The Essential Things You Should Know About Subway Tiles

The Essential Things You Should Know About Subway Tiles

Posted on by Jack Sorensen

Subway tiles have been a buzzing term in the world of interior designs. Even if you are a newbie interior designer, you would have heard about subway tiles either once or twice. Especially if you have ever attempted to renovate or update your kitchen or bathroom walls, you know what it is.

As we speak, subway tiles are among America’s most trusted options for kitchen and bathroom designs. You will find them in luxury homes, five start hotels, A-rated restaurants, and every other space where they strictly adore elegance and class.

Subway tiles give a classic look to your bathroom and kitchen, and there are no boundaries to how versatile they can be. They provide you unlimited opportunities to add designs, interest, mood and character to your space.

Yes. Subway tiles are becoming the most after tiles for interior designs. Yet, not many people know what makes these tiles so unique. There is more to these tiles, aside from the multiple design options they bring. So, let’s start unveiling some secrets about these tiles by answering some of the most common questions people ask about them.

What is subway tile?

The term subway tile refers to a typical rectangular tile that usually comes in 3 x 6 inches. Often, people lay them horizontally with a 50% offset. Subway tiles are of ceramic tile, and they are famous for being durable and timeless. Meanwhile, the term ‘timeless’ means that they are always in vogue has a different style and trend come and go. That is also people call them classic tiles.

They are high-quality tiles that offer unique designs and can work perfectly for several spaces in a building. 

How did the name ‘subway tiles’ came about? 

Let’s be honest. What came to your mind the first time you heard the name of these tiles? Did you ever wonder why a tile has to bear that name? Have you ever concluded that they are only meant for subway renovations? I know you would have asked many other questions in your mind. 

I also did the first time I heard the name. Well, many people wonder why subway tiles carry that name. Do you want to get the full details? Let’s dig deeper into the history.

Subway tiles first showed up in the New York subway stations.  Hence, the name, subway tiles. 

At a time in history, around 1904, two designers, George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge, took up a tricky task. It was to design a surface that people can clean quickly and come with a familiar, safe and friendly feel. They intended to aid the then inhabitants of New York City using underground transit for the first time. 

Guess what? The two iconic designers came up with some tiles with slightly curved edges and a polished finish. Thus, subway tile came into existence. 

Meanwhile, hygiene was at the top of the designers’ minds. So, they made an easy to clean, bacteria and stain resistant tile to illustrate that the subway stations were bright, sanitary and polished. In addition to that, the first set of subway tiles came in a white and glossy design to achieve a highly reflexive surface. Accordingly, that was to send a message to people travelling underground that the trip is safe and sanitary. Furthermore, it was meant to make passengers feel comfortable and improve the image of the station.

Are subway tiles still in vogue?

YES!. I wrote that ‘yes’ in a capital letter because I am double sure. Though subway tiles have an old history, they are still on top of every kitchen or bathroom renovation list – and they seem not coming down at all. As of today, professional interior designers still consider the tiles as one of the best in town. If you have the chance to check the houses around your vicinity, you will confirm this fact. 

What are the benefits of using subway tiles? 

Subway tiles come with a whole lot of unique benefits. That is not a gainsaying. Allow me to reveal a few of them in few bullet points. 

  • Easy To Clean

From what I know, one of the lowest points of using tiles in the home is cleaning. But, for subway tiles, it becomes an advantage. Naturally, subway tiles are stain-resistant, meaning that no stain can stay on them for long. 

Subway tiles are straightforward to clean and maintain. You don’t have to apply sophisticated chemicals before you make it glowing again. Instead, you only need to wipe softly and rinse to make it look like they just installed it. 

  • Versatility 

Subway tiles’ versatility does not have equals. No wonder pro designers always love to work with them. Practically, you can use subway tiles to create different types of designs in the interior of a building. I cannot overemphasize the tiles’ versatility and flexibility. You can install them in multiple ways, including stack bond, horizontal running bond, vertical running bond, vertical offset bond, herringbone, diagonal offset, crosshatch and more.

  • Highly Reflexive

Another incredible benefit of subway tiles is that they bring the reflection of light into your space. As a result, they have a unique way of projecting a sunny statement in your bathroom or kitchen. Based on this fact, I always advise people to make sure they use lovely pendant lights. That will complement the glamour and glitz that subway tiles naturally showcase in the home. 

What is a subway tile pattern? 

Do you know that there is a pattern named subway tile pattern? Now you know. We have a separate bathroom and kitchen walls designs, and I’m glad to hint to you that the subway tiles pattern is among the most adorable tiles out there. So, how come we have a subway tile pattern? Well, that is another historic name. 

Back in the day, designers preferred to lay subway tiles in a 50% offset. That means the middle of each tile aligns with the edges of the two tiles above or beneath. That was the way they first stacked subway tiles. 

Nowadays, designers take liberty with this iconic design. They jazz it up with a different twist and modern techniques to blend with the contemporary taste and trends. 

On a Final Note 

Now, you see why most people love to use subway tiles in their numerous renovation projects. Also, you know why it has been one of the most trusted tiles in the American community and how it has been very active for almost a century.  Summarily put, subway tiles are classic and historical, and that what they bring to your home when you install them.

How to Choose the Best Subway Tiles for Your Kitchen on a Low Budget

How to Choose the Best Subway Tiles for Your Kitchen on a Low Budget

Posted on by Jack Sorensen

The kitchen is one of the most critical places in the home. If you don’t know where to put the premium subway tiles in your house, the kitchen is one of the best places. Though some people see it as a room for cooking and food preparation, far more than that, it is the epicenter of the home. Are you wondering why? I thought as much. You can visit https://tileandbathco.com.au/collections/subway-tiles to know more about Subway tiles for Kitchen.

Most people do not quite understand the value of their kitchen and the benefits that comes with beautifying the kitchen walls and floors with nice-looking subway tiles. And as the famous saying goes, when you don’t know the purpose of a thing, abuse is inevitable. 

Consequently, most people, out of their outdated mindset, don’t want to spend much on renovating their kitchen. Instead, as much as they are concerned, they should emphasize the living room and install some low-quality tiles on the kitchen walls and floor. 

Well, if you also share that mindset, I think you are making a big mistake. Here are vital things you probably don’t know about putting suitable tiles in your kitchen. 

Why you need quality subway tiles in your kitchen 

  • Your kitchen serves a distinct purpose. It is the place where you make all the healthy meal that nourishes your body. Meanwhile, cooking can be a tiring chore if the area is not conducive enough. Come to think of it, don’t you agree that it is best to turn your meal preparation into a pleasurable activity? I know you would like that. But, I think the better way to achieve that is to transform your kitchen by installing high-quality subway kitchen tiles to make the whole place inviting and accommodating.
  • A kitchen is also a place for some fun family activities. For instance, you may decide to gather your family in the kitchen to cook or bake together. As you will also agree, that can bring a great bonding experience. In light of that, you can add glamour to the whole fun experience with lovely glass subway tiles.
  • Your kitchen holds the highest value when you want to sell your home. In reality, it is the first place homebuyers will visit during the home inspection. And, as it often happens, how your kitchen looks will determine whether the potential buyer will come later or never.

I can go on and on talking about the sure reasons you need to improve your kitchen with high-quality subway tiles. But, I think the few reasons above should convince you enough.

Now that you have unveiled the essence of upgrading your kitchen with quality subway tiles, you will need to learn how to choose the best for your kitchen. 

I have discussed extensively with people about installing subway tiles in their kitchen or any other places in their homes. However, I have always discovered that most homeowners take off their eyes from subway tiles because they think it will be more expensive. 

Are you shocked to hear that? Well, you don’t have to. On the contrary, subway tiles are their best alternatives when updating their kitchen on a meager budget. Allow me to share some professional advice on how you can choose top-quality subway tiles when you are on a low budget.

How to choose the best subway tiles for your kitchen on a low budget 

Figure Out What You Want

I quite understand that renovating a kitchen can become overwhelming when it comes to choosing suitable tiles. As much as I know, subway tiles come with a wide picky choice that can leave you choice-less. That’s why you need to determine what you want before you begin the renovation and go for it.

So, how do you figure out what you want? First, let’s go into the details. 

First off, I will advise you to look through magazines and informative blogs to find inspiration for colours, general design ideas and your preferred finishes. Then, you can put together a picture from those images you like and create inspiration from it.

Meanwhile, you need to organize your thoughts throughout the whole process. It will help you focus on your preferred design and make good choices of subway tiles suitable for your kitchen.

Check Out Plain White Subway Tiles

Plain white subway tiles are always charming, looking dated and classic. Though I have found some people who think that white subway tiles look somewhat old-fashioned, I have a different view of that. 

White subway tiles are always classic. They never go out of trend. And it would gladden your heart to know that they are not expensive. Undoubtedly, plain white subway tiles can be your best choice when you want adorable tiles at low prices. But, unfortunately, there are no many tiles of that quality at that ridiculous price.

If you want to install white subway tiles in your kitchen and make them fit in your expected design, it doesn’t cost much. You only have to mix it with glass or stone to create a custom look. Does it feel good to know that you can make it your own? Absolutely. You can jazz it up by setting the tiles in a vertical brick pattern (if you love it).

Know About Four or Five of Your Favourite Low-Budget Subway Tiles

From experience, one of the best ways to create a detailed list of low-budget subway tiles is to mix cheap ceramic subway tiles with either glass or stone. Then, you can cut the glass subway tiles into strips and add them to your backsplash design. More so, you can add some decorative stone liners to make them picture-perfect.

On A Final Note 

Here is some good news. You can get multiple alternatives for your favorite budget-friendly subway tiles to update your kitchen. What makes everything interesting is that they look perfectly like the high-quality ones you see in big mansions and five-star hotels. So going for inexpensive tiles does not mean you are opting for shabby renovation. On the contrary, low-budget subway tiles can make your kitchen look its best if you follow this guide adherently.

How To Install Subway Tiles In A Small Bathroom

How To Install Subway Tiles In A Small Bathroom

Posted on by Jack Sorensen

If you think tiling is the same thing whether the room is big or small, you make a big mistake. Based on firsthand experience, installing tiles on the wall of a small bathroom can be very challenging. And when you are dealing with subway tiles, things might get a little bit more complicated.

Now, I am not trying to make you feel bad if your bathroom is small; I am only preparing your mind for your next renovation. Meanwhile, you don’t have to go through inconveniences while tiling your small bathroom necessarily. Indeed, you can install your subway tiles perfectly if you have a guide from a professional perspective. And that’s what this written tutorial will offer you.

Starting from the start, laying out the tiles is among the most significant challenges when installing subway tiles on a bathroom wall, especially if it is a small bathroom with one door. 

I know you will love to line up your subway tiles to line up accurately at the door, but you won’t be able to start your tiling there. If you want to set things right, you need to begin installing at a point very distant from the door. Else, you may end up tiling yourself to a tight corner which can be big trouble. 

Instead of starting your tiling from the back door, I figured out that it is better to plan how you would want to layout your subway tiles before installing. That way, you will quickly get your desired result. Aside from that, it is the only way to lay your tiles perfectly with accurate spacing.

When it comes to installing tiles on a bathroom wall, the first row determines how the whole set will come out at the end of the day. If I sound more professional, getting the first set of tiles right will make the entire installation process bliss.

Now, let’s go into the details.

If you have found it challenging to install subway tiles on your small-sized bathroom wall, or you want to layout your tiles successfully without tiling yourself into a corner, here are professional tips on how you can install subway tiles without stress within the shortest time possible.

Installing Subway Tiles On Your Bathroom Wall 

Before we learn the installation process, we must discuss the materials you will need for the little renovation project. Here are the vital supplies for the work:

  • Subway Tiles
  • Tile Spacers 
  • Measuring Tape 
  • Framing Square 
  • Long Level
  • Thinset and Trowel 

Now, let’s learn the settings.

Setting Out the Wall Tiles 

Before you even consider mixing your thinset, the first thing to do is create time to lay all the tiles out. And, if you want to have a perfect layout, you need first to ask yourself these three essential questions:

  • What kind of layout do you want to achieve? Take your time to decide on the pattern, shape angles and many more.
  • Where is the most prominent part of the tiles?
  • How do you want to layout the tiles in the given area? Are you going to use cut tiles, or everything will be whole?

Perhaps my personal experience might give you a more precise direction. For example, when I wanted to tile my bathroom, I tried to lay all the tiles wholly right from the entrance. So, in the end, I laid the tiles out in a simple square pattern, though I had to rotate some tiles so that the corners could come together to form a complete design. 

Feel free to play the available spacers to check how they will look with grouts between them. More so, don’t be afraid to pull out as many subway tiles as possible and lay them out. Meanwhile, you can lay them on the floor to view as the whole layout would appear.

Once you have determined your desired layout, you can take the picture to save it for reference. That way, you will view it as a guide when you are laying your subway tiles.

Planning The Installation Of Your Subway Tiles

Now is the time for you to determine where you want to start the tiling. Don’t forget that you don’t want to tile yourself into a corner. So, you can set the thinset for at least 24 hours before you attempt walking on it. Else, you throw away all your hard work with a single mistake.

Carefully layout the subway tiles with the tile spacers between them. Make sure the wall tiles are tight against the tile spacers to give you an accurate measurement. Then take a measure of the completed laid out tiles.

Use a level (or straight line) to continue this line across the entire bathroom floor. Do not entirely rely on all your walls being square; that is why I prefer the framing square and level instead.

Installing Subway Tiles On The Wall

Now, it’s time for you to begin installing the tiles on the wall of your small bathroom. If you are a newbie in tiling, this article details how you can go about it from start to finish. Note that I learned many of these facts about tiling during my first Do-It-Yourself bathroom renovation projects. 

You can start by cutting a few tiles and dry-fit them around the bathroom opening to double-check your layout before you begin to tile. That way, you have already set the pace.

While installing your bathroom tiles, make sure that you pay careful attention to your layout line. To be sure, you don’t obscure the line. As for me, I used my trowel to lay the thin-set going from the line toward the back wall. 

Continue installing your subway tiles along the entire line and follow it through to the back of the bathroom. Next, make sure you tile yourself towards the door. After that, you can proceed to lay the tiles from the back to the front.

And there you have it! I bet you will pat yourself on the back for making efforts to ensure the tiles comes out in the accurate layout and correct pattern. Now, note that you have to reinspect the whole wall to ensure that you perfectly design bathroom wall tiles.