When it comes to designing the perfect space, every little detail counts, and the choice of pattern you choose can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. Two very popular tile patterns are subway and herringbone, each bringing its own unique character to a space. But which is best?
That’s what we’re going to be looking at today. Below, you’ll find all of the information you need on subway tiles vs herringbone pattern tiles. We’ll look at their differences, explore which is best for certain projects, and, ultimately, make it much easier to find the right choice for your home.
Subway Tile vs Herringbone at a Glance
Let’s kick things off by taking a side-by-side comparison of subway and herringbone tiles, looking at the key differences in each.
How They Are Made
Subway Tiles: 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: 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.
Durability
Subway Tiles: 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.
Herringbone Tiles: 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.
Lifespan
Subway Tiles: 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.
Herringbone Tiles: 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.
Cost
Subway Tiles: 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: 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.
Ease of Cutting
Subway Tiles: 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.
Herringbone Tiles: Because of their diagonal edges, herringbone tiles are harder to cut, especially for anyone who is new to laying and cutting tiles.
Water Absorption
Subway 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.
Herringbone Tiles: 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.
Maintenance
Subway Tiles: 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: 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.