B&W Tile has been one of the most important go-to sources for Retro Renovators — its wide selection of pastel-colored square ceramic tiles is unparalleled and priced right, too. Kate (in her pink bathroom made possible by B&W tile) and many other readers agreed, and have used the tile to create or repair their midcentury bathrooms. Now, after being in the family for 70 years (!), the company is for sale. While there is no immediate reason to panic, I am of the belief that in moments like these, if you were thinking you’d eventually be buying some of this stuff, well: Get it now while the getting is good!
I spoke with company management late last week. They said that current owners Ralph and Joseph Logan are heading toward retirement and are looking for a buyer for B&W. The company was started by their father, Ernest, in 1947.
B&W has two locations in the Los Angeles area and supplies tiles wholesale to other companies around the nation. I am guessing: The key / a key value of this business includes its manufacturing operations — all those pastel-colored tiles are made by B&W. So when the company is sold, you’d think the new owner would continue. That said, you never know.
So I repeat: Get while the getting is good. B&W’s website has dramatically improved. See it here.
Glad I accidentally bought waaaayyy too much for my bathrooms!
I had a really hard time finding Waterfall. I went to the Daltile showroom here in Van Nuys and it’s a special order, which was fine. But they didn’t make all the trim pieces needed to complete our shower. While I was able to use black for most of the trim, there were some I needed in Waterfall and, as a result, had to use a B&W blue for that bathroom instead. BUT! In my other bathroom, I was only tiling the walls around the tub, so the trim pieces weren’t an issue and Daltile was just fine. I went through the wringer with tile on this particular project, so if you have any questions, I’m more than happy to help! Just let me know!
Hi Pam,
I just contacted them last week and nothing was said about the Sale? I am hoping they have what I need. Just waiting for a cost and ship time. I am pretty new to the Vintage game but was so excited when we bought our 1965 tri-level home this past December. Fingers crossed!!!
Again, I repeat: Read the story. The hope is certainly that a new owner will continue the business…
Well said! Too bad we never seem to be able to bridge that 10-year or so gap. I hope B&W finds a buyer with their passion.
They are a wonderful business, so I hope any new owners continue the tradition. I was hunting all over the country for gray square tile to match my 1955 gray tiles, and B&W was the most gracious, quick and comprehensive source. Alas, the grays did not match completely. But they did their best to try.