Are subway tiles suitable for kitchen floors?

While subway tiles are most commonly used on walls and splashbacks, some porcelain subway tiles are manufactured to be strong enough for floor use as well. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are dense and durable, making them a good candidate for flooring in kitchens, unlike ceramic tiles. However, it’s important to ensure that the specific tiles you choose are rated for floor installation, as not all subway tiles are suitable for foot traffic.

How do I maintain and clean kitchen subway tiles?

One of the biggest advantages of kitchen subway tiles is how easy they are to clean and maintain. Their smooth, glazed surface prevents dirt and grime from sticking, allowing you to simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to keep them looking fresh. For tougher stains, a gentle scrub with a non-abrasive sponge is usually sufficient. It’s best to avoid harsh or abrasive cleaning products, as these can dull the glossy finish or damage the surface over time. Regular cleaning also helps prevent the buildup of moisture and mould, especially in areas near sinks or cooking zones.

What grout colour should I use with subway tiles?

Choosing the right grout colour is key to the look of your subway tiles. Light or white grout creates a seamless, classic appearance, while dark or contrasting colours like charcoal, red, or blue highlight each tile for a bold effect. Consider your kitchen’s colour scheme and ease of cleaning when selecting grout, especially in busy areas.

How can I get samples before purchasing?

We at Tile Outlet offer free samples on our kitchen subway tiles. This allows you to see and feel the tiles in your own space before committing to a full purchase. Sampling tiles helps you assess how the colour, finish, and texture look under your kitchen’s lighting conditions and alongside your cabinetry and countertops. Ordering samples is a smart step to avoid surprises and ensure you select the perfect tiles that match your design vision and practical needs.

Kitchen Subway Tiles

If you’re searching for a tile that combines timeless design with everyday practicality, kitchen subway tiles are the classic choice. At The Tile Outlet, we’ve picked out a versatile range that is based on considerations of different home styles, room layouts, and aesthetic preferences, making them perfect for adding personality and polish to your cooking space without compromising on quality, function or budget. Kitchen subway tiles serve as a source of inspiration for a variety of interior design styles, seamlessly fitting into both modern and traditional aesthetics.

Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or a quick splashback update, our subway tiles offer an effortless way to elevate your interior. As a means to achieve both classic and contemporary looks in kitchen spaces, these tiles are highly valued in interior design. Their clean lines, easy maintenance and variety of colours make them a go-to option for homeowners, interior designers and those who love to participate in DIY home projects.

Introduction to Subway Tiles

Subway tiles have long been a popular choice for homeowners seeking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their living spaces. Known for their clean lines and classic look, these metro tiles are perfect for creating a timeless atmosphere in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. Whether you’re planning a new tiling project or updating an existing space, subway tiles offer a durable and low-maintenance solution that stands up to the demands of everyday life.

One of the great advantages of subway tiles is their ability to adapt to any interior design style. From traditional to modern, these tiles can seamlessly blend into your home, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Their glossy or matt finishes add depth and character, while their simple shape makes it easy to create a variety of patterns and layouts. This versatility means you can achieve a classic look or experiment with bold, contemporary designs to suit your personal taste.

In addition to their visual appeal, subway tiles are incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical option for busy kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas. Their durable surface resists moisture and wear, ensuring your walls look fresh and stylish for years to come. Whether you want to add a subtle touch of elegance or make a statement with your tiling project, subway tiles are a reliable and stylish choice that will enhance any area of your home.

Why Choose Subway Tiles for Your Kitchen?

Subway tiles have been a staple for many years, but their appeal is anything but outdated. Ever wonder why? Well, here’s why they remain one of the most popular kitchen tiles today:

Versatility: Subway tiles suit everything from modern to vintage kitchen tiles. You can choose from glossy white tiles for a fresh and clean look or opt for bold shades like navy or forest green. It’s important to consider the size and finish of your tiles, as these choices can help you achieve your desired kitchen style. There is a wide variety of subway tile products available, offering a selection to suit different kitchen styles and project needs. Their adaptability means they can complement a wide range of kitchen designs, whether you prefer a sleek, contemporary feel or a cozy, rustic charm.
Easy to clean: The smooth glazed surface makes wiping away splashes, stains and dirt quick and simple, perfect for busy kitchens. This practical feature ensures your kitchen stays hygienic and looking pristine with minimal effort, which is especially important in food preparation areas.
Affordable style: These tiles are budget-friendly, making them perfect for upgrading your interiors. It is a great balance of quality, style and value. You can achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank, making them a popular choice for both homeowners and professional renovators.
Customisable: You can design your subway kitchen tiles in various ways, such as vertical, horizontal, herringbone, and many more! So, choose a pattern that matches your layout and vision. For a striking visual effect, consider using bold grout colours such as red to make your subway tiles stand out and add extra impact to your kitchen design. This flexibility allows you to add unique character and texture to your kitchen walls, making your space truly your own.

We recommend considering both the size and finish of subway tiles to create a classic look with timeless white glossy tiles or to add a modern twist, depending on your preference. A glossy finish not only enhances the appearance by reflecting light and brightening the room but also adds to the tiles’ easy-to-clean nature.

If you want to see how the different shades work in your kitchen, we offer up to three FREE tile samples so you can try them before you buy. This helps you make the perfect choice for your kitchen’s colour scheme and style.

Popular Ways to Use Metro Wall Tiles in Kitchens

One of the best factors of metro tiles is their ability to adapt seamlessly to your space and style. By experimenting with different patterns—such as herringbone, staggered, or chevron layouts—you can create depth and visual interest in various areas of the kitchen, like splashbacks or feature walls. Here are some individuals’ favourite ways to incorporate them into the kitchen:

Classic Splashbacks

Subway tiles are the go-to choice for splashbacks. They’re not only visually appealing, but they also protect your walls from cooking splashes. You can pair lighter tiles with dark grout for a bold contrast or keep things seamless with tone-on-tone combinations. When paired with the right grout, subway tiles help protect kitchen walls from moisture and water damage, ensuring durability and longevity in high-use areas.

Feature Walls

Turn an entire wall into a statement piece. Coloured tiles, such as sage green or dusky pink, can add warmth and character to neutral kitchens without overwhelming the space. For a traditional or heritage-inspired look, consider York-inspired subway tiles as a feature wall option. A subway tile feature wall can also introduce a sense of elegance and sophistication, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. This approach works well in open-plan layouts where the kitchen flows into other rooms, creating a stunning focal point.

Kitchen Islands

Subway tiles can add personality and playful touch to a kitchen island, and it is a great way to tie the whole kitchen together. Subway tiles are ideal for small kitchen islands, giving them a unique focal point and added character. They can also bring texture and interest to a plain, overlooked area, making the kitchen island a stylish centerpiece.

Open-Plan Living

Subway tiles can be used to clearly define the kitchen zone within open-plan spaces. They pair beautifully with wooden worktops, open shelving and industrial lighting. The choice of subway tiles and grout can greatly influence the overall feel of an open-plan kitchen, making the space more cohesive and inviting. Using tiles with a glossy finish can help reflect light and make the kitchen appear brighter and more spacious.

A Range of Colours, Sizes and Finishes

Every kitchen is different, and so is every tile in our collection. From traditional white to bold colours and modern neutrals, you’ll find these tiles in:

Soft matt or high gloss finishes, offering a variety of textures to suit your style and practical needs.
Compact and elongated shapes, allowing you to tailor the look and feel of your kitchen walls.
Neutral tones like cream, beige and grey that provide a subtle backdrop for your kitchen design.
Statement shades like teal, blush pink and black to make a bold impression.
Quality Tiles at Affordable Prices

We offer high-quality metro kitchen tiles at affordable prices. All our tiles in stock are carefully selected for being durable and able to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring they look great for longer. They combine durability, style and ease of installation, making them ideal for both homeowners and professionals.

We believe that beautiful, high-quality, and long-lasting tiles are essential, and we offer tiles at affordable prices, allowing you to upgrade your kitchen on a budget. Our collection includes both ceramic and porcelain options, each offering distinct benefits in terms of durability and appearance.

Start Your Kitchen Project Today

Choosing kitchen tiles shouldn’t be all that stressful. Our collection of kitchen subway tiles offers something for every aesthetic preference and lifestyle, so whether you’re looking for a minimalistic style, a hint of colour or a bold statement, tiles can bring your vision to life.

It’s important to maintain your subway tiles for lasting beauty and easy upkeep. Note: choosing the right place for your tiles is essential to achieve the best results in your kitchen. Proper installation and regular cleaning will help your tiles maintain their shine and durability, especially in areas exposed to moisture and heat.

Browse our full collection of kitchen subway tiles, and don’t forget to order your three FREE samples today! If you have any question, our team is happy to provide guidance and support throughout the buying process, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Customers can easily add their chosen tiles to the basket and proceed to checkout, making the buying process simple and convenient. If you’re ready to transform your space, browse our full collection today!

Metro tiles and subway tiles are terms often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle distinctions. Both refer to rectangular ceramic or porcelain tiles inspired by the tiles originally used in early 20th-century subway stations in cities like New York and London. Generally, "subway tiles" is the more commonly used term in the kitchen and interior design context, referring to the classic white, glossy rectangular tiles popular for kitchen walls and splashbacks. "Metro tiles" may also include a broader range of similar brick-shaped tiles available in various colours, finishes, and sizes beyond the traditional subway tile style. Both types offer a timeless, classic look combined with practical benefits such as durability and ease of maintenance, making them versatile options for a variety of interior styles.