Don't Throw Out Your Leftover Tile - Reuse It To Make The Cutest Decorative Trays

It's not uncommon for homeowners to have leftover materials after working on a renovation project. Case in point, you might have a few tiles on hand if you've recently upgraded your kitchen's backsplash or your shower wall. So, instead of letting them collect dust in the back of your garage or throwing them in the trash, reuse them to DIY adorable decorative trays for your nightstand or kitchen table. You can use the tiles as is or customize them with your own artistic flair. The process is simple and involves using any form of old tiles with handles glued on the sides to mimic the appearance of a tray. 

Before diving into this project, you'll need to have a few key materials on hand. Be sure to pick up some heavy-duty adhesive, like Gorilla Max Strength Clear Construction Adhesive, as well as the hardware handles and some small felt sliders to protect the base. It's also helpful to have tools like a marker and ruler to make sure the final product has a clean appearance. When it comes to DIY tile projects, there are numerous ways to reuse all of your leftover materials, including any scraps you may have after this DIY. There's the option to use leftover tiles to make your own coasters or opt for a more freeform craft and create mosaic art to proudly display or gift to someone special.

Once you're ready to get started, grab your tiles and cut them to the desired shape with a tile saw if necessary. Use construction adhesive to apply felt pads to the bottom portion of the tile and allow to completely dry before using. Next, use the ruler to measure out even spacing for the hardware handles and use a marker to note the application area. Apply a small amount of the glue to the hardware and press firmly against the tile for about 15 seconds. Be sure the glue is fully dry. However, it's important to note that this DIY tile repurposing project is mostly for decorative purposes, meaning you shouldn't try to pick up the tray by the handles.

Moreover, reusing leftover tile is a great way to create unique decor. Many tiles come with stylish designs, but you can also hand-paint the tiles to customize them or hide blemishes. While you can remove scratches from ceramic tiles, hand-painting designs or even stenciling them on may be an easier way to breathe new life into them. Once the paint is dry, add a layer of matte clear gel. Want to add some additional strength to your new tile tray? Instead of using the tile as the main portion of the tray, use adhesive to stick them to an existing tray. Although this project will require grout and a small trowel, it's a fairly simple DIY. If you don't have leftovers, go to an unexpected store to score cheap tile that won't break the bank.