Glass Subway Tiles – Before You Buy You Must Know These Two Things

n many parts of the United States glass subway tiles have been en vogue for some time, with gorgeous foyers sprawling with travertine and kitchens looking clean with Carrara marble tile as their base. But the newest sensation in tile, making its way east from California, is subway glass tiles.

Glass tile comes in field tile and mosaic format, similar to the ceramic tile shapes you are probably most familiar with, as well as the rectangular subway style tiles. Some of it is even made from recycled products, making it eco-friendly as well as durable.

But the most popular way to use glass tile is as a subway glass brick format. Typically, these tiles are approximately 3 inch by 6 inch in measurement or 4 inch by 8 inch and are generally sold as loose tiles but very easy to install and cut. Using the glass subway tile in showers, for example, is a great way to add that spa quality to a bathroom – wrapping the entire stall with glass adds luxury and value to the room.

While ceramic tile is generally affordable, some varieties of glass tile can be a little pricey. The good news is that glass subway tiles have become an ecommerce bonanza and many online retailers are offering glass subway tiles at very affordable prices compared to the general brick and mortar store, online prices are approximately $11.00SF and in store $25.00SF so you can still incorporate glass subway tiles into any remodeling budget.

There are two important factors when comparing glass tiles online:

Make sure that the Subway glass tile is 8mm thick.
Make sure that it can be used in wet areas – (simply ask if the tile can be used in a pool), Some glass tiles are cured (painted on the back) and not fired, making then more likely to flake or loose their color.

If expense is an issue one can opt instead for decorative touches that will bring lasting value to your home. A great example is to use good quality stone, such as tumbled travertine, in your kitchen’s back splash and then, every few tiles insert a beautiful glass tile as an accent.

If cost is not an issue, try using glass subway tile throughout the entire master bathroom, lining not only the shower, but using it as the back splash behind sinks, bringing it up behind the mirrors all the way to the ceiling. You can even line the rise of stairs leading to a spa tub with the glass tile. Pull a few of the colors from the tile onto to accent walls with paint and you’ve got a bathroom fit for a five-star resort.

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