Installing subway tile can transform the look of a kitchen or bathroom by adding an elegant, classic finish. While subway tile may look straightforward, there are actually several different installation methods to choose from. Proper planning and preparation are key to achieving a successful subway tile installation.
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Should I Hire a Professional or DIY?
Installing subway tile is a doable DIY project for a homeowner with some tiling experience. However, it’s also a great project to hire out to a professional tiler for those less comfortable with taking it on themselves. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
Pros of Hiring a Professional Tiler
- Saves time and labor for the homeowner.
- Experienced tilers can achieve a more flawless, professional result.
- A pro will have the right tools and knowledge to deal with any tricky situations.
- You won’t have to buy or rent equipment you may not use again.
- A pro can provide guidance on design choices and materials.
Cons of Hiring a Professional Tiler
- Hiring a pro is more expensive than DIY.
- You’ll need to coordinate schedules for the tiler to access your home.
- The project will take longer with a pro’s schedule than tackling it yourself.
- If you want hands-on experience, you won’t get it hiring out.
Pros of DIY Subway Tile Installation
- Installing it yourself costs less than hiring a pro.
- You can work on your own schedule and pace.
- Gives you a chance to learn new skills and gain experience.
- Provides a sense of personal accomplishment once completed.
Cons of DIY Subway Tile Installation
- Requires an investment of your own time and labor.
- Without experience, the results may not look as polished.
- Correcting mistakes can be time consuming and costly.
- You need to buy or rent the necessary tools yourself.
- There’s a learning curve if you’ve never tiled before.
Subway Tile Materials
The most common subway tiles are made of glazed ceramic or porcelain. However, subway tile comes in a variety of materials with their own characteristics:
| Tile Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ceramic |
|
| Porcelain |
|
| Glass |
|
| Natural Stone |
|
| Mosaic |
|
The most common size for subway tile is 3×6 inches, but other elongated rectangular sizes like 4×8 inches work as well. The tiles are installed vertically in a brick pattern. Standard thickness is 1/4 inch.
Tools and Materials Needed
Gathering the right tools and materials is key to success. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
Tools
- Wet saw for cutting tile
- Mixing bucket
- Notched trowel
- Grout float
- Spacers
- Level
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Grout sealer
Materials
- Subway tile
- Thinset mortar
- Grout
- Sealant
- Backer board
- Wall anchors
Make sure you purchase 10-15% more tile than measurements to account for cuts and waste. Have all materials ready before starting.
Installation Methods
There are several subway tile installation methods, each with their own pros and cons. Choose the best method for your skill level and project.
Thinset over Cement Board
This is a very common installation method suitable for both walls and floors.
Steps
- Install cement backer board over surface per manufacturer instructions
- Apply thinset mortar to backer board using notched trowel
- Press tiles into thinset and space evenly using spacers
- Allow thinset to cure 24 hours
- Apply grout between tile joints
- Seal grout once cured
Considerations
- A solid foundation for tile
- Extra labor for installing backer board
- Not ideal for curved surfaces
Thinset over Drywall or Plaster
Only suitable for walls, not floors.
Steps
- Inspect wall surface to ensure it’s in good condition
- Apply thinset mortar directly to wall surface
- Press tiles into thinset and space evenly using spacers
- Allow thinset to cure 24 hours
- Apply grout between tile joints
- Seal grout once cured
Considerations
- Easier installation without backer board
- Risk of cracking if wall flexes or shifts
- Not suitable for wet areas
Mastic Adhesive
Another common wall-only subway tile installation.
Steps
- Ensure wall surface is clean and smooth
- Apply mastic adhesive directly to back of tile
- Press tiles firmly to wall and space evenly
- Allow mastic to cure per manufacturer instructions
- Apply grout between tile joints
- Seal grout once cured
Considerations
- Minimal surface prep needed
- Not as strong bond as thinset
- Tiles may shift or fall off if not fully adhered
Peel-and-Stick Tile
A beginner-friendly method using self-adhesive tiles.
Steps
- Ensure surface is smooth, clean, and dry
- Cut peel-and-stick tiles to size as needed
- Peel off adhesive backing and press tiles firmly to surface
- Install grout between joints
- Seal grout
Considerations
- Much easier for DIY beginners
- Adhesive may fail prematurely
- Only suitable for dry indoor vertical surfaces
Subway Tile Backsplash
A backsplash is a popular and straightforward subway tile project.
Steps
- Prepare surface – clean walls, remove outlets
- Paint before tiling for easier grouting
- Determine layout – centered on stove or floor to ceiling
- Cut tiles as needed using wet saw
- Apply thinset mortar to wall surface
- Press tiles into thinset using spacers
- Allow thinset to cure fully
- Mix grout and apply between tile joints
- Wipe away excess grout
- Seal grout once cured
- Caulk between tile and countertops/floor
Tips
- Lay out tiles loose first to determine spacing
- Mix tiles from several boxes at a time
- Start tiles in middle and work outwards
- Keep spacers consistent for straight lines
- Use painters tape for clean edges
Grouting Subway Tile
Grout fills the joints between tiles, finishing the installation. Use sanded grout for joints 1/8 inch and larger, unsanded for smaller joints.
Grouting Steps
- Let thinset cure fully before grouting, usually 24 hours
- Mix grout with water to thick peanut butter consistency
- Hold grout float at 45 degree angle and force grout deeply into joints
- Wipe away excess grout diagonally across tiles
- Clean any remaining haze once grout dries partially, 15-30 minutes
- Avoid washing tiles for 24 hours
- Seal grout once cured, usually 72 hours
Grouting Tips
- Work in small sections so grout doesn’t dry too quickly
- Avoid getting grout on surface of tiles
- Be consistent with wiping pattern and pressure
- Popular grout colors are white or gray
- Use a grout sealing product to protect from stains
Cutting Subway Tile
Most subway tile projects will involve cutting some tiles to fit or working around outlets, corners, etc. Follow these tips for great results.
Cutting Tips
- Use a wet saw designed for cutting tile
- For straight cuts, use tile setter bar as a guide
- For L-shaped cuts, use a tile nipper tool
- For U-shaped cuts, use an angle grinder
- Wear safety glasses, mask, and ear protection
- Cut tiles face up for best results
- Work slowly and steadily through tile
Common Cuts
- Around electrical boxes and plumbing fixtures
- Borders along countertops, tub edges, corners
- Irregular spaces and gaps
- Tiles fitting around outlets
- Custom niches, patterns, inlays
It takes practice to get perfectly clean cuts. Expect some chipping and breakage as you learn. Extra tiles come in handy!
Conclusion
Installing subway tile brings classic style to contemporary spaces with its versatility and timeless appeal. By gaining an understanding of the available materials, tools, and techniques, a DIYer or pro can transform their kitchen or bath with this iconic tile. Careful planning, precision, and patience are needed to achieve flawless finished results. However, the labor pays off handsomely in the simplicity and elegance of a subway tile installation.