Tin ceiling tiles are an incredibly unique architectural piece of Americana that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Largely thanks to one scrappy company you’ll read about below the tin ceiling is still alive today.
Their story is a unique one and whether you are looking to install a new tin ceiling, find replacement tin ceiling tiles for your historic building, or hear a terribly cool story this post will give you everything you could want to know.
History of Tin Ceiling Tiles
Tin ceiling tiles were invented in the 1860s in the United States. They were initially crafted from thin sheets of iron that were dipped in tin to prevent corrosion. Soon after their invention steel replaced the iron and the tin ceiling tile we think of today was born.
These sheets were stamped with intricate designs to mimic the look of expensive plaster ceilings at a fraction of the cost. The rise of the industrial revolution during this time allowed them to be shipped nationwide on the expanding network of railroads and most manufacturers were located near major rail lines.
Over time, manufacturers began using other metals such as copper, lead, and zinc, but tin-plated steel remained the most popular due to its cost-effectiveness and durability
Their popularity surged between the 1880s and 1930s, largely due to their affordability, ease of installation, and fire-resistant properties. In that time there were so many building fires that having a metal fire-resistant ceiling was extremely desirable.
Because of these reasons these tiles became a common feature in both residential and commercial buildings, including homes, schools, courthouses, stores, and hotels.
Drama in the Design
Though we think of them as a cool architectural element today back then they were actually quite controversial. In her book Cheap, Quick, & Easy: Imitative Architectural Materials, Pamela Simpson talks about how major influencers of the time felt products like tin ceiling tiles were dishonest, deceptive, and even morally wrong. Whoa! How is this little piece of tin morally anything?
These were cheap imitations of the real thing and they should be banished from architecture. Even some of my favorite critics like John Ruskin and Charles Eastlake had very pointed criticisms of these new fangled tin ceiling tiles.
The Story of W. F. Norman
Ignoring the critics, in the 1880s an enterprising young man named William Franklin Norman who worked as a salesman for the Wheeling Corrugating Company took a chance that would create the longest lasting tin ceiling maker in history.
At the time the Wheeling company manufactured sheet metal products for siding and roofing and was the largest maker in the country. They were just beginning to ramp up production of tin ceilings when Norman cut ties and started his own company, The W. F. Norman Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company (a dang sexy name to be sure!)
Old Willie grew his business quickly and was one of the top producers of tin ceilings out of about 25 other companies at the time. Many companies went under being unable to turn a profit even in the good times, but Willie survived and thrived.
He eventually turned the business over to his son and then grandson over the years and it remained in the family until his grandson Franklin sold it to Bob Quitno in 1978. Bob apparently had an insatiable appetite for tin ceiling tiles.
In order to stay in business through the lean years starting in the 1930s when tin ceilings fell out of favor and metals weren’t available due to WWII, the company continuously made other unrelated sheet metal products like metal shower enclosures, steel coffins, and tin grave markers. Like their products at the time the industry looked grim, but they struggled through and refused to die like all their other competitors had.
When Quitno bought the business in 1978 he discovered the long forgotten original tin ceiling dies and machinery in the back of the original 50,000 square-foot factory. In 1979 tin ceilings were put back into production using the original tooling which they still use today.
Hearing those old machines get back to work was a sweet sound for not only Quitno, but also for the legacy of W. F. Norman and the tin ceiling industry. With these original designs available again and the increasing interest in historic preservation that was just blossoming in America in the early 1980s the market for tin ceilings grew and the little venture Willie Norman started in 1898 began to not only grow but thrive.
Today they are the largest manufacturer of tin ceiling tiles in the world that uses the original manufacturing process pioneered in the 1860s.
Where to Find Tin Ceiling Tiles
There are quite a few sources available today to find tin ceiling tiles in a wealth of styles and applications. There are tiles available for several installation method including nail up, drop-in, glue up, and snaplock depending on what your needs are.
If you’re not going directly to the OG tin ceiling company W. F. Norman Corp. then there are some other folks you should also consider.
One of my favorite sources for tin ceiling tiles because they simply have so many to choose from. You can get painted versions, bare metal, or even their Artisan line of tiles which are painted and distressed to look vintage. They even have an acoustic version to deaden the sound in a room.
Tin Ceilings has a huge selection of not only tin ceiling tiles, but also all the other elements of a good tin ceiling like cornices, fillers, nosing, and borders. They also have an interactive ceiling designer where you can visualize and build your own tin ceiling which is amazing. At the time of this writing their online ordering is not active so you do have to call or email them to place an order, but it’s still a great option.
Another massive selection of real metal ceiling tiles in multiple metals you can choose from. They also have a good selection of metal ceiling moldings and most things are available in either a bare metal or a painted finish.
A smaller site that has fewer selections of true metal tiles, but still some very attractive options. Pro Ceiling Tiles carries a huge selection of vinyl glue-up tiles that look like metal but are actual vinyl that can be glued to a drywall ceiling easily. The fake stuff is not my cup of tea, but if it suits your needs it might be a place to check out.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.