Subway tile is a rectangular tile format, typically proportioned at a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio, named for the glazed white ceramic tiles installed in the New York City subway system. The format became a standard in residential kitchens and bathrooms through the twentieth century, while Zia tiles have evolved the category across ceramics and zellige in a wide range of colors, finishes, and sizes. For a more organic direction, 4x12 Cantera stone and 3x12 marble achieve a linear look.

Metro tile and subway tile refer to the same rectangular format under different names. Subway tile is the term used in North America, rooted in the New York City transit system. Metro tile is the term more common in the United Kingdom and Europe, referencing the same glazed rectangular format used in European metro stations.

Material is the first decision. The rectangular shape is consistent across ceramics, zellige, and stone, but each material has distinct application considerations, care requirements, and visual characteristics. Finish also impacts design, as matte cement and natural stone surfaces bring quiet, natural variation to the surface. Glossy ceramics and glazed zellige can introduce bolder tones to an installation.

Layout choice depends on the spatial effect needed. A horizontal running bond is the most traditional setting and visually widens a surface. A vertical stack bond reads taller and more contemporary. A classic herringbone pattern works particularly well with smaller formats like 2x6 bejmat zellige. For handmade materials with high variation like zellige, mix all boxes and dry lay the full installation before setting to best curate the tiles and distribute variation evenly across the surface.

The right backsplash tile is one whose finish and maintenance requirements suit a surface exposed to heat, grease, and daily cleaning. Glazed ceramics and zellige are both well-suited because the glazed surfaces clean most easily. Japanese ceramic formats offer a flat or textural surface in furrowed and etched finishes, with their own color and texture variation distinct from handmade zellige. While there is no “best” choice, consider both appearance and upkeep in the tile selection.

Our 2x6 zellige subway tile may be used on exterior walls and exterior floors in non-freeze/thaw climates, along with pools and fountains. For exterior floor installations, increase the grout joint to a minimum of 1/8" and consider an anti-slip treatment after installation. Zellige is not suitable for exterior installations of any kind in freeze/thaw climates. Contact our team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170 with any questions or for assistance in selecting the right material for a specific project.

Cleaning depends on the material. For glazed surfaces, including ceramics and 2x6 zellige subway tile, a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient for routine maintenance. Avoid acidic or abrasive products, including vinegar, bleach, and harsh scrubbing tools, as these damage the tiles’ glaze over time. For grout cleaning, prompt attention to spills prevents staining, and resealing on a schedule appropriate to traffic and moisture exposure keeps the material looking its best.

Cuts are quite common for finishing ends or achieving mitered edges, and the technique will vary by tile. Consult a professional tile installer with experience installing, measuring, and cutting the specific material. Installers should wear protective face and eye coverings when cutting, working with thinset, sealants, or grout, in accordance with California Prop 65. For installation-specific guidance, contact the Zia team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170 with any questions.

Yes, for most finishes. Zellige and matte or satin ceramic tiles are approved for shower floor installations in their rectangular subway formats, and the installation should be sealed to protect the grout and tiles. Glossy ceramics are approved for shower walls only, though not shower floors, since their finish falls below the slip-resistance threshold for wet floors. To address slip resistance on approved floor installations, increase grout joint size to a minimum of 1/8" and apply an anti-slip treatment after installation. Consult our installation guides for edge-finishing and full installation detail, or contact our team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170 with any questions.

Grout joint size for a subway tile backsplash or wall installation depends on the desired look, and specific minimums are noted in our installation guides for each material. Zellige is traditionally set with a minimal, tight joint, while ceramics typically use a wider, consistent open grout line. For floor installations in wet or commercial areas across any subway tile material, the grout spacing should be increased to a minimum of 1/8" to address slip resistance.

Please have your contractor, designer, or installer confirm the square footage needed for your tile order. A professional should measure the total square footage of the application surface, then add a minimum overage of 15% to account for cuts, curation, and any tiles set aside during installation. For handmade materials like zellige, where color variation is characteristic of the tile, plan for up to 25% overage for a more uniform result. For ceramics, consider up to 20% overage to account for significant edge cuts or complex layouts. If unsure about quantities for a specific project, contact info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.