Is Subway Tile Durable?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While this staple of public transport decor may not sound all that appealing for your bathroom walls, these rectangular, high-gloss ceramic tiles are a mainstay in home decor because they're inexpensive,

durable

, and versatile. Subway tiles go with just about anything!

Is Subway Tile ceramic or porcelain?

Traditional subway tile is

glazed ceramic

. But you can get subway tile in porcelain, many kinds of natural stone, glass, and more.

What are subway tiles made of?

The term “subway tile” typically refers to rectangular tiles (usually 3 x 6 inches) laid horizontally with a 50% offset. Made of



, subway tile is known for both its durability and its timeless style.

Is subway tile timeless?



Subway tiles are classic and timeless

, yet versatile, which is why they are so great.

Do subway tiles crack easily?

The Backing is Stable, Rigid, and Clean

No matter the material, it must be flat and solid;

any warps, bumps, or springiness can cause tiles to crack

.

What is the most popular size subway tile?

Subway tile is traditionally

3 x 6 inches

and this is the most popular size of subway tile. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other subway tile sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.

Does white subway tile go with everything?

White subway tile

pairs well with almost any decor

and allows plenty of freedom to play around with other materials and textures.

Are subway tiles hard to clean?

Subway tiles arose out of a Victorian-era fixation on cleanliness. Because of their glossy, glazed finish, they're stain-resistant,

easy to clean

, and reflect light.

Should you back butter subway tile?

Although not necessary for tile coverage, back buttering

can be effective by increasing the bond of the mortar to the back of the tile

which is an excellent benefit.

Are subway tiles hard to install?

Laying the subway tile is super easy. The

only place it gets slightly complicated is when cutting is involved

, so I'll give you a few examples of the tools and tricks you might need to have up your sleeve.

What is the most popular backsplash for kitchen?


Tiles

are the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen backsplashes because of their durability, affordability and variety. Tiles come in all different materials, colors, shapes and sizes, making them a natural fit for any style or taste.

Are subway tiles Still in Style 2021?

The

subway tile trend will continue to be strong in 2021

, but not in the way you would expect. Moving away from traditional styles, we are making way for more playful sizes. Expect to see larger and more colourful subway tile design patterns grace the splashbacks and feature walls of many interiors.

How do I know what size subway tile to buy?

Choose a subway size appropriate for the project by

looking at how much area will be covered with the tile

. For small tile areas, smaller to medium sized tiles are best, where larger tiles will beautifully compliment larger, more open areas. If you're looking for a white subway tile, not all whites are white.

Why are my subway tiles cracking?

Cracked tiles are usually the result of other underlying issues,

mostly likely incorrect installation

. However, it could also be due to extreme temperature changes, cracks in the substrate (or surface the tile is laid on), supporting too much weight or something as simple as a heavy item being dropped on them.

Do large tiles crack easier?

It's not the deflection of the tile. … The bigger the tile,

the more the tile will feel the effects of deflection in the subfloor

, and as a result the stronger the subfloor should be in order to use large format tile. As for the thicker tile being less prone to cracking, yes, you're correct.

What causes subway tile to crack?

Tile expert Michael Byrne responds: Tiles generally crack for only two reasons:

loss of bond or moving substrate

. In this case, the substrate might be moving if the studs are spaced farther apart than 16 inches on-center, allowing that backerboard to flex.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.