Flooring Tile - Replacement Tile Search. Impossible?

Hi. In removing tile from a bathroom wall, we accidentally broke several tiles that should have been left in place for the shower stall. We can't salvage any from the actual removal project because they're all attached to cement, and have had to take cement and all out. **Gawd**

So, my question is, is it impossible to find tile produced in the late 60's? The back of the ones I need say "Mosaic Made in USA Jackson" and have letters F1H1. Do you know of a place to find old tile? Should I just try to find something close--I've looked with no luck?

Jenno,

Unfortunately finding tile that was made in the 1960's is not really possible.

It would be best to replace the tile anyway with something new. Unsure why you are removing it but if it is due to possible damage or some tiles were breaking away from the wall, then do it up right. Check everything thoroughly before reassembly of your shower unit.

From experience trying to find something close means that it may be close in color but not fit. These are like putting a puzzle together and some filing would have to be done to get new tile to fit. It becomes a real headache trying to match lines let alone color.

Take a look at this,

http://www.doityourself.com/ceramic/cwtintro.htm

Hope this helps!

There is a place that can COPY your existing tile. You might want to contact them and get prices. They will create a new CUSTOM tile.They may even be able to give you some other ideas if what they can do is not to your liking.

http://www.imaginetile.com/

majakdragon,

The suggestion is fine but custom tile is not cheap, regardless if it is just plain solid color tile.

By the time you do this as well as SalvageCzar, it's better just buying new tile at HD, Lowes, etc. Between paying for a custom job or traveling expenses if that is feasible and then find out they can't help, it's allot of time and money spent with nothing to show for it.

I'd not want to take a chance on "maybe's" and "if's" when I can quickly, easily acquire something new that will last and all fit with no problems. As this sounds like a DIY job, easier the better.

As I mentioned, the reasons for this tile being removed has me questioning the issues why? Since that has not been addressed by Jenno, presumptions at this point are just that.

Just a thought

The information I posted earler was based on the website of ImagineTile. In their custom tile page they state " You provide an image digital,slide ,photo ,transparency ... etc and they provide a proof of your tile" The actual tile creation process takes 4-8 weeks. I have sent them an email asking for the ACTUAL prices. The tile prices they list are around $20 for a 16x16 tile.

My thinking in this post was that Jenno could take a pic of the existing tile pattern and have it re created into a match for the ones that were broken. If he/she had several of the smaller tiles unbroken, they could be used in the places the one that got broke went. The larger COPY could then be used to replace those.

Phone number for ImagineTile:
1-800-680-tile(8453)

Jenno here. Thank you all so very much for your detailed suggestions.

With the weekend to think it over, I've decided just to start from scratch--mainly because continued tile removal in the right places produced a foot-long crack across several MORE tile.

Thanks again!

Jenno,

You're very welcome!

If you need anything, just ask.

Good Luck!

Has anyone said, that to remove a single tile, make sure you cut throught all the grout around the tile, or the tiles next to the tile being removed will crack?

Carpets Done Wright,

Tiles were already down when this was posted. Then there was more cracks found after the fact. The issue is getting replacement tiles, not how to remove them. Jenno has already decided on new.