Visit our patterns guide to get more ideas. Subway tile has nearly limitless options when it comes to patterns. The second is laid opposite to it and on top of it with the short end of the first tile next to the long end of the second tile.įor more detailed instructions see our herringbone guide. The first tile is usually laid on an angle. Herringbone pattern subway tile is laid with one tile oriented to the left and one to the right forming an interwoven look. How Do You Lay a Herringbone Subway Tile Pattern? Their popularity quickly spread into businesses and homes in the years that followed. The first application of the glazed ceramic 3 x 6 white tile was in the subway stations beneath New York City in 1904. But you can get subway tile in porcelain, many kinds of natural stone, glass, and more. Traditional subway tile is glazed ceramic.
There are many types of subway tile available that vary widely in price, such as marble, handcrafted, and glass. Sometimes tiles that are not 1:2 but still have a smaller rectangular shape are considered subway tile as well, like a 4 x 10.Ĭlassic ceramic subway tile is one of the most affordable types of tile per square foot. 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.
However, sizes for subway tile have expanded to include many other sizes. Traditionally, subway tile is 3 x 6 inches. Some of the more trendy interpretations may someday come to feel a bit dated but neutral color and classic patterns are always classy. They have been in style for over a hundred years and are not in danger of going out of style any time soon. They come in virtually all colors and many other materials like glass, porcelain, and natural stone.
However, the definition of subway tile has expanded as it has grown in popularity in the design world to include most sizes that are twice the length as they are wide. Traditionally, subway tile backsplash is a white 3 x 6 inch glazed ceramic tile.