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Subway Tiles

(325 products)

Ceramic and porcelain subway tiles in gloss and matt, from classic 75 x 150 mm to long 60 x 400 mm rectangles, for kitchen and bathroom walls.

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How to choose subway tiles

What counts as a subway tile?

A subway tile is a long rectangular wall tile, traditionally 3 x 6 inches (about 75 x 150 mm), laid in a brick pattern with each row offset by half a tile. Today the name also covers longer rectangles, small squares and a few feather shapes. For the plainest version, see our white subway tiles; for tiles with a hand-formed look, see handmade look tiles.

Which size should I choose?

Most tiles here have a longest side of 250 mm or less, with a few longer rectangles up to 400 mm. Small tiles give a classic busy grid with more grout lines. Longer tiles such as 75 x 300 mm give a cleaner wall. Squares are mostly 100 x 100 mm. For bigger formats, see large tiles.

Gloss or matt, and which colour?

Gloss is the largest finish group, ahead of matt and satin. Gloss bounces light and is easy to wipe, while matt looks softer with less glare. White is the biggest colour, followed by grey, green and blue. Browse by colour in white, green or blue.

Where do subway tiles work best?

Subway tiles are wall tiles, most often used for kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls. Most tiles here list no P rating, so do not use a tile on a floor unless its listing says it is suitable. The layout changes the look as much as the tile, and our subway tile layout guide explains brick, vertical and herringbone options. Order up to 5 tile samples online for $15 delivery (see tile samples).

Subway tile specifications at a glance

SpecificationWhat to expectWhat to check
MaterialPorcelain and ceramicThe material is shown on each listing
FinishGloss, matt and satin, with some tumbledGloss bounces light, matt looks softer with less glare
SizeClassic 75 x 150 mm, 100 x 100 mm squares and 75 x 300 mm, up to 60 x 400 mmLonger tiles give a cleaner wall, small tiles a busier grid
Slip ratingListed on some tiles onlyUse as wall tiles unless the listing says a tile suits a floor
ColourWhite is the biggest group, then grey, green and blue, plus brown, black, mint and pinkOrder a sample and check it in your own light

Subway tile FAQs

Are subway tiles out of style?

Subway tiles have been used for over a century and are still a popular wall tile, because the shape suits most styles. A coloured glaze, a matt surface, a different layout or a darker grout updates the look without changing the tile, so choose the colour and layout you will enjoy for years.

Are subway tiles ceramic or porcelain?

Both. Subway describes the shape, not the material. The collection includes both, mostly porcelain with some ceramic, and the material is shown on each listing. Porcelain is denser and generally harder wearing, so check the listing for the material and for a slip rating if you plan to use a tile on a floor.

Do you need to back butter subway tiles?

Back buttering means spreading a thin layer of adhesive on the back of the tile as well as on the wall, which improves contact. Whether it is needed depends on the tile, the adhesive and the wall, so follow the adhesive maker's instructions and ask your installer.

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