Don't Search General Stock Photography for Royalty Free Textures...

Texture Vault was launched in May 2009 and is run by the peeps from established sites like StockVault, a stock photo sharing site which has been around since 2001.

The difference between  the 100's of available stock photography sites and texture vault is, well the clues in the name - yep, they only deal in textures and backgrounds.

There are hundreds to choose from, in categories ranging from Architecture to feathers to plants & foliage -  and the best news is you can download their medium quality images free.

Premium high quality and maximum quality images are also on offer for $2 and $4 respectively. In addition, extended licences can be purchased for projects intended for resale.

If you're a photographer, there's always the opportunity to upload your images and reap 50% of the sale price.

Not a whizz with a camera? Sign up for the affiliate program and earn 10% on referrals.

Registering for an account is free and once inside members can vote for favorite textures, add to lightbox and make comments.

If you're looking for a texture, Texture Vault should be your first port of call.