A great new resource for authentic retro tile bathroom floors - American Restoration Tile
Mid Mod Pam on Oct 21 2008 at 8:00 am | Filed under: bathroom, flooring, tile
The floor above - from Deb’s Mom’s bathroom - is the real deal. Those are unglazed porcelain floor tiles, folks, gorgeous and as authentic 40s 50s mosaic style as you can get. I love love love this design combining what appear to be 2″x2″ and 1″x1″ tiles in one dark color, one light color and white…
Now, I have found a terrific contemporary source for these tiles - especially if you want to replicate a custom color or mosaic design: American Restoration Tile, of Mabelvale, Arkansas.
Owner Bryan Byrd kindly spoke to be at length recently. These unglazed porcelain floor tiles are handcrafted to order in his factory, which has 6 employees. All made in America, too, with some of the materials from Canada. (Aside: If you are concerned about your job: Buy American. What goes around comes around.)
I’ve shown here a number of images from American Restoration Tile’s website. Bryan can work with you to replicate virtually any look. He says that generally, his customers come from earlier eras - but that unglazed porcelain floor tiles were indeed very very popular through the 50s. After that, less expensive mass-produced tiles became available - and cost-conscious builders chose that route.
For more inspiration on tile floor designs, I point you to the SavethePinkBathrooms.com and the flickr STPB group, where plenty of authentic retro designs are being catalogued.
Price? Yes, expensive compared to big box store tiles. $24 a square foot, Bryan says. But I think of it this way: Anything permanent, like a floor, should be where you put your big money. If I had known about this company when I re-did my bathroom, I would have used them in a heartbeat. Looking back at my renovations - what I regret is the cutting of corners. I always think - “Man, that was such a hassle and cost so much money and grief. Why didn’t I get what I really wanted?” Again - on anything permanent…that can’t be easily swapped out, save for it, and install it.
One more thing: I think that these floor tiles can be mated very easily and beautifully with 4×4 field tiles on your wall. Of course, 4×4’s can be had less expensively. And, you can marry this unglazed (very flat-finish) floor with either matte/satin or glossy wall tiles. You certainly see it both ways on retro recon.
Thank you, Bryan! Love your company!
I hate to rain on your parade, but I tried to get color matched tiles from Mr. Byrd two years ago & never received them, despite phone calls & emails. I sent in a deposit and sample, & never received a refund. They were very nice on the phone, but I would caution anyone trying to use the color matching service.
Hi Ellen T, Thank you for your comment - I have given Bryan to the opportunity to respond. Recommendation on hold til he does so!