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A Hunker gardening report outlines how salvaged roof tiles can be reused as landscaping edging and ornamental walkways in place of traditional pavers. Slate and clay are recommended; asphalt shingles may leach petroleum compounds. Tiles can often be sourced free via Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups.
A new report from home improvement site Hunker lays out how homeowners can replace traditional pavers with salvaged roof tiles for garden edging and decorative walkways, turning a common waste material into a low-cost landscaping feature. The report identifies slate and clay tiles as the best candidates, warns that asphalt shingles may leach petroleum compounds into soil, and points to free sourcing channels such as Facebook Marketplace and local Buy Nothing groups.
Most homeowners think carefully about which roofing tiles to install but give little thought to what happens to the old ones after a roof is replaced or repaired, the report notes. Because of their small size and shape, spent roof tiles are well suited to garden projects ranging from bed edging to decorative stepping stones, performing many of the same roles as conventional pavers at a fraction of the cost — or no cost at all if the tiles come from the homeowner’s own roofing job.
For readers without a recent re-roof, Hunker highlights unexpected sourcing options: patio pavers and old roof tiles frequently appear on Facebook Marketplace and in local Buy Nothing groups, where they may be available free of charge. Availability varies by region, and the report does not claim the tiles are always easy to find.
Material choice carries the report’s main safety caution. According to the USDA Cooperative Extension, asphalt shingles — the most common and easiest-to-find roofing material — can potentially leach petroleum compounds into the soil. The Cooperative Extension states these materials are unlikely to be absorbed by plants, but Hunker advises using asphalt shingles far away from edible plants, or avoiding them altogether in favor of slate or clay for garden projects.
Why Salvaged Tiles Appeal to Gardeners
The guidance matters for two groups of readers: homeowners facing a roof replacement who would otherwise send usable material to landfill, and budget-conscious gardeners looking for cheap or free hardscaping. Reusing roof tiles as edging can also visually tie a garden to the house by echoing the roof’s colors and style in the beds, according to the report — an aesthetic benefit that off-the-shelf concrete pavers do not offer.
The petroleum-leaching caveat is the most consequential detail for anyone growing food. While the USDA Cooperative Extension’s assessment is that plant absorption is unlikely, the report’s advice to keep asphalt shingles away from edible plants reflects a precautionary approach that readers can apply without extra cost, simply by choosing slate or clay instead.
How the Tile Options Compare
Roofing tiles come in three main types relevant to landscaping: slate, clay, and asphalt shingles. Slate and clay are both relatively weather resistant, the report states, though slate holds up better in wet conditions than clay. Unsealed clay absorbs water, which can lead to freezing and cracking in cold climates.
Two structural limits shape where the tiles should be used. Roofing tiles are thinner than traditional pavers and more likely to break under heavy foot traffic, so Hunker recommends them for ornamental paths rather than primary walkways. In addition, slate and glazed tiles such as ceramic become slippery when wet, a safety hazard the report flags directly. Garden edging avoids both problems, which is why the report calls edging where roof tiles “really shine”: tiles can stand vertically or lie flat on a compacted base, conform to practically any bed shape, and curved Spanish “S” clay tiles add extra visual dimension. One extra step applies to slate: its edges can be sharp and should be filed down before use.
“Where roofing tiles really shine in their landscaping purposes, however, is garden edging.”
— Hunker report
Limits of the Guidance
The report leaves several practical questions unanswered. It does not specify how long asphalt shingles continue leaching petroleum compounds, nor how far they should sit from edible plants to be considered safe. It does not address regional or seasonal availability of salvaged tiles on resale platforms, and it offers no cost comparison against new pavers. Claims about durability under foot traffic are presented as general advice rather than tested load ratings, and readers in freeze-thaw climates will need to weigh the report’s warning about unsealed clay cracking against local conditions.
Getting a Tile Project Started
Homeowners planning a re-roof can ask their contractor to set aside intact slate or clay tiles rather than sending them to disposal. Readers sourcing tiles should monitor local Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing listings, inspect clay tiles for existing cracks, and file down sharp slate edges before installation. For any project involving cutting or filing tile, wear eye protection and gloves, and use a dust mask when cutting slate or clay to avoid inhaling particles. Because roof tiles are thinner than code-rated pavers, keep paths ornamental rather than structural.
Key Questions
Are old asphalt shingles safe to use in a vegetable garden?
According to the USDA Cooperative Extension, cited by Hunker, asphalt shingles can potentially leach petroleum compounds into soil, though they are unlikely to be absorbed by plants. The report recommends keeping them far from edible plants or avoiding them entirely in food-growing areas.
Can roof tiles be used as stepping stones?
Only for decorative purposes. Hunker notes that roof tiles are thinner than traditional pavers and more likely to break under heavy foot traffic, and that slate and glazed tiles become slippery when wet.
Where can I find old roof tiles if I am not replacing my roof?
Hunker points to Facebook Marketplace and local Buy Nothing groups, where old roof tiles and patio pavers are sometimes listed free of charge.
Which tile material is best for landscaping?
Slate and clay are the report’s recommended options. Slate is tougher in wet conditions, while unsealed clay can absorb water, freeze, and crack. Curved Spanish “S” clay tiles add extra visual interest as edging.
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