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Let’s kick things off by taking a side-by-side comparison of subway and herringbone tiles, looking at the key differences in each.
Subway tiles are made using a method called “extrusion”, which mixes raw materials such as clay, sand, and other additives together before pressing them through a die. This forms a long, continuous strip of clay, which is then cut into individual tiles before being dried, fired, and glazed.
Herringbone tiles undergo more of an intricate manufacturing process in order to get that unique design. Wet clay is pressed into a mould to create individual tiles, which are then dried and fired in a kiln to harden them.
Since both tiles are made from the same materials, they are quite evenly matched in durability. However, subway tiles are generally more durable than herringbone tiles, and this is because their simple, linear layout means fewer grout lines, which means less risk of moisture accumulating and getting damaged.
The zigzag layout of herringbone tiles means that arranging them often requires precise cutting, and this can weaken the structure of the overall tile if not done correctly. Also, unlike subway tiles, the numerous grout lines needed to create the herringbone pattern may trap moisture and start degrading sooner.
Again, as both tiles are made from the same materials, both have a similar lifespan. However, in direct comparison, subway tiles have the upper hand solely because of their simple layout, which tends to require less cutting and, therefore, less weakening of the tile.
Due to the intricate layout of herringbone tiles, which often requires many of the tiles need to be cut, they tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan as the structure of the tile weakens when cut.
As subway tiles are laid in a straight line, there is usually less wastage, which means you don’t have to buy as many, and this keeps the overall cost down.
Herringbone tiles are the more expensive of the two, and this is simply because you need multiple tiles to create that herringbone pattern. Similarly, there is likely to be more wastage with herringbone tiles, which will increase the cost.
Of the two, subway tiles are generally easier to cut due to their straight-edged, rectangular edges. This also makes them a better choice for any DIY-er cutting their tiles, as it can easily be done with a standard tile cutter or wet saw.
Because of their diagonal edges, herringbone tiles are harder to cut, especially for anyone who is new to laying and cutting tiles.
There isn’t much difference in water absorption between subway tiles and herringbone tiles, and this is because they are usually made from the same materials.
As above, this is material-dependant, and as both types of tiles are made from the same material, they have a very similar water absorption performance.
Like most other rectangular tiles, subway tiles are quite easy to maintain, and this is because there are fewer grout lines needed when laying them. This makes them easier to clean and reduces the amount of space moisture can get in and damage.
Herringbone tiles, with their diagonal layout, tend to have more intricate crevices in which dirt and moisture can accumulate, resulting in additional care and cleaning to prevent mould growth and staining.
Subway tiles are best used for creating clean, classic looks. They’re also great for adding a timeless appeal to a space, and they can be used for backsplashes, shower surrounds, wall accents, and various other projects.
Herringbone tiles are a great choice if you’re looking to add visual interest and sophistication to walls, floors, and backsplashes. Their distinctive pattern also helps to create a sense of movement and adds depth to a space, so they’re ideal for adding a touch of elegance to kitchen and bathroom walls.
One of the main benefits of choosing subway tiles is that their rectangular shape is simple to lay and makes it easy for any novice tile layer to create a clean, classic look. They are also much easier to cut compared to herringbone tiles, which adds to their ease of installation and potentially removes the need to hire a professional installer.
Subway tiles are also easy to clean and maintain, which is another huge benefit, especially in busy family homes where there isn’t always a lot of time for cleaning! They’re extremely durable, too, and their water resistance makes them a good choice for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and any other areas where regular water exposure is likely.
Another benefit of choosing a subway tile over herringbone is that they are usually more cost-effective, as you need fewer individual tiles to fill a space, and there is generally less wastage.
Because of their simplistic design, subway tiles lack the visual interest that herringbone tiles can bring to a space. This certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have any aesthetic appeal, but they are more suitable for creating a straightforward look.
Another disadvantage of subway tiles is that, while they are easier to install compared to laying a herringbone pattern, their rectangular shape doesn’t mean they can be less suited to awkward or curved spaces.
Subway tiles are best for anyone looking to create a clean, classic, simple look along with a timeless aesthetic. They are also a good choice if you want an easy-to-maintain tile with fewer grout lines to worry about keeping clean and for anybody working with a smaller budget.
The unique design you’re able to create with herringbone tiles is one of their main benefits, and this is ideal for adding visual interest to any space, as well as creating a sense of depth and dimension. This can also make them a very good choice for small spaces, as the pattern creates an illusion of space.
Herringbone tiles can also be used in lots of different variations, including wall tiles, flooring, creating a kitchen backsplash, and more. This means that you’re able to add more character to your space than you would with the simple, linear layout of rectangular tiles.
With herringbone tiles, you’re also able to create the same pattern you can achieve with wooden flooring but using a much more durable and easy-to-clean material.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of herringbone tiles compared to subway tiles is the complexity of their installation, as in order to achieve that herringbone pattern, you need to plan extremely carefully. There is often a lot of tile cutting involved with laying herringbone tiles, which, along with their complex installation, means you may have to pay for a professional installer.
It can also be quite difficult to keep the grouting in between each tile clean compared to the grout lines on subway tiles, which potentially makes them less suitable for busy homes and areas that see a lot of use.
Herringbone tiles are best for those who are looking to create a stylish look in their home by using a unique pattern. In terms of durability, they are slightly less durable than subway tiles, but this is simply because of their layout, and since both are made from the same materials, it’s really only the grout you need to worry about.
The choice between subway and herringbone tiles ultimately boils down to personal preference, design choices, and the specific needs of the space. Subway tiles offer a timeless simplicity that is ideal for achieving modern designs with ease, while herringbone tiles bring an extra level of sophistication and visual interest to a space. However, subway tiles are much easier to install and tend to cost less, so if you’re working with a smaller budget or planning to self-install, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
