Subway tiles are a classic and timeless tile option that can work in many home designs. With their rectangular shape and typically white color, subway tiles offer a clean, sharp look for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces. As one of the most popular tile styles, subway tiles have variations in sizes, materials, colors, and layouts. Understanding the different subway tile styles will help you find the right one for your needs.
What Are Subway Tiles?
Subway tiles get their name from their resemblance to the white tile walls used in early 20th century subway stations. The signature look is a 3-inch by 6-inch rectangular tile often made from glazed ceramic or porcelain. The elongated shape and crisp lines create a pattern of slim grout lines that emphasize the geometry.
While white is the most common subway tile color, you can find them in almost any color nowadays. Subway tiles are a classic choice because they offer:
- Clean, sharp look: The slim grout lines and geometric shape keep the look very tidy. This style offers a bold, but understated look.
- Design versatility: Available in countless colors, sizes, and materials, subway tiles can be customized to fit your design needs.
- Budget-friendly option: Subway tile tends to be very affordable, especially the basic white ceramic tile.
- Easy maintenance: Glossy subway tiles resist staining and are easy to clean.
With the right layout and tiles, you can use subway tiles to create both vintage and modern looks.
Types of Subway Tile Layout Patterns
Beyond just grabbing basic white subway tile, you have numerous options for laying out subway tile to create different visual effects. Consider which layout can best help you achieve your design goals before starting your project. Here are some of the most common subway tile patterns:
Brick Layout
The brick pattern is the most traditional layout. It has a timeless look with tiles laid in parallel offset rows like bricks in a wall. Each tile is offset by half its length from the tile below, creating a staggered look.
The brick pattern maximizes the grout lines for a bolder, graphic aesthetic. It works well in both modern and old-world kitchens and bathrooms.Using the traditional bright white subway tile with thin grout lines keeps the brick pattern looking clean and sharp.
Stacked Layout
The stacked layout features subway tiles lined up vertically in stacked rows. All the grout lines align perfectly vertically. This creates clean lines and a subtle striped effect.
The stacked subway tile layout works well in contemporary, modern spaces since it has a neater, tidier look than the brick pattern. It also expands the feeling of height in a room. Mixing subway tiles colors in the stacked layout adds a retro punch.
Herringbone Layout
The herringbone layout has tiles set in an interlocking zigzag pattern. It offers a visual play on the traditional subway tile design.
Setting subway tile in a herringbone pattern adds striking visual movement and interest. The pattern also disguises uneven walls since it does not align in straight vertical and horizontal lines. With its dynamic energy, herringbone works well in creative spaces.
Pinwheel Layout
In a pinwheel layout, a center tile is surrounded in all four corners by tiles positioned diagonally. This creates a circular starburst or pinwheel effect.
Installing subway tiles in a pinwheel pattern adds flair and energy to any space. It also helps shrink large open expanses through its radial movement. The pinwheel works best on a focal wall.
Basketweave Layout
Tiles are set in an over-under basketweave pattern so that each tile crosses the two below it. The intersecting design adds nice textural interest.
Basketweave is a stellar subway tile layout option for adding detailing without going too overboard. It works well on both walls and floors to offer a hint of flair.
Subway Tile Sizes
Subway tiles come in a range of lengths ranging from the traditional 3-inch by 6-inch size up to 12-inches long. The sizes are defined by their length since the height always remains fairly consistent at 3 inches.
Choosing among different subway tile sizes can help you tweak the visual effect. Here is an overview of some common options:
2×8 Subway Tile
The 2-inch by 8-inch size shrinks the standard proportion to create longer, slimmer rectangles. The thinner width adds more grout line for a different look.
3×6 Subway Tile
The classic size, 3-inch by 6-inch is the subway tile size that most people envision. It creates an elongated rectangle in the standard proportion.
4×8 Subway Tile
A 4-inch by 8-inch tile makes for an even longer, skinnier proportion. The longer length adds an exaggerated vertical or horizontal effect.
4×10 Subway Tile
As subway tiles get bigger in scale, they can work well on floors in addition to walls. The 4-inch by 10-inch size delivers visual impact to larger areas.
4×12 Subway Tile
The largest commonly available subway tile, the 4-inch by 12-inch size has a dramatic, oversized look. Use it to create bold impact.
Considerations for Choosing Tile Size
Keep these tips in mind when selecting subway tile sizes:
- Smaller tiles work better for smaller spaces like powder rooms
- Use larger tiles to emphasize high ceilings or make spaces seem bigger
- Varying tile size in different areas can add built-in detailing
- Keep grout lines uniform for a clean look; adjust tile size to match grout
Subway Tile Materials
Subway tile goes far beyond basic white ceramic tile. You can find subway tiles made from almost any type of material. The material you select impacts cost, quality, and maintenance. Here is an overview:
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is the most ubiquitous and affordable subway tile material. Made from natural clay, ceramic tiles offer endless colors and finishes. A glazed ceramic subway tile will have the quintessential glossy finish that is easy to clean. However, the thin tile may chip over time and grout can stain.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile provides a big step up in durability and quality over ceramic. Made from refined clay and fired at a higher temperature, porcelain is dense, water-resistant, and resistant to scratches. A polished porcelain subway tile replicates the glassy look of ceramic. Porcelain is costlier than ceramic but worth it for longevity.
Glass Tile
Subway tiles made from glass add brilliant gloss and colors ranging from translucent to bold and opaque. The glass material pairs well with any design style from Victorian to contemporary. However, glass tiles may not stand up to impacts as well as ceramic and tend to have a higher price.
Marble Tile
For a touch of luxury, natural stone marble subway tiles offer gorgeous veining and upscale appeal. Marble’s classic elegance works great in traditional kitchens and baths. Just keep in mind that marble requires more maintenance and sealant than ceramic or porcelain. Costs are also higher.
Metal Tile
Metal subway tiles lend an industrial, contemporary vibe through their sleek, reflective material. Stainless steel, copper, bronze, and other metals make for durable, easy-care backsplashes and accent walls. Metal tiles work well in modern, masculine spaces.
Subway Tile Colors
White may be the iconic subway tile color, but it’s far from the only option nowadays. Subway tiles now come in a huge array of colors to complement and accent your space. Here are some top options:
White
White subway tiles are an easy match for any style. Crisp bright white has a clean, neutral presence. Softer white options like almond add a subtle touch. Use white subway tiles as a blank backdrop or pair colors together.
Gray
Gray is a versatile neutral color that works with both warm and cool palettes. Cool grays have an understated urban vibe while warms grays create a soothing backdrop. Gray pairs nicely with white for a minimalist look.
Beige
Beige subway tiles lend a subtle, earthy feel perfect for rustic, farmhouse, or Mediterranean spaces. Pair beige with warm wood tones and touches of antique white for a welcoming look.
Blue
From navy to sky blue,bold to pastel, blue subway tiles inject color and vibrance. Blue colors work well in kitchens and baths as well as laundry rooms. Use blue tile behind open shelves to spotlight favorite collections.
Green
Earthy green subway tiles complement spaces inspired by nature. Sage green makes a soothing spa-like statement in bathrooms. Brighter greens energize a teen’s room or an eco-friendly kitchen. Match green tiles to cabinetry for an integrated look.
Black
Inky black subway tiles make a striking, dramatic statement. Use black tile sparingly as an accent or make it the star player in a bold, edgy kitchen. Try glossy black tile or matte to control the reflection.
Color Combinations
Don’t just stick to a single subway tile color. Mixing multiple colored tiles together adds retro flair. Try diagonal patterns or borders that alternate colors for additional detailing.
Costs of Subway Tile
The wide range of subway tile sizes, materials, colors, and finishes leads to a similarly wide price range. Here are some typical costs you can expect:
- Ceramic subway tile: $0.50 – $2 per square foot
- Porcelain subway tile: $2 – $4 per square foot
- Glass subway tile: $8 – $20 per square foot
- Natural stone subway tile: $5 – $15 per square foot
- Metal subway tile: $10 – $25 per square foot
Besides just the tile itself, make sure to factor in additional project costs like:
- Mortar, thinset, and grout
- Tile backerboard if using in wet areas like bathrooms
- Tile edging strips or accent tiles for borders
- Labor, especially if working on larger areas or complex layouts
Choosing the Right Subway Tile Style
With the wide range of subway tile sizes, materials, colors, and layouts available, deciding on a look can feel overwhelming initially. Keep these tips in mind when selecting subway tile:
- Take inspiration from your existing design scheme and décor. Does your space lean traditional or modern? Cool or warm color palette? That can help narrow things down.
- Consider the size and flow of the space. Smaller and vertical spaces may call for smaller and longer tiles to make the space seem bigger.
- Look at how much natural light the space gets. Bold colors show up better in bright rooms; soft hues work in dimmer rooms.
- Know how the space is used and needed durability. Kitchen backsplashes demand an easy-clean, durable material like porcelain.
- Don’t overlook the power of white! A basic bright white tile works in nearly any room.
- If doing a complex layout, use tile spacers for consistent grout line widths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subway Tiles
Ready to install subway tile? Here are answers to some common questions that come up:
How are subway tiles installed?
Typically subway tiles are adhered to the wall using a thinset mortar specially formulated for walls. The tiles must be installed on a solid backing like cementboard not drywall. Using spacers ensures even spacing for grout lines. Once the thinset cures, grout is pressed into the grout joints and wiped.
What thinset is best for subway tile?
Look for a polymer-modified thinset mortar that will be strong and water-resistant. Unsanded thinset is preferred for the narrow grout joints in subway tile applications. White thinset is ideal for white or light grout.
What are the standard subway tile sizes?
The original standard is 3 inches by 6 inches. Other common lengths now are 2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch while staying 3 inches tall. Some specialty shapes like hexagons exist too.
How do you cut subway tiles?
The easiest way to cut subway tile is using a snap tile cutter for straight cuts and nippers for notches or curves. For specialty cuts, a wet saw with a diamond blade can be used. Cut tiles should be no smaller than half a tile.
How do you lay subway tile to be level?
Start by finding the lowest point of the floor and use a level to mark a base line on the wall. Level and install tiles along base line using tile spacers. Use wedges under bottom row to level if needed. Check level often as you tile up the wall.
What color grout goes with white subway tile?
White and light gray grouts are popular choices with white subway tile. But any color from black to beige can work as an accent. Match grout color to any colored subway tiles used. Dark grout highlights the tile; light grout unifies the look.
Choosing the Perfect Subway Tile Design
Subway tile offers versatility and timeless appeal. With numerous options for colors, materials, sizes, layout patterns, and more, creating your ideal subway tile design is readily achievable. Keep your existing space and decor in mind. And don’t overlook mixing styles like alternating colors or combining subway tile shapes. With creativity and smart planning, subway tile can add a polished, bespoke finish.
Conclusion
Subway tiles remain one of the most popular backsplash and wall covering options because of their clean, versatile look and broad design possibilities. Whether aiming for a traditional vintage tile design or modern bold colors and shapes, subway tiles can deliver. Take time to consider the size, material, layout pattern, and grout colors that work best for your goals. With the right subway tile choice, you can enjoy a stylish, enduring, and easy-care finish.