels at temperatures in excess of 1000c, has a negative impact on the environment. However, sourcing tiles from ancient buildings and reusing them is far less energy-intensive and keeps products in use thereby extending their lifecycle.
Craftsmanship
Another important benefit of reclaimed or antique tiles is the heritage craftsmanship that it takes to create them. These tiles were all handcrafted due to the lack of machinery to handle the job at the time. The tiles, therefore, have uneven edges, rippled surfaces and as we have seen, each one is slightly different giving them charm and character in abundance.
Good Investment
Looking at all the benefits of reclaimed tiles, it is easy to see that opting for antique tiles is a good investment. They are proven to be durable, practical and versatile, and they add value in terms of their history, aesthetics, and their craftsmanship.
They may also work out cheaper than opting for brand new tiles. So whether you are refurbishing, renovating, or newly constructing your house, reclaimed or antique tiles are a fantastic option.
So what do you think? Would you consider using antique tiles in your next home renovation project? Or maybe you already have? If so let us know about your experience, we’d love to hear about it.
If you’re convinced and now looking to find the perfect antique tiles for your home, Maitland & Poate currently have a 25% discount on their Reclaimed Tile Collection. If you can’t currently accept deliveries, you can still benefit from the discount by ordering now for delivery at a later date.
And don’t forget to pin this post for later.
Great Ideas
Thanks
I never thought that antique floor tiles could be used perfectly as wall tiles. I do find it elegant and stylish.
Indeed they can and they look stunning!