Metro Tiles: Subway Patterns, Sizes, Glazes, Trims and Fixing
Metro tiles, also called subway tiles, are small rectangular wall tiles laid in a brick pattern, and they have been a favourite for kitchens and bathrooms for over a century. They are inexpensive, easy to clean and endlessly adaptable, from white and glossy to deep green, from straight to herringbone. This page covers sizes, glazes, patterns, trims and grout, fixing, care and cost. Related pages: back splash tiles for kitchen, white bathroom tiles and Moroccan tiles.
Sizes and shapes
The classic metro is 3x6 inch, with 4x8 and 4x12 inch as modern variations. Longer pieces, 2x10 and 3x12 inch, give a sleeker line. Some ranges offer bevelled edges, which catch light and add depth, and others have a flat edge for a smooth surface. Choose by the scale of the wall: small tiles suit narrow splashbacks and long ones suit tall walls.
What metro tiles cost
These are typical rates in Pakistan.
| Item | Rate (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic metro tile 3x6 in | PKR 120 - 220 |
| Bevelled or crackle glaze | PKR 150 - 320 |
| Large metro 4x12 in | PKR 140 - 280 |
| Trim pieces, each | PKR 100 - 400 |
| Fixing labour, per sq ft | PKR 50 - 120 |
Glazes and colours
Glossy white is the best-known, but metro tiles now come in grey, black, sage, navy, terracotta and pastel shades. A crackle glaze gives an aged, handmade look. A matt glaze hides marks and looks modern. Choose a colour that works with your cabinets or fittings, and keep the grout close in tone for a calm look or contrasting for a graphic one.
Patterns
Brick bond is the classic, with each row offset by half a tile. Stack bond lays tiles in straight columns, for a modern look. Herringbone gives movement and suits a feature wall. Vertical stack makes the ceiling look higher. The same tile looks very different in each pattern, and labour costs rise with the complexity.
Trims and finishing
Finish exposed edges with matching bullnose pieces, or with a metal trim. Use corner pieces for external corners and a cove piece where the wall meets the worktop. Plan the trim before ordering, since each type is a separate item. Poorly finished edges are the first thing people see in a metro tile wall.
Grout, fixing and care
Use narrow joints of 2 to 3 mm, with spacers for a straight line, and a grout colour chosen from a sample. Fix on a flat, dry wall with polymer adhesive. Wipe with a neutral cleaner, scrub the grout lines monthly and seal cement grout once. Epoxy grout is worth the extra cost behind the hob.
Where to use them
A kitchen splashback is the classic place, along with the full wall behind a hob. In bathrooms, metro tile suits shower walls and vanity backs. In a laundry or a utility room, a full-height wall of white tile gives a clean, practical surface. Metro tile also works in cafes, entrances and even on a feature wall in a lounge, laid in herringbone with a dark grout.
What to check before buying
- Size and edge. Bevelled or flat.
- Glaze. Gloss, matt or crackle.
- Trims. Matching pieces available.
- Batch. One batch for colour consistency.
- Quantity. Extra for cuts and herringbone waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic is 3x6 inch, with 4x8 and 4x12 inch common in modern ranges. Longer 2x10 and 3x12 inch pieces give a sleeker line. Choose the size to suit the wall: small tiles for splashbacks and long ones for tall walls.
Brick bond is the classic and hides small wall irregularities. Stack bond is modern and clean, herringbone adds movement for a feature wall, and a vertical stack makes the ceiling look higher. Complex patterns cost more to fix. Ask the fitter to dry-lay a few rows so you can see the effect first.
Standard ceramic subway tiles cost about PKR 120 to 220 per square foot, bevelled or crackle PKR 150 to 320, and large metro PKR 140 to 280. Trims are PKR 100 to 400 each and labour PKR 50 to 120.
A close-to-tile grout makes a calm look, while a dark grout draws a graphic grid. Grey is the safest. Use narrow joints and epoxy grout behind the hob, since light cement grout stains with oil and steam. Test the grout against the tile before the whole wall is done.
Yes. The smooth glaze wipes clean in seconds, and the main work is the grout lines, which need a soft brush monthly. Use a neutral cleaner and avoid abrasive pads, which dull the glaze. A weekly wipe keeps both tile and grout looking fresh.
Yes. We supply subway tiles, trims, grout and adhesive from stock and deliver across Pakistan. Send your wall size and a photo on WhatsApp and we will suggest colours and send a written rate with quantities and trims listed. We can also quote the matching grout and adhesive in the same rate.
Choosing subway tiles?
Send your wall size and a photo and we will suggest subway tiles and quote them.