Are all subway tiles created (fairly) equal?

Redoing a bathroom with subway tile. Just basic white- nothing fancy and we’re not picky about the shade of white. Is there any reason to go with anything other than the 22 cent Lowes subway tile from American Olean? Anybody care to share their thoughts on the world of subway tile and if there is any reason to go for a pricier version which may be better quality in some way. Thanks for any advice!

stickerhappy

in Tile 10 years ago

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newtomehouse | 10 years ago

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We used subway tiles at our last apartment from US Tile Corp. They make matching corners and bullnoses. We plan on using them again during our current renovation.

Guest User | 10 years ago

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There are so, so many white subway tiles at Build it Green in Brooklyn, skip Lowe’s altogether.

jumping | 10 years ago

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I found that the American Olean tile line did not have the variety of differently shaped and sized pieces that I needed for my bathroom-bullnose corners, base coves etc. I went with Daltile brand that I ordered from Mondial Tile in Brooklyn. It was more like $4 a sq ft. and I got it in Kohler white so it matched my sink and toilet. I was doing the work myself and even with great planning I had some changes. It was nice to have options within the tile line. Mondial was fast and friendly. The grout line is nice and thin and you don’t need spacers-they are built into the tile. I used a medium gray grout that looks great with the white tile.

NeoGrec | 10 years ago

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Yes, the skill of your tile person will make the most difference: both for appearance and maintenance.

theoperadiva | 10 years ago

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We did two kitchens with the lowes tile. Perfectly fine. You can take a look at our most recent renovation with photos of the subway tile in the kitchen. www.wandernesting.com. Good luck!

resident2 | 10 years ago

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I agree with curated, spend your savings on a professional tiler. Not a contractor that “can do” tiles. But some one that only does tiles.

curated | 10 years ago

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No need for anything pricier. American Olean makes a fine subway tile. http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/curated