What size subway tile is best for kitchen backsplash?

The typical size for subway tile is 3″ x 6″, but with the vast selection of natural and man-made tiles, comes a huge variation in size availibility.  From mini tiles, around 1″ x 2″, to larger proportioned tiles around 4″ x 12″ +, size matters.

What size subway tile should you use for a kitchen backsplash?

Subway tile is traditionally 3 x 6 inches and this is the most popular size of subway tile. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other subway tile sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.

What size tile should I use for a kitchen backsplash?

If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.

What size subway tile looks best?

3×6 Subway tile is, perhaps, the most classic of all subway tile. It offers endless options for design and layout, while maintaining a timeless look. Here we have a 1/2 offset, or staggered, pattern. This brick-style look is seen everywhere from bathrooms to kitchens, indoor and outdoor.

What is the standard size subway tile?

What Size Are Subway Tiles? Traditionally, subway tile is 3 x 6 inches. However, sizes for subway tile have expanded to include many other sizes. The general rule is any wall tile with a 1 to 2 size can be styled as a subway tile: 2 x 4, 4 x 8, 6 x 12.

How do I choose a subway tile backsplash?

How to Choose Subway Tile – Pattern and Grout Options – YouTube


Does subway tile need spacers?

Yes. Most subway tile has grooves on the sides so you don’t need to use spacers at all because it’s an automatic 1/16″ grout line.

What are popular backsplash for 2021?

Five Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for 2021

  • White Cloe Tile. …
  • Marble and Quartzite. …
  • Cool, Calming Hues and Unique Sizes. …
  • Interesting Texture.

Can you use large tile for backsplash?

For easier installation and a solid design, use larger tiles to create your kitchen backsplash. For this project, you can even used recycled floor tiles. This Hometalker used dark marble tiles for a glossy, reflective backsplash.

What size tile should I use?

Bathroom Tile Size Advice: Floors, Walls, Showers &amp, Tubs

Area Recommended Sizes
Small shower walls 1-inch square to 4-inch square
Moderate or large shower walls 4-inch to 15-inch by 30-inch
Bathroom floor 1-inch square to 12-inch square, or up to large-format
Bathroom walls 4-inch square up to 12-inch by 24-inch

Is white subway tile out of style?

We know classic white ceramic subway tile will never go out of style, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look for ways to jazz it up! One of the current trends to give this timeless tile a fresh new look is adding contrasting grout!

How big should my grout lines be?

Grout lines need to be at least 1/16” for the grout to even fit, and often larger than that depending on a variety of other factors. For some grouts, like sanded cement grout, 1/8” is the minimum line size.

How thick is subway tile?

Subway tile is by definition a rectangular, thick, low-fired, glazed ceramic tile, traditionally 3″ by 6″, though it comes in a variety of sizes for home use.

Is subway tile out of style 2020?

Those rectangular shaped tiles are a timeless classic shape with the versatility and variety to fit any style. It’s safe to say, based on Toni’s point of view, that subway tiles will continue to grace homes in 2020 and beyond.

Is subway tile out of style 2021?

The subway tile trend will continue to be strong in 2021, but not in the way you would expect. Moving away from traditional styles, we are making way for more playful sizes. Expect to see larger and more colourful subway tile design patterns grace the splashbacks and feature walls of many interiors.

How thick is subway tile backsplash?

Whether your ceramic tiles are made from glass, porcelain or clay, most backsplash wall tiles are between 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick.

Should backsplash be lighter or darker than countertop?

The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.

Should grout be darker or lighter than tile?

SHOULD GROUT BE DARKER OR LIGHTER THAN THE TILE? This is somewhat a matter of taste, but if you have a variegated tile with several shades, you have several options to choose from for grout color. Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect.

How do you edge subway tile?

4 easy ways to finish tile edges

  1. Caulk the Edge. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. …
  2. Rail Moldings. Coordinating tile moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. …
  3. Metal Edges. Metal edges are available in a wide array of styles and finishes. …
  4. Create a Bullnose Edge.

How do you stagger subway tiles?

Subway Tile Quartering Layout Technique – YouTube

Do I need a wet saw to cut subway tile?

Subway Tile Kitchen Do: Rent or Borrow a Wet Saw

Depending on your tile choice, a fairly inexpensive tile cutter and nipper combination will be enough to handle most of the straight cuts. But if you have tile that is larger than 1 in.

What is the smallest grout line for tile?

Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it’s not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.

What is a timeless kitchen backsplash?

There are many timeless options for a kitchen backsplash such as hexagon tiles, picket tile, penny tile, and square format tile (just to name a few). Timeless Backsplash Tip: Opt for a natural stone like marble or slate for a more traditional and timeless look. For example, marble or slate mosaic tile!

Is subway tile difficult to install?

Laying the subway tile is super easy. The only place it gets slightly complicated is when cutting is involved, so I’ll give you a few examples of the tools and tricks you might need to have up your sleeve.

What backsplash is out of style?

Tiny Backsplash

Minimal backsplashes are out, and for good practical reasons. Spills and splatters don’t necessarily have good aim. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that goes all the way from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean and looking nice.

Are subway tiles out of style 2019?

Today, the subway tile is still in style, with its simple sophistication almost guaranteeing the trend’s longevity. “Subway tiles are classic and timeless, yet versatile, which is why they are so great. … “What we’ll continue to see is creative applications or versions of the subway tile.

What type of tiles are best for kitchen walls?

Tiles That Are Perfect For Your Kitchen

  • Ceramic. Ceramic tiles are one of the most commonly used tiles for kitchen and bathroom flooring. …
  • Glazed. Glazed tiles are used only for wall installation. …
  • Mosaic. Easy in the eye, mosaic tiles add enhance the beauty of your kitchen walls and flooring. …
  • Natural stone. …
  • Quarry.

Is it easier to tile with large or small tiles?

Laying ten large tiles is much easier because you only must do a little measuring and placing. Smaller tiles, on the other hand, require you to repeat the same process over and over for a considerable amount of time. Bigger tiles only require leveling of the four sides, which may quickly multiply to 24 or 32 sides.

What is the most popular tile size?

12×12 Squares

1-foot square tiles may be among the top contenders for the most popular tile size. This option is very commonly used on floors, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. You’ll also find 12-inch tiles in entryways and living areas.

What size tiles are best for a small kitchen?

Go for nothing smaller than standard 12 x 12-inch tiles, but preferably larger. One caution: galley kitchens, with their very narrow center floor, will look odd if you lay large tiles, especially if long grout lines run parallel to the cabinets.

Are big tiles better?

When Bigger is Better

Larger tiles require fewer grout lines, which can be visually appealing (giving your room an open, expansive look) as well as easier to clean. Large tiles complement a particularly large or open room, where smaller tiles with lots of grout lines might make the space look busy.

What is the most popular backsplash for kitchen 2021?

Tiles are the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen backsplashes because of their durability, affordability and variety. Tiles come in all different materials, colors, shapes and sizes, making them a natural fit for any style or taste.

Is Square tile out of style?

Well, square tiles are kind of on their way out. I mean, they’ll never be totally out, but the trend is moving toward wood-look planks. The exception to this is the bathroom, where large format tile is still super trendy and probably will be for a good, long time.

Does white subway tile go with everything?

White subway tile pairs well with almost any decor and allows plenty of freedom to play around with other materials and textures.

How much space do you need between backsplash tiles?

Spacers Along The Counter

We chose to use 1/16″ spacers in between tiles and turned these 1/16″ spacers on their side to create a 1/8″ spacer between the countertop and the backsplash tile. We opted to skip grouting that 1/8″ space and instead, caulk that line between the countertop and the tile.

How much grout do I need for backsplash?

Grout, including sealed grout, tends to wear more quickly than tile and become more porous and prone to staining. Because of this, minimizing the width of grout lines is advisable, keeping it down to around 1/16 inch. If you’re using unsanded grout, which is less resistant to cracking, keep the width under 1/8 inch.

Is subway tile a good backsplash?

It’s no surprise subway tiles are popular for kitchen backsplashes. They’re cheap, easy to clean, endlessly versatile, and arguably the most timeless option on the planet—no matter what environment they’re in, subway tiles never seem to look dated.

How thick is Thinset under subway tile?

Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board. For natural tiles with an uneven surface on the back, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thinset during installation.

Are subway tiles porcelain or ceramic?

Are subway tiles porcelain or ceramic? Subway tiles can be either porcelain or ceramic. Because subway tile is typically installed on walls, it is usually a wall-rated product which is typically ceramic.

Are 4 inch backsplashes outdated?

One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.

Is white subway tile hard to keep clean?

White subway tile, like nearly any subway tile, is particularly easy to keep clean with much less maintenance and elbow grease than you might expect. With ceramic tile being stain resistant, paired with the fact that glaze is non-absorbent, you have a one-two combo for keeping things sparkling clean – and white.

Is subway tile The cheapest?

Subway tile varies wildly in price. The unfussy, hardware-store varieties can ring in under $1 per tile (or $8 per square foot), as in the Daltile Ceramic Bullnose Wall Tile from Home Depot, while handmade, artisan interpretations can run upwards of $60 per square foot, as in the offerings from Heath Ceramics.

How much are subway tiles per square foot?

Subway Tile Cost Per Square Foot

Average Cost $7-$13 per square foot
High Cost $17 per square foot
Low Cost $2 per square foot