Subway Tiles by Design Tiles, Sydney

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles for splashbacks, bathrooms and laundries, in crisp white gloss, handmade glazes, brick looks and real marble and travertine, from 75 x 150 mm bricks to long 48 x 450 mm sticks.

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Rice Series Gloss Wall Tile Sale priceFrom $175.90 /m² Regular price$177.01
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Mojave Subway Series Feature Wall Tile Sale price$117.00 /m² Regular price$129.00
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Chianti Brick Look Porcelain Tile 125 x 250 mm Sale priceFrom $109.90 /m² Regular price$121.00
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Coco Series Spanish Tile Sale price$175.90 /m² Regular price$176.00
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London Brick 60x250mm Floor & Wall Tile Sale price$106.00 /m² Regular price$110.00
79 products

Subway tiles for splashbacks, bathrooms and laundries, in crisp white gloss, handmade glazes, brick looks and real marble and travertine, from 75 x 150 mm bricks to long 48 x 450 mm sticks.

Subway tiles in every material

The subway tile is a simple rectangle, usually laid like brickwork, and it has stayed popular because it works in almost any room. Our range covers glazed ceramic and porcelain, handmade-look glazes and real stone.

  • Glazed and porcelain: clean classics such as Clovelly 2.0 White (75 x 300 mm) and Linen Natural White (50 x 150 mm), plus the Lume 2.0 Italian subway in 60 x 240 mm and the Amuri at 53 x 300 mm.
  • Handmade look: Spanish ranges such as Manacor, Magma, Coco and Arou have uneven edges and glazes that pool and shift in colour. See more in handmade tiles and zellige tiles.
  • Natural stone: honed and tumbled subways in Carrara, Calacatta, Botticino, Rosa Murcia and Viola marble, and Noce, Rome and Red travertine. See all marble tiles.
  • Brick looks: London Brick, Chelsea and Chianti bring the warmth of old brick in porcelain.

Colours and finishes

White is the biggest group, but you will also find grey, beige, cream, green, blue, pink and terracotta, including Alice Red Terracotta at 60 x 240 mm. Gloss bounces light around a small splashback or laundry. Matt and honed finishes feel softer and more modern, and tumbled stone has a worn, rounded edge.

Laying patterns

  • Brick bond (half offset): the classic look, and quick for a tiler to set out.
  • Stack bond: tiles lined up in a grid for a crisp, contemporary wall. A vertical stack makes a ceiling feel higher.
  • Herringbone: more cuts and labour, but a strong feature on a splashback or floor. See herringbone tiles.
  • Third offset: reduces lippage on longer tiles.

Where to use subway tiles

Every tile here is made for walls in kitchens, bathrooms, showers and laundries. About half are also rated for floors, and a few porcelain options carry P4 or P5 slip ratings for outdoor areas. Check the Room and Slip rating details on each tile before you put one on a floor. Want something slimmer? Try kit kat and finger tiles.

FAQs

What size subway tile is best for a kitchen splashback?

The classic 75 x 150 mm suits most splashbacks and looks traditional. Longer formats such as 75 x 300 mm or 60 x 240 mm give a more modern line with fewer grout joints. Lay a few tiles along your benchtop to see which size fits with the fewest cuts.

Should subway tiles be laid horizontally or vertically?

A horizontal brick bond is the traditional look and makes a wall feel wider. A vertical stack draws the eye up and suits narrow walls and low ceilings. The same tile works both ways, so it comes down to the style you want.

What grout colour goes with white subway tiles?

A white or soft grey grout keeps the wall calm and seamless. A darker grout outlines every tile for a bolder, graphic look, and it hides marks better in a busy kitchen.

Can subway tiles go on a floor?

Some can. Porcelain, stone and brick-look subways rated for floors work well in bathrooms and laundries, while many glossy wall tiles are not made for foot traffic. Each product page lists whether the tile suits floors and its slip rating.

Do marble subway tiles need sealing?

Yes. Real marble and travertine are porous, so seal them after installation and reseal from time to time, especially behind a cooktop or in a shower. Glazed ceramic and porcelain subways need no sealing.

Planning a tiling project? Book a free design consultation — in-store or virtual — and our team will help you choose tiles for the space.

Buying for trade? Trade customers can apply for Design Tiles wholesale and reseller access.