March 2022 - Chris Frandsen Tiles and Baths

Grout Choices for White Subway Tiles

March 3, 2022February 26, 2022
by Jack Loche

When you have a set of white-colored subway tiles, you have a plain choice, which comes with various grout options to install. However, there are other important factors to consider before rejoicing too soon over them. First of all, it depends on the part of the home where you intend to install your white subway tiles. Some options may include the bathroom, kitchen, dining, or exterior features.

Commonly, when it comes to white subway tiles, you find designers talk about white or grey combinations. A blend or contrast, the questions are narrow or broad in some other quarters, a mix or contrast? So are the issues that need to be addressed before laying your subway on the desired surfaces. While some of these decisions appear simple, they are not as simple as they sound.

But that is precisely what this article will help you do – simply your grout choices for white subway tiles. By history, there were only two choices of grout to use in laying your subway tiles. The options are limited to white and grey. But fast forward to 2022, you can now enjoy the bliss of choices beyond the standard colors to having metallic and glitter styles of grout for subway tie installation.

Moreover, when you find grout stains on your wall or surface, you can even change the grout color of that entire surface. The three significant subtopics that always come up when discussing the grout surrounding subway tiles are the spacing, visual impact, and color. Let us begin by taking a closer look at each of these components to become an unforgettable lesson.

The Grout Color

As earlier mentioned, there are several grout color options in the market, and they keep evolving for some rare choices. However, the earliest ones, white and grey, still remain the most popular. The first diversity comes when we begin to create and align with some of the shades of white or grey to produce a unique look in itself.

White grout can be a bit tricky to work with and maintain during installation and after some use. For instance, the white grout does not outshine your actual subway tiles. Otherwise, it makes the installed home tiles old and dull while the overall laying gets too challenging to clean. Meanwhile, it is not a problem to see grout darken over the years. It is only a matter of time before seeing grout darken.

If the whole system and combination are well-arranged, it can produce a clean, monochromatic, and classic look. On the other hand, applying white grout lines to the subway tiles arrangement gives a softer look. It allows the tiles to dominate the show. In addition, it provides a subtle contrast to the general highlights of the shapes and patterns of your tile.

In addition, a light grey colored grout on the subway tiles can also have a similar effect to the softer whites. In the case of your favorite plans, it is also easier to manage this arrangement to keep it clean. By comparison, the darker you keep your grout, the more contrast you can create on white subway tiles. As a result, the subway grout line can quickly grab the attention of all the other elements that make up the entire place. Learn more about right grout color for your tile scheme.

Creating Visual Effects

Creating visual effects with the combination of the proper grout and the subway tiles is another remarkable feature. And this creation is limited when we do not consider the spacing alongside the grout color against the tiles. The question is, how would you want your tile applications to appear in the context of your design? Whatever the visual perception looks like validates your creativity and appeals to those who see it.

Your grout and subway tiles combination possess the power to manage your space for design. This combination can make your area appear bigger or smaller and create a practical feature in the room against the backdrop. Meanwhile, creating visual effects go beyond the design, especially in a monochromatic room where one can feel lost if not drawn into the design. Therefore, the designer must find a way to weave the entire components and ground them.

If you take a step back a bit, you can fuel the right idea that fits into your room. And if you prefer to check out similar designs, you may create the right motivation for the entire room. Get as many good ideas as possible when committing to making a suitable theme for your space. Subway tiles and the right grout are good ways to create a stunning look through excellent visual effects.

Grout Spacing

If you want to create a subtle look, keep the grout-tile spacing as thin as possible. But when you use a wider spacing within the grout lines, the result is a dramatic look in the overall design. Also, if a wall design containing subway tiles has a high contrast style with the grout spacing, you can make a clear statement. Such wider grout spacing is an excellent way to set a clear tone for your design but remember to factor in the size and shape of the subway tiles.

Conclusion – Try out Sample Boards

While it is clear that the grout options determine the outlook of your subway tiles, you can narrow down your choices by using a sample board. With a sample board, you can glimpse how a white grout looks with some grout options. The sample board creation is not expensive and can give you foreknowledge of what you plan and diversify the options. If you find it hard to use your sample tiles because of cost, you can cut them in half and apply the grout to the sample.

Subway Tiles

FAQs related to Installation and Maintenance of Subway Tiles

March 1, 2022February 26, 2022
by Jack Loche

Today, people like to ask, is the subway tile a mere fad? Or is the growing popularity, trend, and diversity only for a moment that will be for a short while? The trend’s longevity over the years already suggests that the subway tiles are here to stay. If a century of prominence in building finishing materials cannot convince you about the efficiency of subway tiles, I wonder what will.

At the same time, these materials are not limited to only residential applications alone. But they have also been adopted for the public, industrial and commercial centers. In the case of subway tiles, the first use was in the New York Subway Stations. But why are subway tiles this popular? For one, this choice has built such a timelessness that is beyond the regular expectation of the other home finishing materials.

Besides, using plain white subway tiles in a rectangular shape brings a simple tile layout in irresistible designs. Today, what we know as the subway tiles are impressive in format and have also impacted the interior design in no small way.

Latest FAQs on Subway Tiles

What does the standard subway tiles pattern look like?

By tradition, laying subway tiles has an offset of 50%. This pattern means that the middle of the tile above aligns with the edges of the two tiles below it. Although, by a modern interpretation of the subway tiles, it will take the rights and liberty of the designer to optimize the use of these tiles. Another similar diversity is one-third and one-fourth offsets to create new flavors.

What is the standard size or dimension of the subway tile?

The standard size of the subway tile is about 3 x 6 inches, and it is the most popular size. As for the rectangular tiles, it has 1 to 2 dimensions that can work for subway tiles. The variations include 2 x 4, 4 x 8 and 6 x 12 inches.

What material are subway tiles made from, ceramic or porcelain?

The first set of subway tiles was made from ceramic. But as time went by, we now can find subway tiles made from ceramic, porcelain, and glass. The same reason these other alternative materials are being used is why ceramic was picked at first. Ceramic subway tiles were low maintenance and had incredible flair as top qualities.

How long does the installation of subway tiles take?

The installation process of subway tiles can depend on the size of the surface area where to lay them. Other factors that may determine the time taken are the complexity of the intended layout and the experience of the professional laying these tiles. But if you are building kitchen backsplashes, bring a relatively small area for subway tiles. The traditional method of subway tile is easy and quick to install.

Can Subway Tile stay on drywall?

There is nothing to worry about in laying subway tiles on drywall except that the area should not get lots of moisture later. For instance, ensure the wall is not exposed internally or externally to humidity. You can be confident to have your structure intact. However, areas with a tendency to receive a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom shower walls, need extra care. The way to prolong the life of the subway tiles and their durability, in this case, is by using board backers.

Can a designer add paint to Subway Tiles?

Using paint on subway tiles is practically unimportant and not recommended for ceramic materials. However, an exception to that rule is the case of small-scale DIY projects. The reason it is not advisable to paint eh subway tiles is that the painting may inhibit the ability of the tiles to resist scratches and stains. Moreover, the design may not also hold up for a long time. Instead of painting the subway tiles, choosing the tiles of diverse or desired colors is better.

How to clean Subway Tiles

Easy clean subway tiles are as simple as other ceramic tiles, which wipe the dirt with water. As for floor tiles, simply use a dampened mop with warm water to clean the floors.

What is the best grout color for white subway tiles?

The white subway tiles can often match off with gray, white, and even black grouts. This fact is not only actual for white tile colors but also works for subway tiles of other colors. The tiles and the grout combination show a blend or contrast in other cases. In determining the most suitable color for your grout, you should choose the one that can draw the attention closer to it.

As a result, the subway tiles combined with the grout have high contrast to emphasize a peculiar pattern. That means subway tiles with matching grout colors can also create an impressive but seamless look. Colorful grout is also fun to cause the white subway to stand out. On the other hand, if the grouts are not carefully selected, it may show off any imperfection in laying the tiles or grout lines.

What is the size of your grout line in Subway Tiles?

By standard, when the size of the subway tiles is 3 x 6 inches, then a typical grout joint is about 1/16 inches. Meanwhile, another standard size is the 1/8 inch grout joint. Get more information about how to start subway tile business on chrisfrandsen.net/tips-on-how-to-start-subway-tile-business-in-sydney-australia

Where to Use Subway Tiles

You can use subway tiles for the floor and the wall. Whereas the typical applications include the following:

Subway Tile Backsplashes

As far as indoor tile usage is concerned, the most familiar place to find subway tiles is backsplashes. Moreover, the traditional white subway tile is an excellent way to lift the spirits in your kitchen and bathroom. You can also customize your subway tiles for your backsplash to protect your wall. Many times, this feature only takes a little space behind your cooker.

Subway Tile Walls

Apart from backsplashes, another essential place to find subway tiles is walls. Initially, the New York Subway stations had subway tiles all over the entire walls to show beauty.

Subway Tiles for Fireplace Surrounding

The area surrounding your fireplace should not only draw attention, but it should also have a clean and safe value. Notably, the weather changes in no small way during winter. So you need to find the look into your fireplace to be relieving and comforting.

Subway Tile Showers

You can also apply subway tiles for walls, especially when the traditional subway tiles are in place. One of such designs is the Victorian-inspired design while reserving plain tiles for the other less visible areas.

Month: March 2022