How to Decorate With Subway Tiles

Subway tiles, commonly found throughout New York City's underground subway stations, are rectangular brick-patterned tiles also used in many houses. People often use subway tiles in both modern and traditional bathrooms, kitchens, and around fireplaces.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Subway tiles
• Backer board
• Tile spacers
• Adhesive
• Diamond blade cutter
• Grout
• Grout spreader

1. Choose the color, size and glaze of the tile. Standard tiles are white and are 3 by 6 inches, but subway tiles are available in lots of colors and sizes as small as 1 by 3 inches and as large as 6 by 12 inches. The glaze is matte or glossy, and crackle or smooth.

2. Decide whether to use handmade tiles or machine-made tiles. If you use handmade tiles you will need to use spacers to keep them spaced equally apart. If you use machine-made tile you will not need spacers.

3. Plan the layout. If all the tiles are the same color and size the brick pattern is easy to follow. If tiles are colored or used with other glass or ceramic tiles, lay out the pattern on the floor or a table to move the tiles around for the correct placement.

4. Install backer board on the wall so the tile has a level surface in which to adhere.

5. Measure the wall and the tile to make sure you have enough. Start at the top corner of the area you are tiling and spread glue on each individual tile or directly on the wall according to the adhesive's directions.

6. Push the tile to the wall with a slight twisting motion. Continue with the rest of the tiles until finished. Cut tiles for the edges with a diamond blade to create the brick style pattern.

7. Spread grout over the dried tile if the tiles require it. Use white grout or a colored grout for a modern look.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a laser level to mark a line around the wall for an easy way to ensure tiles are straight.
• Find tile at a home improvement store or tile store. Talk to employees to find the best materials and instruction books.
• Tile a countertop by sanding the existing laminate top and laying the tiles the same way as you would on a wall.
• Avoid uneven tiles by completely removing any existing tile before placing back boarding or new tile on the space.

[TPAL]

on 11/30/2008 we are putting up subway tiles in the shower area that are convex. Question is, do we need to cut the tiles for the corners at a 45 degree angle to marry them up with the tiles on the adjoining wall?

[alabamamemommy]

on 8/21/2008 The article said grout subway tiles if needed. Is it okay not to grout. I am using them on a faux fireplace to look like brick. Please advise. Thanks. KD in Alabama