New or reclaimed floor tiles: which is the best choice?

New floor tiles or reclaimed tiles: which should you choose?

When choosing a floor, you can opt for new floor tiles or authentic old tiles. Both have clear advantages. New tiles generally offer consistent dimensions and a predictable finish, while old tiles are chosen for their patina, natural variation and historical character.

Van Dillen offers both reclaimed floor tiles and newly produced tiles with vintage character. The choice need not be a simplistic judgement that old is good and new is inferior: it is mainly about which floor best suits your home and preferences.

What is the main difference?

The biggest difference is provenance. Antique tiles have actually been laid in an old building or are historical materials being used again. Wear, colour variation and small irregularities have developed over time.

New floor tiles are newly manufactured. They can be clean-lined and modern, but some are deliberately given an aged or vintage appearance. Read more about this distinction in aged-effect tiles or antique tiles.

Advantages of reclaimed floor tiles

Authentic patina

The surface of old tiles has been shaped by actual use and age. In old floor tiles and traditional Dutch terracotta tiles in particular, this gives every batch its own appearance.

Natural colour variation

Historical manufacturing methods, clay, firing temperature and use can create subtle or strong colour differences. Once laid, the floor is therefore not a completely uniform surface.

Reuse

An existing tile gains a new purpose instead of being discarded. The original material remains in use for longer.

Historical sizes

Old floors include sizes and designs that can suit historical homes, restoration work or interiors where an authentic detail is desired.

Advantages of new floor tiles

Consistent dimensions

Newly produced tiles are generally more consistent in size. This can make laying easier and is useful when a clean, regular floor pattern is desired.

Predictable availability

With current production ranges, larger quantities of the same type can often be ordered. Reclaimed batches, by contrast, are finite, and an exact match for a later order is not guaranteed.

A wide choice of technical properties

With new tiles, you can select specifically for the product specifications required for a particular application.

A vintage appearance without historical variations in size

If you want a lived-in appearance but prefer a new, more regular product, tiles with vintage character offer an interesting middle ground between clean-lined new tiles and authentic antiques.

Are reclaimed floor tiles harder to lay?

Old tiles generally require more attention during laying because size, thickness and edges can vary within a batch. This need not be a problem, but the substrate and laying method must accommodate it.

An experienced tiler can deal with these differences during installation. For practical guidance, read our guide to laying antique floor tiles.

Can old tiles be used with underfloor heating?

Yes. Old floor tiles and traditional Dutch terracotta tiles work well with underfloor heating when the floor build-up and installation are correct. The tiles absorb heat and release it into the room.

Thickness and floor construction affect how quickly the system responds. Read more in our article about reclaimed floor tiles and underfloor heating.

Which floor needs more maintenance?

This depends mainly on the material and surface, not just its age. A porous terracotta tile, for example, needs different treatment from a glazed tile.

With old floors, cleaning and protective products should suit the historical surface. See our guide to maintaining and cleaning reclaimed floor tiles.

Which costs more: new or reclaimed floor tiles?

There is no fixed winner. Both new and old floor tiles are available across different price ranges. For old tiles, factors include type, size, age, quality, quantity, rarity and the processing required.

Prices for new tiles also vary considerably with material, production, brand, size and finish. Compare not just the purchase price per square metre, but also laying, cutting waste, delivery and any after-treatment.

Which floor suits an old house?

In a historical home, authentic tiles can complement the existing materials and architecture beautifully. This does not mean every old home necessarily needs an antique floor.

If you want to combine a historical appearance with a more regular new product, vintage tiles can be a good choice. If genuine patina, historical origins and natural variation matter most, antique floor tiles or traditional Dutch terracotta tiles are more likely to appeal.

Which floor suits a new build?

Old floor tiles can also work very well in a new build. In combination with clean-lined walls, modern kitchens and new bespoke joinery, a historical floor can create a striking contrast and immediate character.

Browse our projects to see reclaimed building materials used in different types of homes and interiors.

New vintage tiles or authentic antiques?

This choice sits between the two extremes. New vintage tiles offer the appearance of an aged floor with the benefits of new production and greater regularity. Authentic antique tiles offer genuine historical origins, natural wear and unique variation.

Browse both our vintage floor tiles and our reclaimed floor tiles to decide which properties matter most for your project.

Frequently asked questions

Are reclaimed floor tiles better than new tiles?

Not necessarily. Old tiles are particularly appealing for their authenticity, patina and reuse. New tiles offer advantages in dimensional consistency, availability and predictable product specifications.

Are reclaimed floor tiles suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes. Old floor tiles and traditional Dutch terracotta tiles can work well with underfloor heating, provided the floor build-up and installation are correct.

Can I buy new tiles that look old?

Yes. Newly produced floor tiles with a deliberately aged or vintage appearance combine classic character with the regularity of a new product.

Can I order more old tiles later?

Exactly the same batch is not always available again. Old floor tiles are recovered in finite quantities. Buy enough material and allow a reserve for selection, cutting waste and possible breakage.