David asked the other day:
We’re planning our basement finishing project and looking at VCT tiling options in the basement. Does anyone know where to find design ideas for Vinyl tiles? I’m seeing a lot for ceramic, but not many for VCT.
You ask, I deliver: Here are scans from 1950s Armstrong and Kentile catalogs.
The thing I like about the designs in my 1955 Armstrong dealer catalog is that they show the percentage of each color required. The Kentile designs come from a retail brochure, so you will have to do the math yourself.
Also remember: Armstrong still offers the the decorative shuffleboard. Come on — you only live once — get the shuffleboard, especially if you are doing a basement floor. I also like VCT like this for kitchen flooring. If you’re planning a retro remodel of your kitchen, be sure to start here to scope all the products, ideas and inspiration — for floors and much more — available.
Finally — Please know, readers — these designs are provided with the intent that you will use them with new vinyl composite tile (VCT). Always be sure, when you move into a house, to consult with experts to test all the materials in your house, including flooring, for stuff like lead and asbestos — and make informed decisions about how to handle these issues. For more info, see our Be Safe / Renovate Safe page.
READ THIS VIEWING TIP: I have inserted the images very large so you can see the designs well — I had to click on the image THREE times to get to the largest version. Then, use my back button to return to the post.
Selena says
I think I finally talked my DH into VCT in the kitchen after finding this blog post:
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/10/unexpected-hexagon-flooring-finished.html
Isn’t it cool? I just had to share. As beekeepers, it’s right up our alley!
DH did ask: “So… how are we going to get a bee in there?” and I had to show him these patterns. LOL. Too bad the 50’s weren’t big on bees in your flooring. I then suggested perhaps we could just paint bees here and there on the cabinets… 🙂
pam kueber says
very cool!
Kim guthrie says
Hi Pam, we are looking for patterned sticky tile for our 1963
Shasta trailer and love the 50s tile that you show. The yellow, gray and black pattern. Any idea where we can find this? Thank you!!
pam kueber says
Kim, that sounds like it will be a needle in a haystack… vintage, that’s about it. Note: Old floor tile can contain vintage nastiness such as asbestos — make sure you consult with a pro to know what you have and can make informed decisions about how to handle.
Lorraine says
Where on earth can you buy this vintage lino from (well, preferably Aust or NZ) ???
pam kueber says
Lorraine: All my known sources are archived here: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/flooring/
Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze and Azrock TexTile are the leading choices for reproductions although there are a few other options.
bruce says
My 1950 ranch has 9×9 vct on all floors. I don’t know who made ones I have.Mine are a base color, then a contrasting color making a random “cloud ” pattern, and some black splashes here or there. Besides Kentile, what other company names were making vct back in the 40’s . Thank you
pam kueber says
Bruce, I don’t have a list of all the manufacturers, this is not something that I’ve researched. Armstrong and Congoleum are two that come to mind…
Mare Reasons says
so where does one buy the 50’s linoleum in Northern Calif.?
rbnhd76 says
Man, these are great, thanks! I have worked in flooring for 15+ years and i have always loved the old school look. I’m gonna put these in my 71 Shasta Compact, probably a 4×4 checkerboard on a diagonal, which reminds me, you definitely want to use a VCT cutter for VCT, it cuts as clean as the factory edge (provided it isn’t worn out), Azrock is my personal favorite, but there are other good brands. You should stop at floor stores and ask what colors they have left from commercial jobs, a lot of them keep 8-10 boxes and then it’s hard to sell them, so hopefully you can get a good deal.
pam kueber says
Thanks for these great tips!
Selena says
Oh my… perhaps I can talk my hubby into NOT putting down the faux-wood and instead doing this! I’m looking at all those colors and very nearly drooling.
roger says
i’m looking for a brick colored 9×9 vct tile with a black border around it. any ideas?
pam kueber says
this does not exist new today as far as i know…
John D. Ruskin says
Lots of good ideas, but the thing I don’t like about modern VCT, is that it doesn’t have the contrasting striations in it like vintage asphalt tile. Armstrong Excelon mainly comes in monochromatic flecks, and Azrock/Tarket has a light marbelized patern that is closer, but looks more like linoleum which is more environmentally friendly, but not the mid century modern look. As for laying each tile a quarter turn, that is the standard way, which when the tiles have a more pronounced direction produces a cool basket weave effect.
pam kueber says
Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze … and some Congoleums … which I have detailed on the blog … have the striations. I have the Azrock Cortina in my kitchen. It rocks the 50s. See Kitchens / Flooring category.
rosie says
Hi! How do you care for the floor? Does it have to be professionally waxed? Thanks!
Pam Kueber says
Check with manufacturer’s guidelines for the floor you choose. Yes, I have mine coated regularly – not wax, a professional finish.
toni says
What are you using for backsplash? I am trying to find the linoleum type stuff that looks like fake tile. will I find anything? Wallpaper and the wall board I’ve seen just doesn’t cut it.
pam kueber says
toni, I don’t know of any current manufacturer who makes the old fashioned linoleum that looks like tile. I have a number of old catalogs that show this stuff. Have not gotten around to posting it. You might want to look for vintage. If so, please test it for midcentury nasty material first.
Heart says
I have plaster walls in my kitchen that are scored to look like 4×4 tiles. Fooled me! Once sealed/painted they have held up 80+ years. Hope this helps…