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The Mesh Mounted Subway Tile Advantage

Installing Subway tile on mesh is the easiest way to go:

If you are starting a project using subway tile you may wonder if you should buy it with mesh backing or without it. All our glass 1×2, 1×4, 3×6 glass subway tile comes mounted on a mesh backing. Subway tile on mesh backing makes installation so much easier than simply installing single subway tiles.

Sage Green Glass Subway Tile

The most important thing to know with installing subway tile is that if you are installing single tiles you need to use spacers for every tile when mounting them on the wall. However when you use subway tile on mesh you only have to use spacers on the edges of the 12 square inch pieces that are shipped to you. So simply put, you space between sections not individual tiles. Not only does this save time by not having to space every individual tile but money as well since you will use less spacers. Other than that installing subway tile on mesh is the same process as installing subway tile without the mesh. Most professional tile installers who call to ask about our products will ask if our subway tile is on mesh. This is because subway tile on mesh is by far the preferred method of installation. Not only is it easier for spacing but because there is no room for spacing errors since the mesh has it spaced out for you already. This eliminates costly re do’s of poorly installed tile and makes sure that you get that clean look you want when installing subway tile.

There are always those who prefer installation the other way though. Subway tile on mesh should not deter anyone who wants to install this way. Simply pull the tile off the mesh backing to install this way. It takes no time at all and gives you the freedom to cut individual pieces if needed. All in all, subway tile on mesh is the way to go when buying tile. You have the freedom to do what you please and the ease of not have to space every individual tile unless you want to. For more information on installing subway tile visit this link: how to install subway tile

Glass Subway Tile Showers

Installing subway tile in showers is very popular these days. Many people are in love with the way subway tile brightens up their shower and softens the lighting in their bathroom. If you have ever gotten into a subway tile shower you will not want a regular tile shower again. Subway tile showers look shiny and clean and wash down easily. Subway tile showers can go with any hardware, silver, chrome, brushed nickel, or the like. Subway tile is so versatile, which is why it has been a popular choice for showers for many years and will continue to be for years to come.

Often you will see white or grey subway tile showers in many updated homes. Often people who install subway tile in their shower will also use it as a backsplash for over their sink as well. Glass subway tile showers go well with any wall colors as they tend to reflect the colors that surround them. If you like this look in a shower you can get it easily by tiling the shower yourself. Here are some installation instructions for glass subway tile if you are interested in doing the project yourself.

The look of subway tile showers is very modern. However since subway tile showers have been around since the 1920’s it can also give a classic look. Since subway tile has been popular for over 90 years we would say that if you put in a subway tile shower you should feel safe that it won’t go out of style anytime soon. The use of subway tile for showers is here to stay! If you like this look and are interested in seeing some more subway tile showers check out these images.

Subway Tile Bathroom Backsplash

Tired of your dark bathroom? Use subway tile in your bathroom backsplash to brighten it up. This versatile product is one of the most popular bathroom products. From ceramic to glass, our subway tile has been used in bathrooms in many ways. Some popular ways to use subway tile in a bathroom are in the shower, on the walls, as a backsplash for counters, and even behind and around the toilet. There are a few popular types of Subway tile that are used in the bathroom backsplashes, glass and ceramic. While glass is more modern and reflects the colors around it, ceramic is more classic and generally cheaper as well. Both are great options for a bathroom.

The Glass Subway Tile Bathroom Backsplash:

Glass Subway Tile Bathroom Sink Backsplash with Sage Green Glass Subway Tile

Our most popular Subway tile for bathrooms backsplashes is our glass Subway tile. It is a huge trend in bathrooms and looks amazing in almost any space. Our most popular colors for glass subway tile in bathrooms are white, smoke, and ocean. Glass subway tile is great for bathrooms because it reflects the light and surrounding colors so it will brighten up and modernize any bathroom space. A subway tile bathroom backsplash will brighten up your sink and bring a modern feel to any bathroom. Subway tile bathroom tiles can be used to cozy up a bathroom by using warmer colors like champagne or khaki. If you like an ocean effect use some of our blues in a bathroom such as cobalt, sky blue and glacier. Really any color of glass

subway tile will work in a bathroom depending on your taste and existing decor.

Ceramic subway tile was very popular in the 20’s and many people who restore homes love to use our ceramic tile to restore bathrooms in vintage fashion.. White or black is a good choice for this type of restoration. Even mixing those two colors will make a bathroom look vintage but updated as well. However you can also give your bathroom a modern feel with ceramic by simply modernizing the rest of the bathroom and including a ceramic subway tile bathroom backsplash. Ceramic tile is so versatile it can really be used in many bathroom spaces. Many use it for showers and walls. I have even seen it used to cover the entire bathroom in a smaller space. It is not as reflective as glass so you will really see the stark white pop when you put it in your shower or bathroom space, while glass will soften the lighting and reflect the surrounding colors. A ceramic subway tile backsplash is a very traditional use for a subway tile.

Going Modern with a Stainless Steel Backsplash

When looking for a new backsplash your choices can become very overwhelming. There are so many types to choose from! One of the most popular backsplashes these days is a stainless steel backsplash. Not only does it give your kitchen a sleek modern look but it easy to clean and install. Stainless steel backsplashes have been popular in professional kitchens for a long time. Some of the reasons for this are because it does not scratch easily, it looks clean all the time and completely stain resistant.. For the same reasons many people are using stainless steel backsplashes in home kitchens today. Many people also decide to mix stainless steel with other tile mediums as well. This kitchen pictured below is an example of this. It is a beautiful combination of a glass subway tile and stainless steel backsplash.

Stainless steel backsplashes are also popular in other areas of the home like bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Many restaurants use stainless steel backsplashes in their restrooms as well. The product is so versatile that it can even be used in offices and professional spaces. Our stainless steel backsplashes come in different cuts to fit the look of any home or professional space.

Stainless steel backsplashes are a perfect option for those who are looking to match their appliances with a portion of their kitchen. A popular place to install a stainless steel backsplash is behind the stove. Many people put it only there and others choose to extend it to the rest of their kitchen backsplash as well. It is a simple matter of preference as it looks great either way.

Installing a stainless steel backsplash is really simple and can be done over a weekend. It is an easy DIY project. You will need to rent a wet saw if you don’t own one to cut pieces if needed. Other than that you can buy everything you need at the local home store for very little money. This product will last such a long time and will spruce up a kitchen for very little money. Installing a stainless steel backsplash will make a huge difference in the appearance of a home, Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions if you need help with your project.

Installing Glass Subway tile on mesh is the easiest way to go!

If you are starting a project using subway tile you may wonder if you should buy it with mesh backing or without it. All our glass 1×2, 1×4, 3×6 glass subway tile comes mounted on a mesh backing. Subway tile on mesh backing makes installation so much easier than simply installing single subway tiles.

The most important thing to know with installing subway tile is that if you are installing single tiles you need to use spacers for every tile when mounting them on the wall. However when you use subway tile on mesh you only have to use spacers on the edges of the 12 square inch pieces that are shipped to you. So simply put, you space between sections not individual tiles. Not only does this save time by not having to space every individual tile but money as well since you will use less spacers. Other than that installing subway tile on mesh is the same process as installing subway tile without the mesh. Most professional tile installers who call to ask about our products will ask if our subway tile is on mesh. This is because subway tile on mesh is by far the preferred method of installation. Not only is it easier for spacing but because there is no room for spacing errors since the mesh has it spaced out for you already. This eliminates costly re do’s of poorly installed tile and makes sure that you get that clean look you want when installing subway tile.

There are always those who prefer installation the other way though. Subway tile on mesh should not deter anyone who wants to install this way. Simply pull the tile off the mesh backing to install this way. It takes no time at all and gives you the freedom to cut individual pieces if needed. All in all, subway tile on mesh is the way to go when buying tile. You have the freedom to do what you please and the ease of not have to space every individual tile unless you want to. For more details check out our “Glass Tile Installation Instructions“

Need some fresh Kitchen Backsplash Ideas?

The illusive kitchen backsplash can be overlooked by so many and yet is so important to the overall look of a kitchen. A lot of people are smart enough to know that in order to get a complete kitchen you need to think about your kitchen backsplash. A kitchen backsplash can change the look of your kitchen overnight. There are so many kitchen backsplash ideas, where do we start? Well you are in the right place to get some kitchen backsplash ideas.

The first kitchen backsplash idea is of course the gorgeous glass subway tile. This versatile tile will brighten up and kitchen and give a kitchen backsplash a shiny modern twist to it. So many people looking for kitchen backsplash ideas stop here at this beautiful option.

There are those who like the look of stainless steel tile in a kitchen backsplash. This popular choice is often complemented with glass subway tile additionally. When in need of kitchen backsplash ideas, make sure you check out the look of stainless steel. It will turn any kitchen into a masterpiece!

Kitchen backsplashes are a matter of taste. We have some of the best kitchen backsplash ideas in our photo gallery. If you need to update your kitchen backsplash and don’t know where to start, check out our site and explore the many options. All our tile is stain resistant, easily cleaned, and durable.

To see more kitchen backsplash ideas go here: Kitchen Backsplash Picture Gallery

The Multiple uses for White Glass Subway Tile

White glass subway tile has so many uses in today’s home. It doesn't stop in the home either. Many professional environments including kitchens, lobby’s of offices, and hospitals also sport this pretty white glass subway tile. Whatever your need for wall tile, our most versatile product would have to be white glass subway tile. Many people think of white subway tile in older homes built in the 20’s and 30’s. This was pretty standard for this time period to use white subway tile and even the 40’s and 50’s. While it can certainly be used in this way white glass subway tile can also be so much more.

Today white glass subway tile has taken a modern turn; used in everything from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom walls and showers, white glass subway tile looks beautiful in almost any setting in any home or professional space. It tends to brighten up a space as it reflects light. It also acts as a bit of a chameleon reflecting the colors that surround it. This makes it very popular because if you change your wall color, the tile does not need to be changed. It will look amazing with any wall color and melt into the background perfectly for any environment. You can even mix this with other tiles like stainless steel or other colors.

You just can’t go wrong with white glass subway tile. Its uses are boundless and can give a cozy or modern feel to any room. White glass subway tile is by far one of our customers’ favorite tiles because of how versatile it is. Whether updating your bathroom or remodeling a period kitchen, you can use white glass subway tile in almost any environment to give your space a pretty feel.

Easy and Affordable DIY weekend projects with Glass Subway Tile

Many people may not realize how many areas of their home can benefit from an easy weekend project with our glass or stainless steel tile. The most common and one of the easiest uses for our tile is backsplashes. Many people tend to only consider redoing a kitchen backsplash but neglect to notice how their bathroom vanity or even the wall behind their bar can benefit from some additional styling!

Some very easy projects to accomplish would be:

• Kitchen Backsplash

• Bathroom Vanity Backsplash

• Accent Wall (Behind a Bar, Bathroom Wall or Entry Way)

These projects can easily be accomplished without any training or previous skills in a weekend and all with a budget generally around $200!

To see how easy installing our products can be take a look at our Glass Tile Installation Video!

To see some of the creative ways our customers have used our subway tile products take a look at our glass tile photo gallery!

Different Sizes of Subway Tile: Mini Subway to Large Subway Tile & More!

Not only does Subway Tile come in a wide array of materials but there is also a large selection of different sizes available. The choice for one size over another could be due to personal visual preference, room size, type of project or even architectural requirement.

Standard, 3” x 6” Subway Tile

The “standard” size for glass and ceramic subway tile is 3” x 6”. This is the size that was used in the subways of New York during the 1950’s. Ceramic tile was used then but has since been eclipsed by the popularity of Glass due to the many benefits glass offers including a more contemporary look, zero water absorption and increased durability and longevity.

Standard subway tile is great for almost any size room and is typically used as kitchen backsplashes, wall accents, in showers and pretty much anywhere else glass or ceramic is used.

Mini Subway Tile

While technically anything smaller than 3” x 6” could be considered mini subway tile, the most common size is 1” x 2” subway tile. The smaller size opens up a wider range of material options including of course glass but also stainless steel as well.

Mini subway tile can be used in any of the same applications as standard or even large glass subway tile but is especially great for small areas as well as border or accent strips in backsplashes, showers and more. Mini subway tile is almost always sold in interlocking, mesh backed sheets for quick, easy installation.

Large Subway Tile

At Subway Tile Outlet you will also find we carry large glass subway tile in the 4” x 12” size. This size can again be used anywhere glass is normally used but is most commonly found installed in larger areas such as shower walls. Our large glass subway tile comes in individual 4” x 12” sheets, three of these sheets compose one sq. ft.

Glass Tile Trim and Edging

Here at Subway Tile Outlet one of the most common questions we receive is whether it is necessary to have trim, bullnose or other edging pieces for our glass subway tile. The answer is a definite “no”!

We have been selling our high quality glass tile products for over five years and have never carried any trim, bullnose or other specific edging materials in glass. The reason for this is because our glass tile has a slightly beveled, finished edge that makes specialized trim pieces obsolete. Not needing trim or edge pieces keeps the cost of your project down while ensuring that measurements and installation are a breeze! Take a look below for some picture examples with explanation of how the edge was created without specialized trim. For even more examples take a look at our Glass Tile Edging Example Gallery!

Another great shower project here showing the finished, factory edge of our Ocean Glass tile on the outside. No glass edging necessary! In this beautiful kitchen backsplash you can see on the right side how the edge was done without trim. After the tile is cut it is rotated so that the factory edge faces outward so that the tile ends with a smooth, clean look.

Hopefully the pictures above will help to solve some of the confusion and mis-information surrounding glass tile edging. If you or your contractor have questions about how to edge out or otherwise finish a project you are working on please don’t hesitate to Contact Us!

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

Having a plain backsplash in your kitchen is a sure fire way to make the entire kitchen look boring and unimaginative. There is really no reason not to have one installed when there are so many amazing things you can choose from, its a relatively cheap project, and the effects it has on the entire kitchen are breath taking. There are lots of different materials you can use for your kitchen backsplash and design ideas you can employ. Lets take a look at some of ways our customers have used our tile.

Here our client used our sky blue glass tile to add an accent color to their kitchen backsplash. By using a glass tile on their backsplash they were able to reflect more light into the room and keep that light airy feeling that they wanted. Also they were able to break up the white of the cabinets at increase the visual space of the kitchen.

You don’t have to limit yourself to just one material for your backsplash like our client did above. Our next client used our stainless steel 1×2 tile behind their stove and then our white glass tile for the rest of their backsplash. Here our client choose to use their dark counter top to visually separate the kitchen, and changed up the material from glass to stainless steel to give you nice visual accent, while still keeping to their monochromatic theme that they desired.

Another idea you might enjoy is to use a number of different colors in your backsplash. People have been using this technique for a while now but with 1″ x 1″ tiles or better known as mosaic tiles. Some are turned off by the busyness of the smaller tiles and are now turning to using 3″ x 6″ tiles to create their mosaic backsplashes. Here our client used our Sagebrush, Sky, Glacier, Vapor, and Ocean glass tiles to create this fun backsplash.

While it’s true that many people choose to have their subway tile installed in a brick pattern. It’s also completely fine to go with a stacked or linear pattern of the tiles. Some times the type A in all of us just wants everything clean, organized and aligned. That’s exactly the effect this kitchen backsplash idea pulled off using our Ocean Gray glass tile.

Our last idea is to go mini! That’s right, if you believe that cute things come in small packages, then you will definitely want to see what happens when traditional 3″ x 6″ subway tile is shrunk down to 1″ x 2″ and ready to be used on your kitchen backsplash. Our client was charged with sprucing up this vacation spot and choose to use our mini white subway tile for the kitchen backsplash.

Hope some of these kitchen backsplashes got you inspired on what you want to do in your very own kitchen. If you still want to see more ideas just head over to our kitchen backsplash gallery for even more inspiring kitchen spaces.

Glass Subway Tile Projects: Before & After Pictures

Our first featured project was a relatively simple kitchen with no backsplash and light wood cabinets that was updated in a cost effective manner. The appliances were kept in place while the cabinets were refinished. The counters were replaced with granite and the backsplash was updated with our White Glass 3×6 Subway Tile. The total cost for the tile in this project was only $449.70!

White Glass Tile Backsplash Close Up

After Remodel – With White Glass Subway Tile Backsplash

After Remodel – With White Glass Subway Tile Backsplash

After Remodel – With White Glass Subway Tile Backsplash

Kitchen Before Glass Backsplash & Remodel

This next project involved a little bit more drastic changes including some demolition in removing the range hood and cabinets above it but was still a very affordable update. Once again the cabinets were just refinished and the appliances were left in place. The counter was updated to a stone tile and the room was finished with our Ocean Glass Subway Tile for the awesome backsplash! The tile for this project only cost $239.84!

Before: Plain Kitchen with no Backsplash

Before: Plain Kitchen with no Backsplash

After: Updated Kitchen with Glass Tile Backsplash

After: Updated Kitchen with Glass Tile Backsplash

Glacier Blue Glass Subway Tile featured in Romantic Homes Magazine!

Our Glacier Blue Glass Subway Tile was recently featured in the January issue of Romantic Homes Magazine which focuses on top design trends for 2013. We certainly expect Subway Tile to remain, as it has been since the 50′s, a popular and easy enhancement to any home. See how easy it is to install a glass subway tile backsplash!

Stainless Steel Isn’t Just For Your Kitchen Anymore

Trends in interior design and home decorating come and go, yet some looks are timeless. Many people want to remodel their home and have it be stylish and modern looking for years to come. Because remodeling and redecorating is expensive, it is best to choose a style or a trend that won’t become dated in a few years. If designs are too trendy, they may look outdated too soon resulting in another renovation, which means more money for the homeowner. One classic trend that is in right now is stainless steel, and it isn’t just for appliances anymore. When most people think of stainless steel, they call to mind images of refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves; however, stainless steel is now being used for other items as well both in and out of the kitchen. Stainless steel is a trend that will be in fashion for years to come.

Stainless Steel Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Stainless steel furniture is one trend that is on the horizon. Since stainless steelis no longer only for kitchen appliances, it has been used on a variety of different pieces of furniture. It is becoming common for people to buy dining room sets made of stainless steel. This creates a fluid look between the kitchen and the dining room. To keep things from looking too over-done, avoid using too much steel in one room. This works best if the dining room is an actual separate room from the kitchen. This will ensure that the rooms stand on their own design wise.

Luxury Stainless Kitchen Backsplash

In addition, more and more homeowners are re-doing their bathrooms instainless steel. This gives a sleek and modern look to the bathroom. If the kitchen is done in stainless steel as well, this provides a consistent flow throughout the house. A bathroom done in stainless steel is sure to become a focal point in the house. This is an easy way to add value to the home for potential buyers in the future. Items that can be stainless steel in a bathroom include, but are not limited to, toilets, sinks, cabinets, counters, showers, and accessories.

In addition to dining rooms and bathrooms, some home owners are choosing to incorporate stainless steel into their bedrooms. This may seem weird at first, but upon closer inspection, the choice makes sense. Stainless steel is a very versatile surface, which is what makes it suitable for a wide range of rooms in a home. In bedrooms, some people want a clean and modern look. Stainlesssteel, when paired with the right room decor, can create this masculine look. It is best to use stainless steel in combination with black bedding and dark accessories such as lamps and curtains.

This will add to the industrial modern look of the room. Items in a room that can be stainless steel are bed frames, dressers, night-stands, bookshelves, and tables.

Another room that can feature stainless steel in a trendy way is a game room. Many people convert basements or bonus rooms into game rooms. Game rooms are a great way to entertain friends and family. Most game rooms are large and have a pool table, air hockey, or Foosball table. Stainless steelfurniture looks great with all of these game options. Since most game rooms also have a tv, a stainless steel entertainment center is a great choice. Another option is to buy a bar made from stainless steel.

Since stainless steel is no longer only for kitchen appliances, it can be used in any room of house to create a modern and trendy atmosphere. It can be used in dining rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, or game rooms.

2 Responses to Stainless Steel Isn’t Just For Your Kitchen Anymore

1. Julie S says:

I used your metal backsplash tile in my newly remodeled master bath shower. The result turned out fantastic and everyone comments on the creative use of the stainless steel tile!

Thanks Subway Tile Outlet!

o Debra says:

Julie,

We would love to see some pictures of your project if you get a chance!

We have had a few customers use metal tile in their showers and gotten nothing but positive comments on it!

Glad it turned out so well.

Thanks,

Debra S.

http://www.SubwayTileOutlet.com

Before and After Bathroom Remodel With Glass Tile

Remodeling your bathroom is a hugely rewarding experience, and what better to use than glass tile? There are so many ways you can use our glass subway tile. Below one of our customers decided to use our Ice Glass Subway Tile to cover the top half of their shower.

With everything stripped down the walls were ready for their flashy new coverings, including a healthy dose of our wonderful 3×6 glass tiles.

Sage Green Glass Subway Tile Modern Bathroom & Shower

This project really shows off the flexibility of glass subway tile in a wide range of applications. This customer used our Sage Green Glass Subway Tile to create a beautiful and unique bathroom.

The light green glass combined with wood tones and the light sink and tub really offset each other and provide a nice contrast without being too much.

Here is what Tiffany from Indiana, PA has to say about the project:

We used your Sage Green subway tile for our kids’ bathroom. Here is more info on the other products used in the bathroom:

• Maui Turtle Pebble tile from Pebble Tile Shop

• IKEA Ann sink

• IKEA accessories

• Kohler tub and fixtures

• Hinkley lighting from Bellacor

Thanks again for your great service and product!

If you are looking to redo your bathroom, shower or almost any other spot in your home be sure to consider using our Glass Subway Tile!

Sky Blue Glass Subway Tile in Bedrooms & Baths Magazine

Our Sky Blue Glass Subway Tile was featured in the February issue of “Bedrooms & Baths” magazine. The tile was used in a beautiful modern shower application along with several other high end products. This bathroom really does scream “Modern Elegance” as the magazine title suggests.

You can take a look at other glass tile showers in our photo gallery.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas: Materials

When redoing your kitchen backsplash there are so many choices you need to make that it can be overwhelming.

One of the first choices any potential DIY backsplash installer should make is what type of material to use! There are several choices…each having it’s own unique style to lend to your new kitchen!

Glass

Glass is available in a wide range of colors and sizes. Most popular are glass subway tile in 3″ x 6″ sizes and glass mosaic tile which usually comes as a 1″ or 0.75″ sizes. The benefit of using glass is not only for its beauty but also because it is is incredibly stain proof, easy to install and will last a lifetime!

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel mosaic tile is another popular choice in backsplash design. A stainless mosaic will match other stainless steel items in your kitchen such as a range hood, refrigerator, etc. Stainless steel tile can be used anywhere you would use glass, ceramic or stone and is equally as durable.

Stone

If you prefer the look of stone in your kitchen backsplash there are a few choices available. We carry stone subway tile as well as stone mosaic tile. Stone is another incredibly durable product that will stand the test of time. Stone is more likely to stain than glass so we do recommend applying a high quality sealer over your entire backsplash after installation.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile offers the class subway tile look at a lower price than glass. Ceramic is easy to install but is more prone to breakage and staining. If you are looking for a low cost backsplash installation you might consider our ceramic subway tile.

8 Responses to Kitchen Backsplash Ideas: Materials

1. Susan says:

What color is the tile is the picture under “Glass.” I can’t tell if it’s white or blue. Thanks

o Debra says:

The tile used in this project is our Ocean Glass Subway Tile.

2. glass tiles says:

The kitchen models in this post is very nice to see and it is very modern and also the stainless steel model kitchen is very beautiful.

3. Al says:

Love the stainless steel splashback. Easy to clean and great reflector of light in a dark kitchen.

4. Lori Mackintosh says:

What color is the grout in the photo with the white ceramic subway tile? We are redoing our kitchen in white cabinets and wood countertops, and white subway tile, so just wondering what color grout would compliment the wood w/o using white grout (staining).

o Debra says:

Lori,

This photo does use white grout. You could consider an off white or cream color for your project.

Please let us know if you have any other questions!

5. george says:

Where can I purchase the stainless steel tile 1″x2″ ?

o Debra says:

George,

You can buy our 1″ x 2″ Stainless Steel Tile right here:

http://www.subwaytileoutlet.com/products/Stainless-Steel-Mosaic-Tile-1×2.html

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks,

Debra S.

http://www.SubwayTileOutlet.com

Great Kitchen’s Have Great Kitchen Backsplashes

No one single thing can transform a kitchen more quickly into a totally different looking space than adding a kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes are a great way to add an accent to your kitchen and tie the whole theme together such as this kitchen using our sky blue glass subway tile.

Our glass tile is unique in the fact that it can be used in many different styles of kitchens and still fit in. Such as a contemporary kitchen like the one above or even a modern kitchen such as this one below.

There are lots of different themes and aesthetics you can do in your kitchen but which ever way you choose to go with your kitchen, make sure you don’t forget to put in an amazing backsplash that will for sure be the envy of anyone who sees it.

Go Stainless Steel With Your Backsplash

It’s no surprise that stainless steel is a popular choice in the kitchen. It seems these days you would be hard pressed to find a kitchen appliance in a finish other than stainless steel and for good reason. Stainless steel just looks amazing in the kitchen and gives it a modern and clean look.

Our customers have done many different things with our stainless steel tile, but the two most popular uses for it are on the kitchen backsplash. One being as the entire backsplash and the other used as a background behind the stove.

Above is an example of how one of our customers used our stainless steel mosaic tile as a backsplash behind their stove. They also paired it up with our white glass subway tiles for a truly amazing looking kitchen.

Here our customer used our 1″x2″ stainless steel mosaic tile for their entire backsplash. By using this for their backsplash it gave the kitchen a nice contrast from the dark cabinets an added much needed light to the space.

7 Responses to Go Stainless Steel With Your Backsplash

1. Lucy says:

What’s the grout colour for the second picture?

o Debra says:

Lucy,

Most people use a white or light creme color with the stainless steel products. The contrast really makes the individual tiles “pop”.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks,

Debra S.

http://www.SubwayTileOutlet.com

2. Rhonda says:

How much tile would I need for a 60 x 25 back splash behine my 8 burner stove?

o Debra says:

Rhonda,

According to our Tile Calculator you would need about 13 sq. ft. of tile for your space.

Thanks,

Debra S.

http://www.SubwayTileOutlet.com

3. Rhonda says:

Do you ship to Alaska?

o Debra says:

Rhonda,

We can ship to Alaska, we just can not offer free shipping on those orders.

4. Johanna says:

For the second picture, what kind of counter top is that and what color?

Great Kitchen Backsplash Idea

One of our customers wanted to update their kitchen. Above is what their kitchen looked like before they started the project. Using our white glass subway tile they were able to transform their dated kitchen into a beautiful modern kitchen with a stunning backsplash.

To achieve this kitchen backsplash took a 1/16″ grout line with a pure white grout was used and every other row was offset to give it that brick style look. The countertop is granite and the faucet is a single hole Delta. All the appliances were replaced with stainless and the standard brass light fixtures were replaced with nickel plated ones. The white vinyl floor was replaced with a wood laminate and the cabinets were painted white. Undercabinet lighting was installed to hi-light the backsplash and reflect light into the kitchen, giving it an open fill. Our customers were able to do all the backsplash work themselves and had this to say about the experience.

“I enjoyed working with the glass tiles. I've never worked with it before, so I was curious to see how well it cut. I bought a special glass tile blade for my wet saw, and I have to say it’s really easy to work with. Much easier to work with than marble, which I put in our powder room last year.”

Installing a new Glass Tile Backsplash is a great DIY Project!

Here are some quick and easy tips to install a great glass tile backsplash in your kitchen!

1) Check the Surface

The first thing you want to do is to ensure that the substrate (the surface the tile will adhere to) is structurally sound, clean and flat. The substrate creates the base for the rest of your backsplash project so it needs to be solid!

2) Start off level

You always want to start off of the countertops. The countertop should be perfectly level. You want to start with a full tile at the lowest point and move up. This way if you have to cut any tiles they will be under your cabinets, range hood etc. and be mostly out of sight.

3) Make the cuts

The next step is cutting the tile. Glass tile is very easy to work with using a wet saw and a diamond blade it cu ts like butter. It won’t splinter or shatter and will leave you with a very nice edge. As most people don’t own a wet saw there are many equipment rental places that rent them for around $50 a day. Using a wet saw not only ensures a clean cut but also reduces the heat on the material and the blade as well as minimizes dust!

4) Make it stick

There are a few methods for applying the morter/mastic. If you use a traditional mortar such as thinset or quikset we always recommend applying the first layer with the flat side of the trowel to ensure an even application that is completly adhered to the wall with no air pockets. After this is laid you would want to go back over the material with the notched side of the trowel to pull away any excess material and make a roughed up surface for the backsplash tile to stick to.

Tip: For easier application go with a pre-mixed mastic!

Another option to use to easily install any glass tile in a small area such as a backsplash is Bondera. Bondera is a sticky mat double sided adhesive which minimizes the tools and labor involved in installing your backsplash.

5) Lay the tile

Our 3″ x 6″ glass subway tile is perfect for any backsplash because it comes on a mesh backing for easy installation. It installs in one square foot sections easily. We still recommend using tile spacers especially between sheets to ensure perfect spacing of the glass. After the tile is adhered to your mastic of choice it generally should set for 24 hours and allow the mastic to dry.

6) Grout

Once the mastic is set its time to grout your new glass tile backsplash! You want to use a non-sanded grout and always use the grout float diagonally across the tile to ensure a complete fill of the space between the glass. Once this area is grouted you will want to sponge off any excess grout with a damp sponge. After drying you may still notice some haze on your new glass tile but another pass with a damp sponge should remove that permanently.

7) Enjoy!

Congratulations! You have enhanced an often overlooked area of your home with beautiful glass tile. Your new glass tile backsplash will add beauty and value to your kitchen for years to come.

For more inspiring pictures of glass tile backsplashes be sure to check out our Photo Gallery!

How to Install Glass Subway Tile

Installing glass subway tile is easier than you think and can be accomplished by yourself. Also by installing the tile yourself, you’ll save a good deal of money and more than likely pay closer attention to detail than someone else would.

Tools Needed to Get the Job Done

• Rubber Tile Float

• Diamond Wet Saw

• Large Sponge

• Chalk Line

• Carpenters Level

• Wooden Beating Block (small board wrapped in cloth, 2×4 works great)

• Adhesive (Thin set modified with Latex)

• Grout (Unsanded if tile spacing 1/8″ or less)

• Trowel (1/4″ x 1/4″ square notch)

The Right Backing for Your Project

You’ll want to make sure that your tiles are installed onto the right surface for the area that they are being installed in. An improper installation surface could cause you problems after your tile is already installed so you’ll want to get this right.

Drywall - This is acceptable in areas of low or no moisture. You’ll more than likely have drywall installed behind your kitchen countertop and this is an acceptable surface as long as it only receives small amounts of moisture.

Cement Board – When installing tiles around a tub or shower a good choice to go with is to use cement board. Make sure when you install your cement board that you use galvanized screws, because standard drywall screws will rust over time.

Green Board -Green board can be used in areas that are occasionally subjected to moisture, so areas like behind your sink, toilets, and other backsplashes. While green board is water resistant, you do not want to use it for areas with high exposures to moisture such as your shower as it will soften over time and your tiles will come loose.

Concrete - Having concrete as your surface is great for tiles. It is ideal for outdoor areas that are subjected to freezes and thaws. You’ll want to make sure that if the concrete is newly poured that you wait at least 28 days for it to cure before installing your tiles. Also if the concrete surface has cracks or large chips make sure you repair those before installing your tile.

Grouts and Adhesives

When choosing an adhesive we suggest that you go with a Latex modified thin set and to verify with the manufacture that the product is suitable for glass tiles. You’ll want to shade the surface area that you are applying your thin set to if necessary as direct sunlight can cause the surface to dry unevenly or dry to fast causing you problems during installation.

As far as grouting it is recommended that you use non-sanded grout for most glass tiles. If your spacing between tiles is 1/8″ or less then you must use the non-sanded grout, but if it it greater than 1/8″ you’ll most likely want to use sanded grout. The color of grout you use is completely up to you though it is typical practice to use a grout color that is lighter than the color of the tile you’re installing.

Installing Your Tile

1. Clean the surface you are installing your tile to, you want a nice clean and smooth surface before you apply your thin set. When you’ve finished cleaning your surface you will want draw some guidelines on the wall, so get our your tape measure, chalk guide lines and level and draw as many necessary guides as you think you’ll need to properly line up your tile.

2. Once you are happy with the amount of guides you’ve drawn on the wall it is time to mix your latex modified thin set. All thin sets are a little bit different so make sure to read the manufactures instructions on mixing.

3. Time to apply that thin set to your surface! Using the flat side of your trowel apply the thin set to only the area of your surface that you plan to install tile on in the next 10 to 15 minutes. Typically this would be the size of 2 to 3 square feet, but if this is your first time I’d recommend that you only put up enough for 1 square foot your first couple of sheets of tile.

4. Now you’ll want to angle your trowel about half way between 45 degrees and 90 degrees using the notched side of the trowel to evenly spread the thin set. Once down switch back to the flat side of your trowel and gently flatten all the peaks and notches in your thin set. Your goal here is to flatten your thin set without changing its thickness and minimizing any air pockets or gaps in your thin set.

5. Time to set your first sheet of tile. With your hands gently press the tile into the thin set while aligning it to your guide lines. Make sure to use gentle and even pressure across the sheet when pressing it into the thin set.

6. Grabbing your wooden block that is wrapped in cloth, place it over your tiles and lightly tap it with a hammer to make sure all the tiles in your sheet are flush with each other.

7. Now you can repeat steps 3 through 6 for the remaining sheets of tile in your project. Make sure when placing the next sheet that they are evenly spaced from the other sheets in accordance with the width between the tiles in your sheet.

8. After all your tiles are placed on your wall, you’ll want to let them cure for a minimum of 24 hours or longer if stated in the instructions of your thin set.

9. Once you’ve waiting 24 hours or longer you can now begin to mix your grout. Go ahead and follow the manufactures instructions for the grout you choose and mix it up.

10. Use a tile sponge and dampen the surface of your tiles. This will help with the application of your grout.

11. Using your rubber float apply the grout in between your tiles forcing the grout down into the spaces between the tiles. You’ll want to make sure that you left no air pockets in the joints.

12. After you’re satisfied with the grouting you can use your rubber float to scrape off the excess grout that is still on the tile face. Holding the float at 90 degrees to the surface and scrape diagonally. By scraping diagonally you ensure that you are not removing grout from between the tiles but only the excess that is left on the tile face.

13. Let your grout dry a bit but not set completely. Usually this takes about 20 minutes. If you wait too long the residual grout still left on the tile face will be very difficult to remove.

14. Grab a damp sponge and gently clean the residual grout from the face of the tiles. You’ll want to be sure that you don’t use too much water or force because you don’t want to remove the grout from between the tiles, only the excess grout on the tile face. Make sure you do a very detailed job here, because you don’t want to leave any grout on the surface that will cure completely.

15. After removing the grout you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours to let the grout cure completely, before applying a grout sealer. A grout sealer will protect your grout from water damage so this is extra important to do in high moisture areas.

16. Too apply the grout sealer first you’ll want to wipe down the surface with a dry towel to remove the haze that the grout left after installation, and then follow the manufacturer of the grout sealers instructions on application.

17. You did it! Now you can invite over all your friends and family to marvel at the amazing transformation of your space and all the great work you did.

Glass Subway Tile vs. Ceramic Subway Tile

Although we carry both glass and ceramic subway tile we have to recommend glass for most applications.

While a bit more expensive than ceramic it has many noticeable benefits. Our glass tile comes in a wide array of colors instead of the black or white generally offered in ceramics. Our glass tile also comes on a mesh backing making for a much easier installation.

One of the biggest benefits of using glass tile is it will still give your space the classic “subway tile” look but with a more contemporary looking material. Our glass tile is extremely durable because it is manufactured 8mm thick and the color is fired onto the back of the crystal clear glass pieces. Firing the color to the back means that your thin-set or other mastic used to attach the tile to the surface will not show through.

The reflective properties of glass will also make your room look bigger, brighter and all around more open. Glass is all much more suitable for wet areas like bathrooms as glass tile is much more resistant to mold or mildew. Glass tile is impervious to water with a 0.00% absorbency rate while ceramic tile has an absorbency of 0.5% to 3.0%. Glass tile also sports a surface hardness of 6 on the MOHS scale with a PEI rating of Class IV abrasion resistance.

Another often overlooked benefit of glass tile is that it is the greener option of the two. The materials are fully recyclable and they only take roughly half the energy to make vs. ceramic!

Glass Subway Tile in Bathrooms & Showers

An often overlooked application for glass subway tile is in bathrooms. Glass tile can be easily used on shower and bathroom walls to really change a normal, everyday space intoa contemporary, luxury environment.

Because the color is fired on to the back of our crystal clear glass the tile will never discolor. Glass tile is also impervious to mold or mildew and because all of our tile is 8mm thick is also extremely resistant to breakage or damage.

A common use of our glass subway tile is in kitchen backsplashes but it can look just as wonderful as a bathroom backsplash. Imagine looking at your self in a mirror that is mounted to an all glass backsplash.

Because of our tiles resistance to water and temperature it is perfect for regular and high end showers including completely enclosed steam showers. The shower above uses our Sage Green Glass Subway Tile along with brushed nickel fixtures to create a wonderful spa like oasis.

All in all Glass Subway Tile is extremely versatile in use and can be used to enhance any room in your home! Take a look at our glass tile installation photos to get some ideas!

Spruce up a plain bathroom or kitchen backsplash with glass subway tile!

An often overlooked area in many modern homes is a bathroom or kitchen backsplash. Developers of even luxury homes often leave backsplashes with a plain white paint and rarely use high end trim. Replacing a plain kitchen backsplash with glass tile is an easy and fun do it yourself project even for inexperienced DIY’ers! These jobs can often be accomplished in a matter of hours and will have a huge effect on your space. Not only will it add beauty and detail but it will also add value to your home.

You can find lots of instructions on how to install a glass tile backsplash all over the web. We recommend taking a look at instructions for our beautiful glass subway tiles Here.

If you are looking for some design ideas be sure to look at our photo gallery to see pictures of many great backsplash projects done by our past customers. We have had everyone from housewives to computer programmers to professional contractors install our tiles with a beautiful result!

This beautiful kitchen was created with stainless steel appliances (they go great with glass tile!), white natural wood cabinets, a creme granite countertop and finished off with our Sky Blue Glass Subway Tile!

This light and airy kitchen features our white glass subway tile in a traditional “brick pattern” layout along with a stainless steel apron front sink and matching appliances.

The below kitchen uses a lot of wood tones including a butchers block island and wood cabinets to accent the stainless steel appliances and apron front sink. The backsplash is finished wonderfully with our Surf Subway Tile.

>If you have decided to finally spruce up your boring backsplash then we hope the above information has been helpful! You can always find more ideas in our photo gallery.

If you have any questions feel free to post a comment or contact us.

How to Find the Best Backsplash Tile

When searching for a tile for your kitchen backsplash there are several important things you should take into account. First and foremost you need a color that matches your space, or that will match your newly remodel space. Second you want sure you get the highest quality tile that you can that will last. Lastly you want to make sure the tile will fit into your budget.

If you in the phase of your project where you don’t know what colors you want to use or the style that you are going for, I would suggest that you head over to a tile gallery page such as that one, or use Google images to get some inspiration of what others have done. Also it is a good idea to consult an interior designer during this phase or even any your friends who style you like. Once you have the color and style nailed down you’ll want to definitely order a sample of the time you are thinking of. This is a hugely important step because what you see on your monitor and the actual tile color can be very different, due to things such as monitor color calibration and lighting. Here at Subway Tile Outlet we will even refund the price of your sample if you like it and decided to use it on your project.

Now that you have your sample and you are happy with the color. You’ll want to inspect the tile for quality. What you are looking for are uniform straight edges and defect free materials used in their construction. Make sure you check their measurements as well to see if they are up to specifications. Some retailers of tile will sell real low end glass tiles that are only 4mm thick, you’ll want to avoid this and make sure your glass subway tiles are 8mm thick.

Finally comes budget. What you’re looking for here are things like free shipping and low price guarantees. Finding sites that offer these will save you lots of money and will guarantee that your project stays on budget!