Exploring How Grout Adds Dimension to Any Tiling Job

Grout is the unsung hero of the tiled surface. It is the silent partner, offering both form and function, working with subtlety against the tile. At Santa Rosa Tile Supplier, we see grout for what it is, which is the always dependable companion to the tile, capable of achieving a smart look and keeping it in place. Tile finishes are especially important in the design schemes for kitchens and bathrooms. According to eyeonhousing.org, the two most common remodeling projects of 2021 were kitchen and bathroom projects.



The Origins of the Subway Tile

Many of the characteristics that we enjoy so much about subway tiles and their design potential can be traced back to their origins. First employed in New York subway stations in the early 1900s, they came about during the Victorian era, when people were obsessed with hygiene. Therefore, the tiles are ceramic, which is bacteria-resistant and stain-resistant and easy to keep clean.

Further, the glossy, white surface forms a highly reflective surface that helped to create a safe, sanitary feeling for those dwelling on those subway platforms. More than a hundred years later and we still hold this versatile tile in esteem for these simple, but transcendent, virtues. After all, where better to display good hygiene than in our kitchens and bathrooms?

When To Employ Subway Tiles

There's a lot to think about when you're considering tiles for your walls or floors. These days, subway tiles are used frequently by interior designers as wall tiles for spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, fireplace surrounds and mudrooms. Subway tiles are rectangular tiles that are usually three by six inches and laid horizontally with a 50 percent offset. Made of ceramic tile, it is known for timeless style and durability. You can certainly add visual appeal to your bathroom or kitchen with the subway tile.

Apply Grout for Contrast

Applying a dark grout has the added benefit of being easier to clean than light-colored grout, though both types can be cleaned with household elements like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. A steam cleaning works well. At the end of the day, though, darker colors can hide stains, such as those that appear on your kitchen backsplash.

You can create depth and dimension by pairing light-colored tiles with dark grout. This scenario, which accentuates the grout over the tile, is equally as complimentary with dark tiles and light grout, though the stains will be more evident, of course, and require more cleaning.

Consider Thick Grout Joints

Not everything in the grout and tile world comes down to color. Thick grout lines are another way to make a statement. In this pattern, with its signature progressive spacing, you get new elements of geometry, and have applied a contrasting element of separation within the whole.

Applying thick grout lines requires more patience as it requires both support boards and longer drying times. The end result makes up for any added work or worries, though, as it is a bold and thoughtful statement.

Consider Tonality

A tonal grout and tile pairing is a subtle design choice that gives top billing to the grout as it becomes the area of focus. When you match the grout color to the tile, and thus achieve tonality, the eye is led to the tile texture and layout, rather than any grout lines.

Apply Grout To add Some Pop to a Neutral Color

You can go classic white, or cream or any other soft, neutral color without sacrificing pizzaz because your choice of grout can do that for you. There are so many color choices for grout and each would add its own complimentary dynamic to the softer-colored tile.

When you're remodeling your bathroom, choosing the right grout and tile combination can help you to achieve the bathroom design of your dreams.

Subway Tile FAQs

Are subway tiles expensive? 

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of subway tiles is between seven and thirteen dollars. They could be as high as $24 or as low as $1.25.

Are subway tiles still ceramic?

These days, subway tiles come in ceramic, glass and porcelain styles, which are all popular choices for the same reason the Victorians liked them: they're low-maintenance and boast a sublime, classic style.

Never Underestimate Grout

Working the grout into not only the function but also the form of your tile jobs opens up a new dimension to the patterns and overall aesthetics. We liken it to how you don't have to write with black ink onto a white sheet of paper. When the grout can take different tones, the tiles stand out in new and dynamic ways. When you're remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, consider how grout can help you get the simple or sophisticated look that you desire. For more information on how your choices of tile and grout can impact your final product, contact us at Ceramic Tile Center today.

Sources:

https://eyeonhousing.org/2022/05/remodeling-in-2021-kitchens-edge-baths-for-top-spot/

https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/subway-tile-backsplashes

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097162/all-about-ceramic-subway-tile

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/how-to-clean-tile-grout/

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/kitchens/subway-tile-install/