A classic style that has not only survived but thrived throughout the twentieth century well into the new millennium. It’s how you lay these subway tiles that makes the biggest impact. Think herringbone, basket-weave or brick bond patterns.
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*This product may have sold at a lower price than the current advertised price. It’s important to note that colours vary from screen to screen, it’s always best to see the tile before you buy. We can help you out with samples sent to your door if you are in a Metro area and the tiles are no bigger than 300 x 600 or you can drop into one of our 110+ stores.
From its conception in the 1900s, the humble white subway tile has reinvented itself time and time again to become the ultimate choice for a timeless look.
If you are renovating to enhance your character home, or give a vintage vibe for a new build, think bathroom subway tiles and kitchen subway tiles.
The authentic size of a subway tile is 3x6 inches (approximately 75x150mm) and is traditionally laid in a brick-bond pattern. Today there is a whole new world of subway tiles to be selected from directly inspired by the original 3x6 inch tile. For a more modern feel choose a 100x300mm size and lay the subway tile vertically. Or the elongated 75x300mm looks absolutely stunning laid in a herringbone subway tile pattern with a contrasting grout colour.
Coloured subway tiles are the way to make the biggest visual impact. A green subway tile inspires all things natural and sits beautifully next to stone or timber. A blue subway tile sets the scene for an easy Coastal or Hamptons style. But a grey subway tile elevates the sophistication to a new level.
There’s nothing like a quick DIY to update your kitchen and laundry with a subway tile splashback. Browse our full range of bathroom tiles, laundry tiles and splashback tiles.
Our best advice when launching into a renovation or build project is to put your money where you can make the most impact while sticking to your budget. A subway tile backsplash quite often is only a few square metres, which means it won’t burn a hole in your purse or wallet, but yet creates a beautiful focal point for your kitchen. We also have a stunning range of kit kat tiles, which are smaller and thinner in size while still maintaining that traditional subway shape.
The next question is ‘how do I choose a splashback?’. At Beaumonts, we have online tools to help you find your perfect subway tiles. Our Tile Visualiser is like having your own interior designer. Just select your room, and then click on Select Type and scroll down to subway tiles. How easy is that! Otherwise, discover our kitchen inspiration and laundry inspiration for subway tile ideas and trends.
We want to keep you as safe as we can, we offer a click-and-collect service to pick up your tiles, or home delivery when you buy subway tiles and bathroomware online. But if you’re buying a subway tile with lots of character or colour, you may want to order multiple full-sized subway tile samples to make sure the colour and variation are right for your space, or come in and see them in-store.
The subway tile is iconic, one of the most famous and recognisable tiles around the world. The concept was designed by George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge for the New York subway system in 1904. They found that these 75x150cm tiles were the best way to keep subway stations clean and attractive. It seemed the world agreed and we still see them gracing the walls of kitchens and bathrooms all around the world!
You will need to get your measuring tape or go get your building plans. Measure the length and width of the space you want to apply subway tiles. Then multiply them to get a square metre total. Beaumont Tiles makes it easy by selling subway tiles by square metres. But please don’t forget to add 10% to your tile order - this is for any cuts that need to be done, and for keeping a few to store away as spares, just in case there is any damage to your subway tiles in the future.
Subway tiles are just like any other wall tiles in thickness, they typically range from 6 to 10mm. Some Subway tiles have a structure or an undulating surface like a handmade or 3D look. These tiles can sometimes add a few mm to the thickness, usually a maximum of 10mm thick. Make sure you think about where you plan to lay your tiles, and how far they will protrude from a wall, and don’t forget to add an allowance of 3mm for a bed of adhesive.
Have you decided on your laying pattern? Subway tiles are so versatile and you can get so many different looks with this one little tile. This is your opportunity to play! Try out the laying patterns that you have envisioned for this space. When laying subway tiles, we highly recommend dry-laying tiles before they are glued in place. Why not try out herringbone, brick-bond and vertical straight-laying formats? This will also allow you to see any variation and ensure everything is even and to your liking.
Yes, definitely grout your subway tiles, they protect the edges of the tiles, add the overall structure of the application, and create a lovely finished look. It is particularly important to grout subway tiles if you have chosen a distinctive laying pattern as the grout becomes the pattern. Choose a grout colour that contrasts with your subway tile colour, that way you will accentuate the laying pattern beautifully. Read our guide on how to tile a kitchen splashback for more information.
