You are worried about how to create a new visual outlook for your kitchen or bathroom? Consider the versatile subway tiles to give that perfect look you desire. As a product material in vogue for over a century, the subway tiles stood tested against many odds. Some of the inventions include discovering many organic and inorganic materials in building and the advancement of technology. You can read about more guideness for Subway tiles in Sydney by clicking here.
Yet, we cannot deny the role that fanciful subway tiles are playing in our home interior décor. That is not to say that it has not improved over the years. Of course, it has. However, what I mean is that it has not been completely replaced. In other words, it is essential to consider what the original content of the first set of subway tiles had in them. In addition, when we identify the ceramic subway tiles, what are all the essential things to learn?
While this article does not prove to be exclusive as a complete guide to subway tiles, it will cover some of the essential details of subway tiles of ceramic origin. By the way, if you wonder if there are other materials for subway tiles, then remember that we have glass, onyx, porcelain and marble stones. In addition, the conventional size of subway tiles is about 3 x 6 inches, but we now have various sizes of square shapes and extra-elongated ones. Other measures include 4 x 12 inches and 4 x 24 inches.
Interesting Facts about Subway Tiles
Subway tiles have endured and provided support for homeowners as their perennial favourites. Moreover, today, subway tiles come in various colours, including white, green, yellow, golden, blue and practically any colour you think of. In addition, they also come with impressive finishes such as glossy, glassy or rough-edged finishes. Therefore, you can be confident of creating an irresistible design in your home while you can even add a classic mosaic pattern to the wall.
Other home areas that can benefit from the subway tiles include the laundry rooms, fireplace surrounds and mudrooms. In other words, subway tiles have grown in application from underground usage to the terrain of home interiors. It also comes in standard rectangular sizes with a length twice as long as the width/height. Common sizes include 3 x 6 inches, 4 x 8 inches, or the one by 1-inch mosaic designs.
How much is a Subway Tile per Square Foot?
Some statistics show that the minimum price for subway tile is about $2 per square foot. This price fit into many budgets for either new construction or renovation. However, the cost can also rise beyond $50 per square foot for handmade artisan tile. Meanwhile, the measurement for this pricing considers the standard 3 x 6 inches. You can also measure your project space to estimate the amount you need and to the nearest square foot. In addition to your calculated estimate, you should add an extra 15% to cover the cuts, waste, and breakages.
The Colors, Edges and Finishes
When it comes to the properties of subway tiles, you have many options to select from under ideal conditions. For instance, the colour choice of ceramic subway tiles is numerous. Moreover, after choosing the correct shade, you should also look into the fitness of the overall design. In addition, you can also increase the level of energy and intrigue by picking a contrasting colour with flooring shade and wall paints.
Ideally, the subway tiles also have square edges, while other options, including round edges (shoulders) with softened sides and bevelled edges. The latter slope gently away from the surface of the tile, giving each tile a sculptural quality. In terms of the various finishes, subway tiles carry many finishes, including glazers, stoner-like, natural, glossy, and others. Each of these variations has a way of crackling up your entire wall surface design.
DIY or Hire a Professional Tiler
Another question that may bother your mind about installing subway tiles is hiring a pro or using the DIY approach. Many factors are responsible for deciding which of the two methods is better. Many factories fitted tiles also ready have lug lacers that can guide your grout laying to be consistent. Nevertheless, novices can still find laying subway tiles very messy and rough with or without this feature. Therefore, such DIY-ers should start with a small area such as a kitchen backsplash. On the other hand, more significant projects involving tricky angles, complex tile cuts and artisan tile patterns may require hiring a professional tiler.
Pattern and Layout Choices for Ceramic Subway Tiles
The overall effect of your chosen subway tiles will determine the pattern or layout of your tiles. Nevertheless, we have tried to combine various styles and practices into the following four major classes.
- The Vertical
Vertical subway tiles apply to the laying of subway tiles in a sheer running bond style. In addition, the arrangement of these small pieces of subway tiles works for powdered rooms. Stacked tiles on end attract the eye from the bottom to the room. Meanwhile, using this mode makes the ceiling of the room appear taller.
- The Stacked
As against what is conventional in the running body style, the stacked presentation of the tiles horizontally from parallel columns also creates a neat and polished look under ideal room brightness.
- The Running Bond
The running bond of subway tiles involves laying these tiles in an end-to-end pattern and style. Also, the joints land right in the middle of the tiles with adjacent rows in place. One fascinating thing about this pattern is that it can apply to both contemporary and traditional subway tiles. Moreover, the staggered joints of the subway tiles can also go slightly out of the allotted space.
- Herringbone Pattern
The Herringbone style or pattern creates a zigzag pattern where each alternating tile is at an angle of 45 or 90-degrees to the other. In addition, this design also shows levels of versatility that journey away from predictability and smoothness. It is also compatible with the backsplash of the handsome focal point.
