A question that I get pretty much every week, either here on the blog, via email, or over on our Facebook page is:
Where can I get plastic wall tile?
Here’s my answer, and it’s not an easy-peasy one:
There is no company that I know of that is making this stuff today. So, if you need some, I think the #1 most likely place you are going to find it is ebay. Story: I found some plastic tile at the Re-Store once, it was burgundy red, kind of marbleized. I bought it out of fascination and didn’t have anything to do with it. So I put it on ebay. I found a buyer right away! So: Click on over to ebay, learn to use their Saved Searches function, and then sit and wait it out.
A #2 most likely idea: Watch craigslist, nationally. Read this story — and especially the Comments on it — for tips on sites and apps that help you search craigslist nationally.
Other thoughts… probably real long shots: Ask neighbors. They may have the same tile in their houses. Maybe they have extras. Maybe they are planning to renovate, and will give you their throw-aways. And of course, keep an eye out at your local Re-Store/Habitat for Humanity and salvage places.
Even with these tips: Good luck with that. I think that there were many makers of plastic tile back in the day. So, there are going to be lots of colors and marble-like and pearl-like patterns. I think that if you are trying to match existing plastic tile, you are in for a needle-in-a-haystack search. If you buy something from ebay or craigslist based on photos, be prepared that the match, won’t.
Fun references here on the blog: A 20-page catalog of plastic tile from Church…. and how about this amazing kitchen, with plastic tiles on all four walls and 12″ square plastic tiles on the ceiling, too!
Also, dear readers, remember to be aware that there can be hazards in the materials, layers and products in old house — get with professionals to understand what you are dealing with. For more info see our Be Safe/Renovate Safe page>> https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Deborah Downs-Miers says
And I am VERY late to this discussion. I now own the old family house in Maine: the bathroom is tiled with something wonderful that is not the same as the plastic tiles in this discussion–I have no idea what the material is and research thus far has failed to enlighten me. I really want to use this kind in the new bath I am building.
The Kitchen also has “tiles”: these look to me to be made of something very similar to lineoleum; I am almost positive the material is from plants.
Both kinds of “tiles” have lasted at least 70 years: they look great, are easy to clean, and appear to have come in sheets, rather than being installed one by one.
Does anyone have any information about either of these products. And as is so often the cry of the sort of folks reading this blog: WHY DID THEY STOP MAKING THESE?? I would add: just as savvy farmers are returning to planting winter cover crops to restore the nutrients stolen by chemicals, couldn’t other savvy persons revive these sorts of things??
pam kueber says
I think you are talking about a sort of wallboard that was made out of linoleum or materials that had elements of linoleum. I will add this to the list. I have some catalogs and can scan the images.
TenantProof says
I have a friend has this in her kitchen and bathroom. When they were growing up they were required to wipe down the tile in the shower. It has held up for over 70 years in her kitchen, pantry and bathroom.
Bethany G says
I know I’m a little late on this thread, just happened upon this blog today. The best way I’ve found to remove the paint off the plastic tiles is a power steamer (wallpaper removing steamer) and a plastic scraper. It’s tedious work but so worth it! I have a kitchen with aqua that the previous owners had Kilz-ed over and spent many hours experimenting with loose tiles and various means of removal. Some of the tiles will come off if you get too much steam on them, just let the area dry and glue back in place.
Sheilah Wilson says
We carry vintage plastic wall tiles in our store in Portland, Oregon and we ship.
michelle says
whats the name of your store? poking for plastic tiles.
Sheilah Wilson says
Hi Michelle the name of the store is Hawthorne Vintage and we are located in Portland, Or
Toni says
If this is you, I’m VERY glad you are so far away! https://www.facebook.com/HawthorneVintage
I’d end up working for you just to pay my bill!
Toni says
Oh, dear. I hadn’t finished scrolling when I wrote the first time. Do you have any job openings? I need to earn $225 plus tax or any other charges. I NEED the glowing Globe lamp! And those old chairs! I’m not a photographer but those are perfect for my old house!
Amber says
Do you have a website? Do you have border tiles?
Shara says
What I would like to know is the best way to install these tiles. I cannot find any instructions with the boxes of tiles I have purchased, most likely lost over the years.
pam kueber says
I do not know. Perhaps best to talk to a tile store — experts. Good luck.
Shara says
I have bought tons of new in the box tiles from my local Restore. But I have also bought those hard to find colors on EBay. I think I was the person who bought the burgundy marble ones mentioned earlier, my kitchen is red, black, and grey. The trouble I have is finding enough of one color for an entire project. I use the small batches of new tiles that I find as coasters, cheap way to keep my furniture safe. I am saving the large amounts for when I find my dream home.
Toni P says
The ReStore in Mason City Iowa has shelves of it. Some new, some not. I look at it every time I’m there but having lived through it once, I don’t care to do it again. My tile was “pretty” but like everyone else, moisture and droppage got the better of me.
pam kueber says
I am not going to make any value judgments about plastic tile. It likely existed for good reasons: It was affordable to the masses, could be DIYed, and was pretty.
Mary Elizabeth says
Hello, All,
Wait until you get to see our 1959 “granny ranch” bathroom with the original gray and pink Homart plastic tile (from Sears Harmony House) on the walls and the ceiling! At first we thought it was hideous, but since (1) we were spending money elsewhere in the house and (2) I was undergoing cancer treatments, we couldn’t afford to strip and redo it with ceramic tile. As a stopgap measure, I carefully removed, cleaned, and reglued any loose tile, and only part of one shower wall had got mold on it and needed the sheetrock replaced. That was due to the tile in the shower coming loose in later years, when the original owners were elderly and unable to keep up with the little repairs and cleaning.
The original owner/builder loved innovative new materials (like non-lead latex paint, interior and exterior), and he saved a stack of the original tile in the linen closet, so repairs have been easy.
Having spent time fussing with the tile as I healed, and having discovered the right sort of caulk and glue to re-affix it to the walls and keep the water out, I’ve grown attached to it.
pam kueber says
Good for you, Mary Elizabeth!!! I hope you are doing well!!!!!
Gay Nell says
Prayers for your complete recovery.
What is the right kind of adhesive to attach to concrete? The original plastic tile had a very smooth layer of something tannish-gold on the back of the tiles, over the concrete, and a black adhesive over that. It lasted a very long time. Would appreciate your help very much.
pam kueber says
Gay, I don’t know that any of us here can make a recommendation on adhesives to use. Please consult with a professional. Also, please know, the old layers in our houses – including adhesives may contain vintage nastiness; again: Consult with a properly licensed professional to determine what you have so that you can make informed decisions.
Tarin says
As someone who deals with DIYers constantly, and no offense against Pam, but make sure whatever type of adhesive you’re using, generally a caulk adhesive, can adhere plastic, vinyl, or whatever to the sort of surface you want to adhere to. This is labeled on caulk adhesives. If it doesn’t say it, don’t use it.
Marilyn Boyd says
Hi read your comments and need some advice. I made repairs to my mom’s bathroom (pink plastic tiles) after moisture got behind the tiles. Repaired the wall with new sheetrock and now I need to reattach the tiles. You mention in your repair job you need the right sort of caulk /glue to reattach. What did you use?
maude says
I had this in a basement bathroom and it was absolutely dreadful. Once the tile is compromised, water will easily get behind it. Just because something is retro does not mean it is good or even sort of ok… Stick with regular tile..