Keyword Clusters (SEO Optimised)
Primary Keywords:
subway tiles, subway tiles vs other wall tiles, wall tile comparison, best tiles for renovation, tile guide Australia
Secondary Keywords:
ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaic tiles, natural stone tiles, glass tiles, bathroom tiles, kitchen splashback tiles
Long-Tail Keywords:
subway tiles vs porcelain tiles, subway tiles vs mosaic tiles, best tiles for Australian homes, tile renovation guide 2025
1. Introduction
Renovating your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or feature wall means making one of the most important choices in home design: what wall tiles to use. In Australia, subway tiles remain incredibly popular—but are they truly the best option for your renovation?
In 2025, homeowners are faced with more tile options than ever: porcelain, ceramic, marble, terrazzo, mosaics, textured tiles, and more. Each has its own advantages, limitations, and ideal uses.
This comprehensive guide compares subway tiles vs. other wall tiles to help you choose the perfect option based on budget, style, durability, cleaning, installation, and long-term value.
2. What Are Subway Tiles?
Subway tiles are rectangular tiles traditionally sized 75×150mm, originally designed for the New York subway system in 1904. Today, they come in many variations:
- ceramic
- porcelain
- glass
- textured
- handmade / Zellige
- marble subway tiles
- matte or glossy finishes
- various modern dimensions (75×300mm, 100×400mm)
They’re used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and feature walls due to their timeless, versatile, and cost-effective nature.
3. What Are Other Common Wall Tiles?
Beyond subway tiles, Australian homeowners commonly use:
✔ Ceramic tiles
Affordable, versatile, huge colour selection.
✔ Porcelain tiles
More durable, denser, moisture-resistant.
✔ Natural stone tiles
Marble, travertine, limestone – luxurious but higher maintenance.
✔ Mosaic tiles
Small tiles in mesh sheets, great for decorative accents.
✔ Glass tiles
Light-reflecting, glossy, hygienic.
✔ Large-format tiles
Popular in modern homes for seamless, minimalist looks.
✔ Textured & 3D tiles
Add depth and visual impact.
✔ Terrazzo tiles
Trendy, speckled finish, bold personality.
Each of these tiles has unique advantages depending on the renovation goals.
See more: Why Interior Designers Can’t Get Enough of Herringbone Tiles
4. Why the Comparison Matters in 2025 Renovations
According to 2024–2025 Australian renovation statistics:
- 37% of homeowners choose subway tiles for kitchens
- 41% prefer porcelain tiles for bathrooms
- 28% use large-format tiles for modern renovations
- 22% choose mosaic tiles for feature decor
With such diversity, choosing the right tile can impact:
- budget
- style
- durability
- maintenance requirements
- installation time
- long-term property value
This guide compares all categories in detail.
5. Advantages of Subway Tiles
✔ Affordable
Ceramic subway tiles start as low as $25/m².
✔ Timeless & versatile
They suit Hamptons, coastal, modern, Scandinavian, industrial, and classic Australian homes.
✔ Wide colour & texture choices
From glossy white to handmade textured styles.
✔ Easy to clean
Great for kitchens and bathroom walls.
✔ Many layout options
Herringbone, stacked, vertical, double-stack, offset, basketweave.
✔ Accessible everywhere
Almost every Australian tile retailer stocks subway tiles.
6. Limitations of Subway Tiles
✘ Common / overused
Some homeowners feel subway tiles are too mainstream.
✘ Small format = more grout lines
This can mean more cleaning.
✘ Not ideal for large modern spaces
Large-format tiles look more seamless and contemporary.
✘ Labour-intensive
Complex layouts like herringbone increase installation costs.
7. Advantages of Other Wall Tiles
✔ Porcelain = highest durability
Perfect for high-moisture bathrooms.
✔ Natural stone = luxury appeal
Marble elevates property value.
✔ Mosaic tiles = unlimited creativity
Great for patterned features.
✔ Large-format tiles = sleek & modern
Minimal grout lines, hotel-style bathrooms.
✔ Glass tiles = maximum reflection
Brighten small kitchens.
✔ Textured tiles = designer aesthetic
Provide depth and architectural impact.
8. Limitations of Other Wall Tiles
✘ Cost
Stone, large-format, or handmade tiles can be expensive.
✘ Installation complexity
Mosaics and large tiles require specialist tilers.
✘ Maintenance issues
Stone must be sealed regularly.
Textured tiles can trap dirt.
Glass tiles show water marks easily.
✘ Weight
Some large tiles are unsuitable for weak wall structures.
9. Subway Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the category subway tiles belong to, but ceramic comes in many shapes and finishes.
| Category | Subway Tiles | Generic Ceramic Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable | Affordable |
| Style | Classic, minimal | Wide variety |
| Formats | Mostly rectangular | Rectangles, squares, patterns |
| Best use | Splashbacks, walls | Walls & floors |
| Grout | More lines | Varies |
Winner:
Ceramic tiles (overall) for variety
Subway tiles for simplicity & timelessness
10. Subway Tiles vs. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is a premium upgrade.
✔ Porcelain Advantages:
- harder and denser
- waterproof
- ideal for bathrooms & wet areas
- scratch-resistant
✔ Subway Tile Advantages:
- cheaper
- more layout flexibility
Winner:
Porcelain for durability
Subway tiles for budget and design versatility
11. Subway Tiles vs. Marble & Natural Stone
✔ Stone Benefits:
- premium luxury look
- unique natural veining
- increases home value
✘ Limitations:
- costly
- requires sealing
- sensitive to acids (lemon, vinegar)
Winner:
Stone for luxury homes
Subway tiles for practical everyday use
12. Subway Tiles vs. Mosaic Tiles
✔ Mosaic Benefits:
- decorative patterns
- suitable for shower niches
- non-slip options
✘ Mosaic Downside:
- labour-intensive
- expensive per m²
- harder to clean
Winner:
Subway tiles for practicality
Mosaics for feature accents only
13. Subway Tiles vs. Large-Format Tiles
✔ Large-format benefits:
- modern luxury feel
- minimal grout
- easy cleaning
✘ Limitations:
- heavy
- expensive installation
- unsuitable for all wall structures
Winner:
Large-format for modern aesthetics
Subway tiles for cost savings and adaptability
14. Subway Tiles vs. Glass Tiles
✔ Glass Pros:
- highly reflective
- expands visual space
- great for modern kitchens
✘ Glass Cons:
- prone to fingerprints
- not ideal for textured surfaces
- higher cost
Winner:
Glass for brightness
Subway tiles for affordability + ease of upkeep
15. Cost Comparison (Australia 2025)
| Tile Type | Material Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic subway tiles | $25–$60/m² | $55–$80/h |
| Porcelain tiles | $40–$100/m² | $90–$120/h |
| Mosaics | $80–$200/m² | $120–$150/h |
| Marble tiles | $100–$250/m² | Specialist |
| Large-format | $50–$150/m² | Specialist ($120–$180/h) |
| Glass tiles | $60–$140/m² | $90–$120/h |
Subway tiles remain the most budget-friendly option.
16. Design Comparison: Which Tile Suits Which Style?
| Home Style | Best Tile Choice |
|---|---|
| Hamptons | White subway tiles |
| Modern | Large-format porcelain |
| Industrial | Concrete-look porcelain |
| Coastal | Blue or seafoam subway |
| Luxury | Marble |
| Mediterranean | Terracotta or Zellige |
| Minimalist | Matte porcelain |
| Traditional | Classic ceramic |
17. Installation Difficulty: Which Is Easier?
Easiest:
✔ Ceramic subway tiles
✔ Standard ceramic wall tiles
✔ Matte porcelain
Hardest:
✘ Stone
✘ Large-format tiles
✘ Mosaics
✘ Handmade tiles with uneven edges
18. Maintenance & Durability
Best Durability:
- Porcelain
- Glass
- Ceramic
- Stone (high maintenance)
Easiest to Clean:
- Gloss subway tiles
- Glass tiles
- Smooth porcelain
Most Maintenance:
- Stone
- Textured tiles
- Mosaics
19. Best Tiles for Kitchens
Top Recommended Tiles:
✔ Subway tiles (classic & versatile)
✔ Glass tiles (bright & reflective)
✔ Porcelain tiles (durable)
Avoid:
✘ Rough textured tiles (oil buildup)
20. Best Tiles for Bathrooms
Top Choices:
✔ Porcelain tiles
✔ Ceramic subway tiles
✔ Stone (luxury bathrooms)
Use mosaics only for:
- shower floors
- feature niches
21. Best Tiles for Laundry Rooms
✔ Ceramic subway tiles
✔ Porcelain
✔ Glass splashbacks
Laundry rooms don’t need high-end marble or mosaics.
22. Sustainability Comparison
Best Eco-Friendly Choices:
- Recycled glass tiles
- Low-energy ceramic subway tiles
- Natural stone (if sourced responsibly)
Subway tiles generally have a low environmental footprint compared to alternatives.
23. Most Popular Tile Trends in Australia (2025)
✔ Handmade subway tiles
✔ Textured & fluted tiles
✔ Earthy tones (terracotta, sage, clay)
✔ 75×300mm elongated subway tiles
✔ Matte porcelain
✔ Large-format tiles in bathrooms
✔ Mixed-material tile combinations
24. Practical Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Tile
✔ Always sample tiles in your lighting
✔ Choose matching grout for seamless looks
✔ Contrast grout for bold, graphic style
✔ Don’t choose tiles solely based on trends
✔ Consider cleaning when choosing texture
✔ For resale value, stick with neutral subway or porcelain
✔ Prioritise durability in bathrooms
✔ For small kitchens, glossy subway tiles brighten the space
