Journal

What Makes Tin Tile So Unique

August 4, 2016  |  inspiration, interior design trends, renovation, tile
What Makes Tin Tile So Unique

Tin tile originated in Europe in the 1880s as a kind of fire protection. This was a big concern at the time due to gas lamps and open flame cooking. The tiles were originally cut from sheets of steel and called “steel ceilings.” Later the ceiling tiles were plated with tin to help minimize rusting. This is when people started referring to the tiles as tin tile.

Today tin tiles can be made up of steel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and mineral fiber. The cost of tiling a ceiling is determined mostly by which material selected. There are many different styles including Greek revival, Eastlake, Baroque, Colonial, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Art Deco, and Tudor. There are three ways to hang the tile. They can be nailed up, dropped into a grid, or pieced together using a tongue and grove system. To measure how much tin tile you will need for a space you can use this formula:

(ceiling width x ceiling height) ÷ 4 x .02 (for waste) = number of 2’ x 2’ panels

Tin ceilings are made up of mostly the field panels that cover the majority of the ceiling. There are filler panels, which make up the border around the outside perimeter of the ceiling, and the cornice, which makes the transition from the filler to the top of the wall. The pieces around the top of any light fixtures in the ceiling are called medallion pieces.

Tin tile is now used more decoratively and in many unusual applications. These include a backsplash or walls. They have also been cut and used to adorn planters or frames.