About Us
The W. F. Norman Corporation is well known for its tin ceilings and stamped sheet metal products. The decorative tin ceilings, roofs, exterior siding and ornaments are widely used in new construction and renovation of residential and commercial buildings.
From its turn-of-the-century factory in Nevada, Missouri, the W. F. Norman Corp. uses original machinery and production methods. Panels are made one at a time on antique rope drop hammers, resulting in better quality control than modern hydraulic presses.
William Franklin Norman founded the W. F. Norman Sheet Metal Manufacturing Company in 1898. In 1978, grandson Franklin Norman sold the business to Robert Quitno. It is still run today by Bob’s family.
Products
Tin Ceiling Panels
We have a wide range of tin ceiling pattern designs and sizes. Panels may be used on ceilings or walls. They are fastened to a plywood or wood-furred surface. Panels which list a ‘depth’ are raised and must use a wood-furring grid. See the installation page for further instructions. Tin-plated steel is the standard metal. Galvanized steel is available for exterior use. Copper and brass may be special ordered either raw or cleaned, polished and clear-coated. Many of the ceiling panels are also available as a drop-in. Panels specified in the gallery as a drop-in can be trimmed in order to lay into a standard 15/16″ drop-in grid system. They lay reasonably flat, however clips may be used to secure the panels.
Tin Ceiling Cornices
A Cornice may be used with field panels to complete a ceiling design, or by itself as a cove molding. Wood blocks are provided with most cornices to set the angle and hold the fasteners where the cornices overlap. All cornices are 48″ long. Projection (ceiling dimension) and Depth (wall dimension) are listed, as well as available 90 degree corners. Cornices without mitres are simply cut with tin snips at the desired angle.
Tin Ceiling Moldings
Moldings are often used between the field and the filler. Wood blocks are provided with the higher profile moldings to hold the fasteners where the moldings overlap. All moldings are 48″ long. 90 degree corner Ells, Tees, and Crosses are available where specified. Moldings without corners are simply cut with tin snips to the desired angle.
Tin Ceiling Centers
Centers are often used to accent a fan or a light fixture. In addition to the examples shown in this gallery, other centers can be created by combining different panels and moldings.
Custom Tin Ceiling Panels
Most original manufacturers of tin ceilings no longer exist. Our pattern and die-making process allows us to reproduce any panel from an existing piece. If you are restoring an older ceiling but don’t see your design here, send us a picture to see if we’ve made it for another project. Price quotations for new reproductions are available by phone. Below are some examples of previously replicated historical designs.
Tin Ceiling Designs
The ceiling designs shown in this gallery are examples of traditional combination. Any field, molding, filler or cornice can be substituted or eliminated from a given design. Many rooms are designed from scratch, using components chosen by the customer, mixed and matched to best fit the room’s size, shape and height.
Ordering & Shipping
Orders may be placed by phone, fax, or e-mail. Place your Grave Markers order request using our new online form. You may pay by Check in Advance, COD, or Credit Card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Invoices are sent by mail or fax within 24 hours of shipment.
There are no packing or handling charges. The customer pays actual freight. Smaller orders are sent UPS Ground. Larger orders are delivered by a truck company. Faster methods are available at the customer’s request.
