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June 13, 2005

Today on the Reno Blog: Subway Tiling Begins

tiles
We're going with the Arctic White DAL subway tiles in the master bathroom. We're starting here so that we can get the troublesome porcelain tub in place as soon as possible. That and a look at the stripping of the fireplace in the tv room today on the Renovation blog.
Subway Tiles and Mantels [Renovation Blog]




Posted by Brownstoner at 1:14 PM | Comments (23)
Categories: Renovation Blog

Comments

I just put these up in my bathroom and wound up having a whole box of these tiles left. I bought them at Bergen Tiles and if you ever need some please let me know. Im willing to give them to you.

Posted by: Stacey at June 13, 2005 2:05 PM

wow, subway tiles...that's original.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 13, 2005 2:20 PM

May take you up on that, Stacey. For some reason, there's a back log to order more right now. Guess it's that time of the year!

Posted by: Brownstoner at June 13, 2005 2:53 PM

Yeah, why subway tiles? I don't want to wreck your buzz, but why do you want to evoke the NYC Transit System in your bathroom? And they're so cliched. I would have hoped you would have gone with something that showed a little more imagination.

Posted by: Whitbo at June 13, 2005 3:49 PM

Could you give the Brownstoner a little design slack? Although not "imaginative," it is a classic and clean look.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 13, 2005 4:13 PM

Since when are the subways clean?

Posted by: Whitbo at June 13, 2005 4:18 PM

We can't seem to please anyone today! The antique marble sink and much-discussed porcelain tub are the centerpieces of the bathroom and we wanted a clean, simple backdrop for them. Perhaps there were more imaginative options out there, but we didn't want, nor could we afford, anything too "exotic". What plain white tiles would you have gone with?

Posted by: Brownstoner at June 13, 2005 4:20 PM

Brownstoner dont listen to them tiles are cool and it will make great bath specialy if you have very interesting tub and sink

Posted by: malymis at June 13, 2005 4:34 PM

imaginatives- what's in your bathroom?

Posted by: Anonymous at June 13, 2005 4:45 PM

Brownstoner, sure they're a bit clichéd, but I don't see any other ideas coming out of the holier-than-thou crowd. The idea of having them be mere background for the stars of the bathroom is a good one.

Posted by: Anonymous at June 13, 2005 4:46 PM

Man there sure are some people with not enough to do today. I mean, really, criticizing someone's choice of white tile for their bathroom?! Jeez. I only looked at the comments because I couldn't think WHY there would be 10 comments regarding that picture and I had to see why. Pretty pathetic people!

Posted by: ana at June 13, 2005 4:54 PM

Stacey,
Just talked to our GC. It turns out we could really use an extra box--are they DAL or American Olean? Just want to make sure they are the right thickness. You can shoot us an email at brownstoner@brownstoner.com.
Thanks so much.

Posted by: Brownstoner at June 13, 2005 5:40 PM

I did the same tiles in my period brownstone bathroom and they look fantastic. Definately the right choice for your asthetic. Whoever was flaming you is probably jealous.

Also, don't get too excited about the free box of tiles. If they are not of exactly that same lot number, don't even bother. My tiler did not check the boxes (they were mixed lots) and you can really see even slight color/tone variations w/white tiles. Fortunately, we caught the mistake early, so not too much harm.

Your best bet is call up the tile store ASAP and try to get an extra box from that lot number. Hurrry, before they sell out of that lot. It can be a real pain in the A to locate.

Posted by: Sloper at June 13, 2005 7:04 PM

lol...the envy is too rich. renovate yourselves sometime, people, you'll learn alot. criticizing subway tile is like coming down on someone for choosing a porcelain bathtub.

Posted by: mcteague at June 13, 2005 7:14 PM

We've got subway tiles in the very recently renovated bathroom of our Clinton Hill brownstone. They are the chameleons of tile, fitting in perfectly with both the new fixtures and period details. Excellent choice that won't blow your budget.

Posted by: alex at June 13, 2005 7:58 PM

I like those little blue square mosiac tiles, but I couldn't afford them.

Posted by: OE at June 13, 2005 8:40 PM

I'm going to have to back up brownstoner on this one - "exotic" bathroom tiles are generally cheesy, even if they seem cool at the time. I can understand the attraction to them - who hasn't ogled at anne sacks, but i've worked with clients who thought the tile looked cool and freaked when it was installed and looked, you guessed it...cliched and trendy. (luckily said clients could afford to change...) subway tiles have been around long enough not to be a cliche. AND, as mentioned below, they can handle modern and traditional "stars" (fixtures, etc) beautiful tub, by the way. I'm impressed by how much you got it for, even including the hoisting charge - I've used that style for clients and could only find the waterworks model for (gasp) $8000! great job!

Posted by: Anonymous at June 14, 2005 7:28 AM

I just had to join this site to comment on the looong conversation re: subway tiles. Warmed the cockles of my heart! I'm redoing my own bathroom in - excuse me for being boring - subway tile with black bull nose and black narrow ridged trim with small black and white tiles on the floor (all from lowes). I'm trying for an art deco look so anything sleek, bright and contemporary/modern should work. For those who think subway solutions too Port Authoriy, and perhaps a passe way to handle challenging bathroom redesign - you should see what the people around me are doing. If I see another piece of slate, marble and/or gold drama .....

Posted by: gabi422400@yahoo.com at February 18, 2007 3:42 AM

I have to agree with gabi - they may be cliche - but hardly boring - match them up with a solders row and a brick pattern - a racing stripe and shelf moulding - i don't think you will call it boring - maybe understated pure classic!

Posted by: Bill at March 22, 2007 7:26 AM

Ha ha, I had to laugh reading this!! Some people just don't have any style.

clichéd? Hardly!!

Subway tiles are a classic. If you want a timeless stylish, pared down, minimalist clean look, which won't date, there is no substitute. Exquisite simplicity no less!

Unfortunately some people can't get beyond the public convenience image of these tiles. Personally I love them.

Posted by: Amanda at June 16, 2007 7:44 PM

I have been a fan of subway tiles for a long time. I am re-doing my kitchen and would like a bit of advice on grout colors that are typically used with these tiles. The counter top is (Santa Cecilia) granite, the cabinets are honey oak, the walls are 'latte,' and I am using white subway tiles w/a beveled edge for the back splash. Shall I go with matching white grout or an off white or light brown grout? I loved your photos, Brownstoner! Thanks for sharing and for your experienced advice.

Posted by: KC at August 5, 2007 4:33 AM

I read on another blog that the subway tiles should be butted together (no grout lines). Is this always true? Thanks!

Posted by: KC at August 5, 2007 4:37 AM

Would appreciate any recommendations on where to buy subway tiles and trim within the 5 boroughs. Thanks!

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 3:58 PM

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