Subway Tiles for Backsplash: Style, Installation & Tips

Feature	Glossy Finish	Matte Finish	Beveled Subway Tiles	Flat Subway Tiles
Appearance	Shiny, reflective	Soft, non-reflective	Slanted edges with shadows	Clean, straight lines
Light	Makes spaces appear larger	Creates a warm, cozy feeling	Varied light reflection	Consistent reflection
Cleaning	Shows spots and fingerprints	Hides smudges	Complex edge cleaning	Easy to wipe clean
Durability	Shows scratches	Hides wear	Edge protection	Visible edge damage
Best For	Small spaces needing light	High-traffic areas	Traditional/vintage designs	Modern/minimalist spaces
Installation	Standard	Standard	More complex alignment	Straightforward
Visual Impact	Bold, eye-catching	Subtle, understated	Defined tile borders	Minimal emphasis on tiles

When making your final choice, think about how the tiles will look with your existing cabinets, countertops, and lighting. Take home samples and test them in your space at different times of day.

The right subway tile can tie your whole kitchen or bathroom design together while offering easy maintenance for years to come.

Design Ideas for Pairing Subway Tiles with Your Space

When adding subway tiles to your home, consider how they’ll complement your existing space while providing both style and practical wall protection.

Subway Tile Backsplash in Kitchens

White subway tiles with black grout offer a clean, modern look that’s especially striking with white cabinets and dark countertops. They make an ideal backdrop for open shelving and complement farmhouse sinks without competing for attention.

For stove areas, extend tiles up to the hood or cabinets for maximum splash protection. Around countertops, be sure to use waterproof grout with proper sealing.

Subway Tiles in Bathrooms

Subway tiles help create a clean, bright feeling that makes small bathrooms feel larger. The horizontal lines can visually widen narrow spaces, while light-colored tiles reflect more light.

For personalization without changing the tiles, try colored grout, like blue or green with white tiles. For more color, choose subway tiles in soft blues or greens.

Subway Tile for Statement Walls

The subway tile pattern you choose can dramatically change how your space feels.

Herringbone layouts create a sense of movement and added texture, making them ideal for shower walls and kitchen backsplashes where visual interest is desired.

Vertical arrangements draw the eye upward and make ceilings appear higher, perfect for small bathrooms or narrow spaces that need to feel larger.

Diagonal patterns offer unexpected visual interest that works beautifully on accent walls or around fireplaces.

For a more traditional look with a pattern, basketweave arrangements add classic charm to bathroom spaces while maintaining a timeless appeal.

How to Install Subway Tiles for Your Backsplash

Installing subway tiles might seem like a big job, but with the right tools and steps, it can be a rewarding weekend project.

Good preparation is key to getting a professional-looking finish that will last for years.

Preparing the Surface

Your wall needs to be ready before any tiles go up. Remove all outlet covers and make sure the wall is completely clean—free from dust, grease, and old paint chips.

The wall should be smooth and flat for kitchen backsplashes; you may need to sand down bumpy areas or fill in holes with spackling compound.

Measuring is crucial for a good-looking result. Find the center point of your wall and mark vertical and horizontal lines as guides.

This helps ensure your tiles will be straight and evenly spaced, with cut tiles of equal size at the edges. Plan your layout on paper first to avoid awkward small cuts in visible areas.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Using a notched trowel, apply tile adhesive to a small section of wall, working in areas about 2-3 feet wide.
2. Place your first tile at your marked centerpoint, pressing firmly into the adhesive.
3. Add tile spacers between tiles to maintain even gaps for grout.
4. Continue adding tiles in rows, checking frequently with a level to ensure they’re straight.
5. Use a wet saw or tile cutter for edge pieces that need to be cut.
6. Allow the adhesive to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
7. Mix grout according to package directions and apply with a rubber float, pushing it into the gaps between tiles.
8. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge before it dries.
9. Allow the grout to cure fully before sealing (if needed) and replacing outlet covers.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Installing subway tiles is a project many homeowners can handle themselves with basic tools and patience. The tiles’ simple shape makes them easier to work with than more complex designs.

DIY installation typically costs less for materials in an average kitchen, saving on labor costs that professionals might charge.

However, hiring a professional makes sense for larger spaces or complex patterns like herringbone. Professionals bring experience with tricky cuts around outlets and corners, ensuring a cleaner finish.

They also work faster—what might take you a weekend can be done in a day. If your walls have serious damage that needs repair or if you’re uncomfortable using tools like wet saws, professional help will save you stress and potentially costly mistakes.

Popular Grout Options for Subway Tile Back Splashes

Grout might seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on the appearance of your subway tile backsplash.

The right grout choice can highlight your tiles or help them blend for a more unified appearance.

Light vs. Dark Grout

Grout color significantly impacts your tile’s final appearance and functionality.

Light grouts (white/cream) create a clean, seamless look ideal for modern kitchens and making spaces feel larger, though they show stains more readily.

Dark grouts (charcoal/black) highlight individual tiles and tile patterns, making them perfect for industrial or farmhouse styles and busy cooking areas where stain resistance is crucial.

Choose light grout for a continuous look with colored tiles or dark grout to emphasize tile patterns while concealing cooking stains.

Epoxy Grout vs. Cement-Based Grout

Epoxy grout resists stains, water, and chemicals, making it ideal for kitchen backsplashes. While costlier and harder to work with, many find the long-term benefits worth it.

Cement-based grout is easier to apply and more forgiving during installation but needs sealing and maintenance to resist stains and water.