Subway Tile
- Subway tiles
- 227
- Price per sq ft
- $2.65 to $95.35
- Rectified edges
- 1
- Samples
- $4.99
Sizes compared
From our 227 subway tiles. Prices are per sq ft.
| Size (in) | Tiles | From | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x12 | 64 | $2.65 | $14.22 |
| 3x6 | 55 | $3.05 | $14.69 |
| 2x8 | 19 | $3.15 | $9.09 |
| 3x12 | 15 | $9.55 | $9.85 |
| 2.5x8 | 5 | $8.49 | $8.49 |
| 2.5x10 | 4 | $10.59 | $10.59 |
| 4x8 | 3 | $6.05 | $19.49 |
| 4x16 | 2 | $2.75 | $3.40 |
How to choose subway tile
Choose in this order: size, pattern, edge, trim.
Size sets the scale. The classic 3x6 fits a backsplash and a small bath; 2x8 looks slimmer and a little more modern; 4x12 covers a shower wall with fewer grout lines and fewer subway tiles to set.
Pattern sets the mood. A running bond, offset by half a tile, is the traditional subway tile pattern. Longer tiles often look flatter in a 1/3 offset, because any slight bow in the tile no longer lines up at the centers. A vertical stack suits narrow walls, and a vertical subway tile layout pulls the eye up toward a low ceiling. Herringbone takes more cuts and more tile.
Edge sets the shadow. Flat-edge tile gives a crisp, even grid. Beveled tile throws a small shadow at each joint and looks more traditional, but every cut end loses its bevel, so plan outside corners with trim.
Trim finishes the job. Exposed edges at the end of a backsplash or around a shower niche need bullnose or pencil trim. Check that the trim exists in the same color and finish before ordering the field tile.
Overage runs about 10% for running bond or stack and about 15% for herringbone. See herringbone tile for angled layouts, or backsplash tile to compare subway with mosaics and patterned tile.
Questions
What makes a tile a subway tile?
Shape and layout make it subway tile: a rectangle, classically 3x6 in, set in a running bond so each row is offset by half a tile. The name comes from the glazed white tile on the walls of early New York subway stations. Today it comes in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone, in sizes such as 2x8 and 4x12, and in almost any color.
Can a first-time DIYer set subway tile?
Yes - it is one of the more forgiving tiles for a first project. The pieces are small and light, cuts are straight, and a running bond hides small errors. The care points are a level starting line, even joints (pressed subway needs 1/8 in or more) and planning trim at exposed edges. Herringbone and beveled edges add cuts and time.
How much overage should I add for subway tile?
Add about 10% for a running bond or stacked layout and about 15% for herringbone. Order trim on its own line, measured in linear feet of exposed edge. If the tile is handmade or has a variable glaze, order it all together, check the shade code on each box when it arrives, and blend boxes as you set.
Which subway tile patterns are most common, and how do they differ?
The running bond, with each row offset by half a tile, is the most common. Other popular layouts are the 1/3 offset, the horizontal stack, the vertical stack and herringbone. Stacked layouts look modern but show any uneven joint, so they suit rectified or very straight tile. Herringbone adds movement but uses more tile and more cuts.
Which subway tile size suits which wall?
Start from the classic 3x6 in for a backsplash or small bath; slimmer 2x8 and longer 4x12 are other common subway tile sizes to compare. Larger sizes suit shower walls, where fewer grout lines mean less scrubbing. Use the size filter on this page to see what is listed, and match trim pieces to the size you choose.
How much does subway tile cost?
Subway Tile at Sara Zoha runs from $2.65 to $95.35 per square foot, tile only; half of the 227 styles fall between $9.85 and $25.29. Tile sold by the box covers about 5.28 sq ft per box, so the per-box price is roughly $88.12 for a mid-priced style. Every product page shows both prices and a calculator that rounds your room up to whole boxes.
Which finishes are available in subway tile?
Glossy (86), Honed (43), Polished (34), Tumbled (25) and Matte (17). Glossy brightens small spaces and wipes clean on walls; honed is smooth without shine and suits floors and showers; polished reflects light but is slippery when wet, so keep it to walls and dry floors; tumbled has softened edges for a rustic look; matte hides water spots and is the usual pick for floors.
What colours does subway tile come in?
white (86), gray (51), blue (27), beige (23), green (14) and black (14). Colour reads differently on every screen, so order a $4.99 sample of your shortlist and look at it in the room, morning and evening.