The quick answer is yes, you should use subway tiles in your bathroom because they’re affordable, durable, practical, hygienic, and easy to clean.
The history of subway tile begins in the late 1800s when the city of New York began to grow. As the city grew, so did its need for a rapid transit system and, in 1900, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company was created. The company was tasked with building a rapid transit system to transport New Yorkers from one end of Manhattan to another. The first subway opened on October 27th, 1904, with one line running 8 miles from City Hall to 145th Street at Broadway.
What is Subway Tile?
Mosaic-tiled walls were introduced to New York’s subway system in 1933. Designed by George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge, the subway tile was originally intended to make the subway feel like a “home away from home” for passengers who had to ride long distances.
Now, the subway tile is one of the most recognizable elements of any American city’s infrastructure. The tiles are not just found on subways, but also in many homes installed in kitchens and bathrooms.
Subway tiles have become a popular design choice across different design motifs. With its vintage look and inexpensive price tag, it is not surprising that people are drawn to it. However, the question remains, should you use subway tiles in your bathroom?
What are Subway Tiles Made of?
When the New York subway system opened in 1904, the subway tiles are made of ceramic. Designers Heins and LaFarge even designed name tablets with station names in serif and san serif lettering and with elaborate tilework.
By the 1950s, glazed tiles adorned the subway walls in different colors, including dull green, blue, and ochre.
From the late 2000s until the present time, new stations have porcelain tiles with more modern designs and tile arrangements. For instance, the walls at the 34th Street station have white tiles that are arranged in three columns of three tiles each.
What are the types of subway tiles available?
Subway tiles come in a variety of sizes, colors, finishes, and can be arranged in different patterns depending on bathroom design and style.
- Ceramic subway tiles
- Porcelain subway tiles
- Glass subway tiles
- Natural stone subway tiles
What’s the Size of Subway Tiles?
Traditional subway tiles measure 3 x 6 inches. Over the years, they expanded to include other sizes, such as 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12. Larger subway tiles are also available.
Are subway tiles good for small bathrooms?
Yes. Subway tiles usually come in white or light colors. White reflects light better than other bathroom tile color, so it gives the added advantage of making your small bathroom look bigger. And if your bathroom fixtures and accessories are all white, it gives a more seamless and spacious look and feel.
How Much Do Subway Tiles Cost?
The price of subway tiles ranges from $7 to $15 per square foot. It will depend on the type as well as the brand. The cheapest are the commercial subway tiles while premium-grade subway tiles command higher prices.
This estimated cost does not include the cost of sealant, grout, tools, equipment, as well as the cost of professional installation.
Subway tile sealant and grout can cost about $1.50-$2.00 per square foot. Labor costs for installation can cost anywhere from $50-$150 per hour. Of course, it will vary depending on the subway tile size, pattern, and finish. The more intricate the design, the more expensive it will be.
If you’re looking to DIY, include the cost of tools and equipment such as tile cutter, gloves, level, grout, float, and safety goggles, among others.
Are subway tiles easy to clean?
Yes. Subway tiles are easy to clean. Why? Because they are designed to be stain-resistant and sanitary. They were invented out of an obsession with cleanliness. These characteristics are what makes subway tiles practical to use in bathrooms.
Subway tiles typically have flat and smooth surface have a flat surface which makes it easier to keep them clean from stubborn water stains and dirt. Subway tiles, in fact, are low maintenance.
How do you clean subway tiles?
You have to get a bucket and fill it up with soap and water. Then you need to get a scrub brush and scrub the tiles until they are clean. Afterwards, rinse off any remaining soap with a rag, and then allow the tiles to dry before using them again.
Tile cleaners use cleaning solutions that are made of distilled vinegar, dishwashing liquid. Professional cleaners follow a much more detailed process to clean subway tile and grout, which includes vacuuming, mopping, steam cleaning, and drying the subway tile.
Do subway tiles make your bathroom look bigger?
It depends on the size of the subway tile you plan on using. Larger subway tiles can make a small bathroom bigger. And since subway tiles are white or light-colored, they can make a room seem like it stretches farther than it actually does.
Can you use subway tile on the bathroom floor?
Yes. Subway tiles are known for their durability. The tiles you find in the bathroom are typically much more functional than they are decorative. This is because it needs to be easy to clean and durable for where it is placed. That means that the material that covers flooring in the bathroom should not be glossy or slippery; it should also be easy to maintain. And subway tiles tick all these right boxes.
Is Subway Tile Still in Style?
The quick answer is yes! Believe it or not, even as new trends in bathroom design have come about, subway tiles continue to be used in the modern world. There’s always a subway tile bathroom idea that springs to mind. Talk about staying power.
Clearly, subway tile is not a fad. Its longevity can be attributed to its simple yet timeless design that gives out a hygienic vibe. Its unpretentious design just goes well with pretty much anything. No matter what year your house was built, subway tile will find a way to fit seamlessly into the overall design of the bathroom.
