Subway Tiles in Toronto

About subway tiles

Besso sells ceramic, porcelain and glass subway tiles in Toronto, in sizes from the classic 3 by 6 inches to 4 by 16 inches. Ceramic 3 by 6 inch subway tiles start at $0.35 a tile, about $2.80 per sq ft, and 12 by 12 inch glass subway sheets start at $9.50 a sheet (October 2026). See them in person at our Markham or Etobicoke showroom.

Subway tiles are rectangular wall tiles, first used on the walls of New York’s subway stations when the system opened in 1904. They’re now a staple for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls and showers.

Besso’s subway tiles come in white, beige, grey, blue, green, red and black, made in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Vietnam and China.

What are subway tiles?

Subway tiles are rectangular tiles, classically 3 by 6 inches, a 1:2 ratio. Elongated formats like 3 by 12 and 4 by 16 inches stretch the ratio for a more modern look. Edges are either flat or bevelled. Besso carries 3 by 6, 3 by 12 and 4 by 16 inch ceramic subway tiles.

Where to use subway tiles

Popular places for subway tile include:

• Subway tile backsplashes in kitchens
• Bathroom walls and shower surrounds
• Fireplace surrounds
• Accent walls in powder rooms, entryways, mudrooms and workshops

Most glossy ceramic subway tiles are wall tiles. For a shower floor, use a mosaic or a porcelain tile rated for floors.

Subway tile for showers

Glazed ceramic and porcelain subway tiles both work on shower walls. Install them over a waterproofing membrane rather than relying on the tile and grout to keep water out, and use epoxy grout or seal a cement grout to resist mildew. Finish the open edges with bullnose tile or metal trim, and keep the subway tile on the walls with a floor-rated mosaic on the shower floor.

Choosing white subway tile and grout

White subway tiles range from bright white to warm off-white, so compare samples next to your cabinets and countertop before you order. With white tile, a light grey grout hides kitchen splashes and shower stains better than bright white grout. A dark grout shows off the pattern but also shows any uneven joints.

What subway tiles are made from

Subway tiles are made from ceramic, porcelain or glass. Glazed ceramic is the most common and least expensive, and it’s made for walls. Porcelain is denser and absorbs less water, so choose it where you need a floor-rated tile. Glass reflects light and suits backsplashes and accent walls.

Subway tile prices at Besso

Ceramic subway tiles are priced per tile and glass subway tiles per 12 by 12 inch sheet. Prices are from the Besso product pages in October 2026, before tax.

How many subway tiles do you need?

A 3 by 6 inch tile covers 18 sq in, so you need 8 tiles per sq ft. For a 30 sq ft backsplash, add 10 percent for cuts, or 15 percent for herringbone or diagonal layouts. At 10 percent that’s 33 sq ft, or 264 tiles. In 3 by 6 matte ceramic at $0.35 a tile, that’s about $92 before tax, plus thin-set, grout and edge trim.

Subway tile patterns and installation

The same subway tile can look completely different depending on how it’s laid. These are the most common patterns:

• Brick (offset): each row shifts by half a tile. The classic layout, and it works in almost any room.
• Stacked: tiles line up in a straight grid for a clean, modern look in contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.
• Vertical stack: the same grid turned 90 degrees, which draws the eye up and makes ceilings feel taller.
• Herringbone: tiles set at 45 degrees in a zigzag. It adds movement, takes more cuts, and needs about 15 percent extra tile.
• Diagonal: tiles rotated 45 degrees, best for accent walls.
• Basketweave or crosshatch: pairs of tiles alternate direction for a woven, textured look.

What to consider before installing subway tile

• Surface prep: walls must be clean, dry and flat. Uneven walls show through, especially with glossy tile.
• Grout colour: matching grout looks seamless, while contrasting grout (like dark grout with white tile) shows off the pattern.
• Grout width: 1/16 to 1/8 inch is standard. Tighter joints look more modern, and wider joints look more traditional.
• Tile finish: glossy tile reflects light and brightens small rooms, while matte looks softer.
• Edge treatment: plan bullnose tiles, metal edge trim or mitred corners wherever the tile stops.

DIY or professional installation?

Subway tile is one of the easier tiles to install yourself because every piece is the same shape. Hire a pro for herringbone, large shower surrounds or walls that aren’t flat, where uneven joints show most. Our team can connect you with installers across the Toronto area.

Shop subway tiles at Besso

Subway tile looks different in person, especially glossy versus matte and bright white versus off-white, so compare samples in our showroom and take one home to see it in your own light. Besso’s design team offers complimentary design consulting and graphic rendering services, and delivery is included for select orders.

• Visit our Markham or Etobicoke showrooms
• Book a complimentary design consultation