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.
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Carolyn says
Maybe I’m just dense but where is the price list on their website? All I can find is the shipping cost. Thanks!
Pam Kueber says
No, I don’t think there is. You need to call.
ineffablespace says
I know that white was also very popular as a fixture color since the first cast-iron bathtub and vitreous china toilet bowl, (and I grew up in a house with all-white bathrooms and an all-white kitchen –excepting an Irish Linen countertop and some stainless–in the height of the harvest gold and avocado era. But the curmudgeon in me is still very unhappy that it is impossible to recreate a three piece (cast iron tub, toilet, and sink/s) colored bathroom in the manner of the full-on colored mid-century bath. Unless you find salvage. And at the rate it’s going soon you won’t be able to do a two piece either.
Mine’s going to be all grey which is a weak substitute but I am mildly comforted by the fact that grey or white baths were actually pretty popular with the architects around here even in the 1960s and the shade I am using was available. (The original appears to have been yellow and black and white with gold sparkles, which must’ve been left up to the builder)
Ashlee says
Glad I accidentally bought waaaayyy too much for my bathrooms!
Wendellyn Plummer says
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!!!
Pam Kueber says
Again, I repeat: Read the story. The hope is certainly that a new owner will continue the business…
Natalia Rostov says
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.