CERAMIC SUBWAY TILES
The phrase "ceramic subway tile" generally relates to horizontally oriented rectangular tiles having 50 percent offsets. Subway tile, which is composed of ceramic tile, is renowned for its longevity as well as its classic design. Ceramic subway tiles have captivated consumers worldwide since their introduction in New York City railway stations in the early 1900s, influencing design ideas in bathrooms, kitchens, as well as adjacent locations. These 3 by 6-inch glazed ivory rectangle tiles were everything consumers intended them to be in the largest traffic sections of the building as these are simple to wash, highly durable, and light reflected tiles.
Ceramic subway tiles are still a popular choice for homes and over a hundred years later. Today’s modern tiles are available in a dizzying assortment of colors and finishes, making them suitable for almost every kind of home decoration. They've also moved beyond kitchens and bathrooms to other high-traffic areas that benefit from effortless cleaning areas, like laundry areas, mudrooms, and fireplace areas.
Today we'll go through the sizes, designs, and layouts of ceramic subway tiles, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Subway tiles sizes in the market
Subway tiles are not the white rectangles after more than a century. Even though they still have a distinctive rectangular design, but the sizes have varied. Subway tiles are generally 3 x 6 inches in dimension, and this is the most common size. Subway tiles can be made out of either rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions, with alternative subway tile sizes being 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12. Choose among nearly every hue in the rainbows, including a gloss that accentuates any decor.
Ceramic Tiles Patterns and Layout Options
1-Horizontal Array of Subway Tiles
A regular horizontal grid is created by eliminating the offset completely. Based on the context, this classic design can appear both medieval and trendy.
2- Vertical Array of Subway Tiles
To make a vertically offset or stacking design, flip your subway tile on its sides. Vertical subway tile designs lengthen a wall or surface while drawing attention upwards. To further shake stuff up, alter the usual subway tile arrangement by 45 degrees to create a diagonal design.
3- Herringbone Array of Subway Tile
Herringbone is a trendy tile pattern in which the tiles are arranged in zipping patterns. This demonstration highlights the diversity of the product, transforming even a plain white backsplash into a striking central focus.
Because it entails diagonal incisions across channels and the boundaries of your area, putting herringbone tile is slightly harder than installing a typical offset layout. Before you begin, be careful to take precise measurements and practice laying stuff out.
4. Running Bond array
An innovative option to use ceramic subway tiles is to stack them vertically in a running bond pattern. Tiles mounted on end in tiny places, such as powder rooms, attract the eye upwards and making the ceiling appear higher.
The tiles are positioned end-to-end in the traditional linear bond pattern, with joints in the center of the tiles in consecutive lines. This trendy style can appear both classic and contemporary depending on the environment and substances.
Where to use ceramic subway tiles?
In the kitchen
Since it is the center of the house, the kitchen is a relatively traditional area to install tiles. The kitchen island is another option to provide a splash of color. These tiles are a beautiful addition to the warming and muted colors of the chairs while also providing a pleasant counterpoint to the pure whiteness of the interior of the kitchen.
In the bathroom
These rich and vibrant tiles will release a remark in the bathroom. These beautiful bathroom ceramic subway tiles will provide a dynamic backdrop for contemporary gold fittings and sleek ceramic basins. Having such stunning bathroom tiles will feel like living the life of luxury.
Shower Floor
Subway tile is still popular in showers due to the obvious ways that it brightens the environment and softens the lights. Subway tiles are a solid option for busier shower rooms as they are gleaming and easy to maintain. They enhance every design of hardware, including golden, chromium, silver, or particularly polished nickel, according to the hue and finish. The
Shower floors are considered a prime location for subway tiles, as these are an excellent addition to any décor since they are available in a variety of shades and designs.
Entrance to the house
There will be nothing more charming or hospitable way to welcome guests into your house than with these handmade tiles. Here we have a one-of-a-kind blend of a variety of designs that creates attention without being overpowering.
Near the Fireplace
Fireplaces are supposed to be the focal point of the room. Why not pay them the respect they crave? This feature has become the focal point not only of the room but the overall house, as seen from the entrance and the ceramic subway tiles will definitely add beauty and elegance to this center-focused site.
Benefits of using subway ceramic tiles
1-Installation is simple.
Ceramic tiles are always the least adaptable and extensively used kind of tile. For someone who likes to take the easy way out then, the ceramic tiles are the most straightforward to shape and put. Ceramics are quite light as compared to certain many materials. They are considered the best solution to install on the wall because they will never surpass weight restrictions over most classic tiling surfaces like skimmed plaster and plasterboard.
2-Evolved from a preoccupation with cleanliness.
Subway tiles emerged from a Victorian-era obsession with hygiene. They're rust-proof, easily washable, and look natural due to their shiny, glazed appearance. They immediately gained a repute for being practical and sanitary, and they were the ideal wall coverings in a variety of settings, including bathrooms, kitchens, and meat stores. These similar characteristics made them a suitable alternative for modern kitchens, baths, and other locations.
3-A vast range of designs
There are several ornamental design alternatives for ceramic tiles, like encaustic tiles, which have patterns embedded into the tile instead of being printed on the surface. The design will stay intact even as the tile wears down, makes them perfect for use in high-traffic areas.
Ceramics, on the other hand, can be imprinted to appear like a variety of stones and woods. Another major benefit is their affordability since they can be manufactured for a fraction of the expense of pure hardwood or real stone. In reality, a ceramic tile might be one of the most cost-effective flooring options, especially when compared to its porcelain counterpart.
4-The design options are limitless.
Subway tile in the traditional horizontal "brick" design is probably what comes to mind. Besides this pattern, subway tile can also be laid horizontally, vertically, stacked, or in a geometric L-shaped pattern.
5-Easy to maintain
A glaze is applied to several ceramic tiles, providing a great protecting upper surface. There's no need to be concerned about their fitness for damp locations like kitchens and bathrooms because they're waterproof and resistant to most contaminants. They can also be maintained super clean and won't harbor bacteria, which is great information for germophobes and cleaning freaks.
The unglazed versions, on the other hand, will have to be protected to preserve the surface from spills and discoloration. The grout spaces must also be protected to prevent out certain moisture that could lead to grout, therefore keep that in mind if you are looking for a low-maintenance tile.
Disadvantages of using ceramic subway tiles
- Ceramic tile is a long-lasting product. Replacing or upgrading ceramic tile is a serious restoration task if the aesthetic of your installation has become outmoded or you are simply bored of the design.
- Whenever breakables including glass or pottery are dropped on such tile floor or surface, they generally shatter into many tiny chunks.
- Ceramic tile is a thick material that requires a lengthy time to warm up. Ceramic tile feels colder to the contact than most other materials, particularly when you're having barefoot in a chilly bathroom in the winters.
- Ceramic tile installation is a difficult task for a do-it-yourselfer, especially in tricky installations configurations with several curves and edges that are deemed hard to put.
Buyer's Guide
Hunt for tile on mfg websites, and invariably request samples before actually purchasing, as colors and finishes appear differently in the individuals. Some merchants will let you lend samples for free or cheap overnight, or you can purchase these for a little cost online. To evaluate how well the tile appears with the decor and environment, put samples next to the area you intend to cover.
Some tile retailers offer to clients directly through company websites or devoted showrooms. Home centers provide some tiles in storefronts, but they have a much larger selection online. Tile that is made on order, particularly more expensive lines, could even follow 02 weeks to arrive. If the tile fitting is time-sensitive, finalize your decisions ahead of time.