All About Subway Tiles for Your Splashback
Introducing Subway Tiles
Ever notice those sleek, shiny tiles in your favourite cafes or friend's newly remodeled bathroom? Yep, those are subway tiles making a big splash since they first came to light in subway stations back in the day. These bad boys, usually measuring 3 by 6 inches, pack a punch of timeless charm to your kitchen or bathroom wall.
From ceramic to glass and even marble, subway tiles come in almost every flavour. Fancy a farmhouse look? Maybe a modern slick city vibe? Subway tiles adapt like a chameleon. They're the blank canvas and you're the artiste. Peek at our subway tiles guide for more inspiring ideas.
| Material |
Common Sizes (inches) |
Best Spots to Use |
| Ceramic |
3 x 6, 4 x 8 |
Kitchen, Bathroom |
| Glass |
3 x 6, 4 x 12 |
Kitchen, Bathroom |
| Marble |
3 x 6, 4 x 8 |
Kitchen, Bathroom |
Why Choose Subway Tiles for Your Splashback?
Wondering why subway tiles should be your new best friend? Here's the scoop:
Old-School Cool: Subway tiles look good today, tomorrow, and might we dare to say, forever. Their simple style fits snugly with most designs, from sleek modern to cozy vintage.
Rough and Tough: These tiles are sturdy soldiers, with ceramic and glass ones resisting moisture and pesky stains like a champ. Perfect for kitchen and bathroom dramas.
Hassle-Free: Subway tiles are a breeze to clean. A little love with a damp cloth will keep them shining bright. Slide over to our how-to on shiny clean subway tiles for more handsy tips.
Mix and Match: With a smorgasbord of colours, materials, and finishes, the world's your oyster. A switch up in grout can also work wonders—try white tiles with grey grout or go bold with black grout.
Bank-Friendly: Subway tiles won't break the bank. They're cost-effective champs for any budget-savvy renovator.
Check out this subway tile kitchen idea to see how well these tiles can transform your space.
Choosing subway tiles isn't just about picking a tile—you're saying yes to classic style and Mr. Tough Guy durability, making your splashback a lasting head-turner in your home.
Styling Ideas with Subway Tiles
Classic Subway Tile Layout
Classic subway tile layout never goes outta style. It's like your grandma’s apple pie recipe – always a winner. Picture this: tiles lined up like soldiers in a tidy brick formation. Each tile's nudged half a width aside from the one below. The result? A scene as neat as a pin, perfect for kitchens or bathrooms.
Feel like jazzing things up a bit? Play with grout. Think about the dramatic twist of pairing white subway tiles with grey grout – it's like adding a surprise pinch of cinnamon to that apple pie. Or go bold by mixing black grout with white tiles for a combo that’s easier on the eyes yet gives a slight rebellious touch.
| Tile Colour |
Grout Buddy |
| White Subway Tiles |
Grey, Black |
| Blue Subway Tiles |
White, Matching Blue |
| Green Subway Tiles |
White, Dark Green |
Modern Herringbone Pattern
Now, sometimes you've gotta shake things up a bit and the herringbone pattern does just that. Imagine laying your tiles in a swaggering zigzag, each one cheekily tilted 45 degrees off the square of the last. It’s artsy and eye-catching, giving any space an extra oomph.
Mix 'n match different types of tiles here. Team up ceramic subway tiles with glass subway tiles – a textured dance of gloss and matte that turns a plain space into something special.
Let’s break down the herringbone magic:
-
Gear Up: Size up your area and nail down that starting point right in the middle.
-
First Move: Drop the first tile at a snazzy 45-degree angle.
-
Joining the Fun: Cozy the next tile right up, also at 45 degrees, making that signature herringbone "V".
-
Keep on Rollin': Stick with it, keeping everything lined up nicely.
And guess what? This pattern isn’t just for splashbacks. It works wonders on feature walls or even floors, making it a crafty pick for any home tweak.
No matter if you're sticking with the evergreen classic layout or veering off with a modern herringbone twist, both styles bring out the best in your splashback. Hungry for more inspiration? Check out our goodies on subway tiles, mosaic tiles, and travertine tiles.
Types of Subway Tiles
Choosing the right subway tiles for your splashback can turn your cooking space into a work of art. Let's take a peek at ceramic, glass, and marble options—they each bring their own charm to the table.
Ceramic Subway Tiles
Ceramic subway tiles are like that trusty friend: they fit anywhere and don't empty your pockets. Made from good old clay, these tiles can be dressed up with a shiny glaze or kept simple. Glazed ceramic tiles are a doddle to clean, making them top contenders for kitchens and bathrooms.
| Perk |
Details |
| Material |
Clay |
| Surface |
Glazed or unglazed |
| Durability |
Moderate to high |
| Maintenance |
Effortless cleaning, just wipe now and then |
| Style Choices |
A rainbow of colors and patterns |
Pair these classics with your favourite grout colour for a personal touch. Looking for snazzy ideas? Check out our piece on white subway tiles with grey grout.
Glass Subway Tiles
For a splashback with style, glass subway tiles are your go-to. They add a modern, glossy sheen and come in every shade. Perfect for those who want a flash of colour in their wash space or galley.
| Perk |
Details |
| Material |
Glass |
| Surface |
Glossy and reflective |
| Durability |
Tough, stain and moisture-proof |
| Maintenance |
A cinch to clean with a glass spritz |
| Style Choices |
Choose from transparent, translucent, or solid hues |
Glass tiles play with light, bouncing it around like a disco ball and opening up the room. They fit right in with modern or simple designs. For more glam, browse our glass mosaic tiles.
Marble Subway Tiles
If "timeless" and "luxury" had a love child, it would be marble subway tiles. Carved from natural stone, each piece flaunts unique veins, adding class to any wall splash.
| Perk |
Details |
| Material |
Natural stone (marble) |
| Surface |
Polished for shine or honed for a softer finish |
| Durability |
High, but be gentle—prone to etching and staining |
| Maintenance |
Needs a bit of pampering—sealing and regular tidying |
| Style Choices |
Picture natural veins and shades of white and grey |
Marble needs a tad more TLC than other tiles, but who can resist its beauty? For a sprinkle more elegance, then put your feet up with our marble mosaic tiles.
Getting to know your subway tiles can help you jazz up that splashback. Whether you love the ceramic staple, the glass modern look, or marble's grand entrance, there's a subway tile out there waiting for you. Browse through our subway tiles collection and find your perfect match.
Picking The Right Subway Tiles
So you're thinking about jazzing up your splashback with subway tiles, huh? A wise choice, because it can really spruce up your place with style and flair. Let's sort through all those zillion options and get your kitchen or bathroom looking fab while being super practical, too.
What to Think About
When you’re hunting for subway tiles, a few things stand out in the crowd you gotta check off your list.
Material
Subway tiles ain't just a one-size-fits-all deal. You've got choices, like ceramic, glass, or marble, each with its own perks.
| Material |
How Tough |
Easy to Clean? |
Coin Cost |
| Ceramic |
Super tough |
A breeze |
Won’t break the bank |
| Glass |
Fairly sturdy |
Moderate |
Mid-range |
| Marble |
Rock solid |
Needs more TLC |
Ching-ching! |
Size and Shape
Subway tiles have been rocking that rectangle vibe forever, but they can differ in size. Wanna go with a classic puzzle or opt for a sleek, newer appeal? You do you.
| Tile Size (in inches) |
Vibe Check |
| 3x6 |
Old school cool |
| 2x8 |
Fresh and modern |
| 4x12 |
Chic and sleek |
Colour and Finish
Colors and finishes can totally flip the script on how your place looks and feels. Want something shiny and bright, or muted and classy? Oh, and do check out some ideas on white subway tiles, green subway tiles, and blue subway tiles while you're at it.
Subway Tiles to Fit Your Space
Your kitchen or bathroom's style can point you in the right direction when you're picking tiles. Here are a few go-tos to get that perfect fit.
Kitchen Design
A kitchen needs something not just nice to look at, but practical, too. Try white subway tiles with dark grout for a timeless look that's easy to spruce up. Feeling modern? Give vertical subway tiles a whirl for a fresh, different look. Find more good stuff over at our subway tiles kitchen page.
Bathroom Design
Bathrooms have the potential to be little retreats. Marble subway tiles give off those chill spa energies, while black tiles are just the ticket if you want drama with a capital D. Swing by our subway tiles bathroom page for a peek at more ideas.
Picking subway tiles for your splashback is about more than just lining things up nice and neat. It’s about letting your personality peep through while making everything work like a charm. With the right tiles in place, your space will not only look smashing but will also work hard for you day in and day out.
Installation Tips and Tricks
Preparation Before Installation
Getting your subway tiles in place for the splashback isn't just about throwing them on—they need a decent set-up beforehand. First off, grab that tape measure and size up your wall space, then you'll know how many tiles are calling your name. Always snag a few extras—like 10% more—since you never know when an oops or break happens.
- Subway tiles
- Tile goo (that's fancy talk for adhesive or thin-set mortar)
- Little plastic spacers (no squishy tiles here)
- Grout
- Notched trowel (for spreading your secret sauce)
- Tile cutter
- Level (no leaning towers, please)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Sponge
Before you get tile-happy, make sure your wall's nice and clean—ain't nobody got time for grease and dirt messing up your masterpiece. If the wall's got some bumps, smooth ‘em out with primer or compound—they gotta be nice and flat for those tiles to act right.
Proper Installation Techniques
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Subway Tiles:
- Planning Layout:
- The secret weapon to good tiling? Laying it all out like a boss. Find the wall’s centre with that level and pencil—it’s your home base. Keeping it centred means even tiles across the board.
- Applying Adhesive:
- Spread that tile sticky stuff on the wall with your notched trowel, holding it like you’re serving up a pizza slice—45 degrees does the trick. Grooves in the glue make tiles stick like peanut butter and jelly.
- Placing Tiles:
- Start putting those tiles in place, beginning from your marked line. Pop in spacers in between each one for that perfect pause. Keep slathering on the glue and pressing tiles into their new home, a little section at a time.
- Cutting Tiles:
- Got some tricky areas? Measure and cut tiles to get them fitting snugly around the edges, outlets and whatnot. Don’t forget those goggles—safety first, 'cause debris ain't your friend.
- Checking Alignment:
- Every now and then, check if the tiles are inline like they’ve got somewhere to be. Adjust before the adhesive sets and you’re stuck with wonky tiles.
- Grouting:
- After the glue does its thing (usually takes about 24 hours), yank out the spacers and smear grout over the tiles. The magic float thingy helps spread it. A damp sponge clears away the extra grout while keeping your lines smooth and slick.
Example Grouting Timing Chart:
| Step |
Timing |
| Apply Adhesive |
10 mins |
| Place Tiles |
2 hrs |
| Adhesive Set Time |
24 hrs |
| Apply Grout |
1 hr |
| Grout Set Time |
24 hrs |
| Final Cleaning |
30 mins |
Tips for a Seamless Installation:
- Check twice, cut once—save yourself some tile troubles.
- Keep it tidy—don't let adhesive or grout dry where it shouldn't.
- Stay consistent with the pressure while you’re working through applying.
Stick to these steps and you'll have your kitchen or bathroom looking like a pro was in charge with that subway tile splashback. Want more scoops on different tile tricks? Take a peek at our guides on subway tiles and splashback tiles.
Maintenance and Care for Subway Tiles
So, you've gone for the classic subway tile look for your splashback. Great choice! To keep those tiles looking spiffy and vibrant, here's some practical wisdom on cleaning and making them last.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Keep your subway tiles shining with these handy hints for cleaning and making them last:
- Regular Cleaning:
- Grab a soft cloth or sponge, dunk it into warm, soapy water, and give those tiles a wipe.
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals – they can mess up the tile surface.
- Deep Cleaning:
- Got stubborn stains? Whip up a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the trouble spot, and give it a gentle scrub.
- Rinse off well with clean water to avoid any lingering residue.
- Grout Care:
- Use a grout cleaner to zap any grime or mould.
- A toothbrush works wonders for grout lines — who knew?
- Dry Immediately:
- After cleaning, dry with a soft towel to fend off water spots and streaks.
| Cleaning Method |
Frequency |
Tools Needed |
| Regular Cleaning |
Weekly |
Soft cloth, soapy water |
| Deep Cleaning |
Monthly |
Baking soda, water paste |
| Grout Cleaning |
As needed |
Grout cleaner, toothbrush |
Got more types of subway tiles? Our article on subway tiles will fill in the gaps.
Longevity of Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are troopers, known for their toughness and long life. Here's how to keep 'em in tip-top shape and hold onto that zing for more years:
- Seal the Grout:
- Slap on a grout sealer to stop moisture from sneaking in and causing a fuss.
- Pop on a fresh coat now and then, following the instructions on the tin.
- Prevent Scratches:
- Stick with non-abrasive cleaners and tools to keep scratches at bay.
- Use soft edge protectors on utensils and gadgets that meet the tiles.
- Handle Spills Promptly:
- Dab up spills right away to dodge stains, especially with materials like marble and some ceramics.
Follow these tips, and your subway tiles splashback will look sharp while doing its job. Explore the different types of subway tiles and their care specifics with our guides on subway tiles kitchen and subway tiles bathroom.
Keep those tiles gleaming and bring a dash of style to your kitchen or bathroom with subway tiles that stand the test of time.
