Laying Out Subway Wall Tile

Install tile on the back wall.

Laying out subway wall tile.

I drew a long vertical line indicating the center of the back wall. Then return to the center and work your way toward the opposite wall to form a single row. The center of each tile is lined up with the edge of the tile above it. If not consider installing a tile backer board first.

This pattern is a more modern look and therefore works well with full tile walls like in a bathroom or as a statement wall in the kitchen or by the hood. Vertically stacked large format tiles serve to extend your walls and floors in both directions. Be sure to complete 1 row before moving on to the next. Work your way toward the wall.

You ll see it really often used for subway tile like here in nicole ben s eclectic family pad in western australia but you can lay square tiles or more unusual shapes in a running bond as well. The back wall will be where i start. Save pin it see more images image credit. Go on to how to tile a wall 2 3 fixing the wall tiles.

With 10 foot ceilings in the bathroom and a plan to go all the way up to the ceiling right then and there we knew we were in for it. That is the most common place to begin because it will allow you to place the foundation tiles in place that will dictate where the other side wall tiles will lay in relation to the others. When it comes to laying out subway tile i always draw two vertical lines one for each offset row. Then off of the centerline i would draw the offset line.

If i were to tile the back wall of a shower or bathtub surround with subway tile i would generally start with a vertical centerline. Subway tiles suddenly take on new life and geometric appeal in this layout. Subway tile kitchen do. Add texture and it s enough to take an all white wall to the next level.

If you are installing a backsplash behind a sink or area with moisture you ll need to be sure you re working on water resistant drywall or a rock based board. Starting from the 4 central tiles lay out the remaining tiles in a straight line until you reach the wall.