30 Years of Tile Depot: From a Small Store in Panmure to a Nationwide Leader

In 1995, Tile Depot opened its doors in a modest store in Panmure with just 23 tiles in stock. What began as a small family-run business with a big vision has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognised and trusted tile, bathware and flooring suppliers.

From One Store to a Nationwide Network

Thirty years on, the Tile Depot now boasts a nationwide network of 13 stores, multiple resellers and a massive distribution centre at Head Office,  which at any one time holds over 230,000m2; of tiles, plus stocked lines of laminate and SPC flooring – making us one of New Zealand’s largest tile stockists.

We have dedicated Commercial and Export Divisions and a highly knowledgeable Trade team supporting knowledge and skills within the trade community. Today the Tile Depot company  is supported by over 100 passionate staff - a far-cry from the original one-man show at our inception.

While we’ve expanded into bathware, laminate, SPC flooring, and professional trade services, our mission remains the same: to make high-quality, on-trend products accessible to every Kiwi home and project.

NZ-Operated, Family-Rooted, and Trusted

We’re proud to be a New Zealand founded and family operated company.  The original founding family remains at the helm, actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business. That personal commitment and continuity are reflected in the culture we’ve built — one that values relationships, consistency, and integrity.

Our People Are Our Foundation

We’re incredibly proud of the longevity of our team. Many of our staff have been with us for 10, 15 — even 20+years. Their knowledge, dedication, and passion have shaped our success far more than any product or showroom.

Built for the Trade, Backed by Experience

The Tile Depot has always really valued the trade community and pride ourself in providing:

• Competitive trade pricing
• Hands-on support from experienced staff
• A dedicated trade community through our TilersTradePro platform
• Trade merchandise which is always really popular
• A huge selection of the latest trade materials, tools and safety gear
• Hosting of numerous workshops and tradie functions for upskilling, certification and networking
• We’re also a founding member of the NZ Tile Council, as part of our commitment to elevating the quality, knowledge, support and professionalism of the NZ Tile Industry.

Supporting the Design Community

The Tile Depot also has a really strong community of designers – interior design, architects, drafters, landscape architects etc throughout NZ who have strong relationships with their local  Tile Depot teams and our Head Office staff. They are instrumental in showcasing our products to their maximum potential and finding innovative uses and combinations. Our Head Office design team travel NZ hosting designer roadshows where previews and indent products are presented and the attendees help to decide on ranges to stock and sometimes even name! We really value the creativity and passion of the NZ design community and their love and appreciation of our ever evolving range. 

Our long-standing relationships with builders, tilers, and designers have helped shape who we are today — and we’re committed to continuing that support for decades to come.

Innovation at Every Step

As pioneers in the industry, Tile Depot was:

• The first NZ tile company to introduce a 3D tile visualiser, helping customers design with confidence
• One of the earliest tile companies to establish online tile shopping in NZ
• A founding member of the NZ Tile Council
• The only NZ tile company to earn Consumer Trusted Accreditation
• A five-time recipient of the Gold  Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award
• A Lifemark™ accredited partner with an ever evolving range of Lifemark™ approved tiles
• Large stocks held in NZ ensuring prompt customer supply and competitive pricing

We’re constantly evolving to serve both our retail and trade customers better — whether that’s investing in digital tools, sourcing the latest international designs, or ensuring we have one of the most on-trend stocked ranges in the country.

Looking Ahead

30 years is a milestone, but we’re only just getting started. With a renewed focus on expanded product offerings, and even stronger partnerships with our trade, design and residential customers, the future looks tiled, bright, and full of possibilities.

Thank you to every customer, tradie, designer, homeowner, staff member, and supplier who’s been part of our journey. You’ve helped make Tile Depot what it is today — and we can’t wait to see what the next 30 years bring.