Subway tiles, which became popular in early twentieth-century subway stations due to their sleek appearance and long-lasting durability, have since expanded their reach. Their adaptability has now extended to outdoor settings, where their classic lines and timeless charm enhance the space.
In this article, we'll look at the best ways to use subway tiles in outdoor kitchens, including how to choose the right materials and colors and where to strategically place them for maximum visual appeal and practicality. Whether you want to install a minimalist backsplash or a bold feature wall, subway tiles can accommodate any design aesthetic, making them an excellent choice for improving your outdoor cooking and entertainment area.
Why Choose Subway Tiles for Outdoor Kitchens?
Subway tiles are a popular choice for indoor kitchens due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and timeless design. Typically made of ceramic or porcelain, these tiles are also well-known for withstanding extreme weather conditions such as direct sunlight, rain, and frost. The toughness of these materials ensures that subway tiles not only excel indoors but are also highly suited for outdoor kitchens, retaining their aesthetic appeal over time.
Another significant advantage is the ease with which they can be cleaned, especially in outdoor settings where exposure to the elements is common. Simple maintenance routines are all that is required to keep the tiles looking new, as they naturally resist stains, mold, and mildew. These qualities make subway tiles an excellent investment that can withstand changing trends, ensuring that your outdoor cooking area remains a lively and inviting space for entertaining and dining.
Selecting the Perfect Outdoor Subway Tiles
Choosing the right subway tiles involves more than just picking a color—it requires considering the materials, finishes, and the scale of the patterns and sizes that best fit your outdoor kitchen. Below, we guide you through selecting subway tiles that enhance both the durability and aesthetics of your space.
Materials
When choosing subway tiles for an outdoor kitchen, make sure the material can withstand the elements. Ceramic subway tiles are an excellent choice for areas with moderate exposure because they provide durability and a classic aesthetic at a reasonable cost. Porcelain subway tiles are also ideal for harsh outdoor environments because of their high density and excellent moisture resistance, allowing them to withstand everything from high humidity to freezing temperatures without damage. Glass subway tiles, on the other hand, provide a modern and reflective quality that can brighten any outdoor space. Just keep in mind that they must be handled with care and are best suited for covered or less exposed areas to avoid weather damage.
Colors and Finishes
The color of your outdoor kitchen's subway tiles can have a significant impact on its ambiance. For example, natural, earthy tones create a warm, inviting atmosphere that works well with rustic or traditional themes. Bold colors, on one hand, can add personality and vibrancy to your space, creating a striking visual statement that complements more modern or eclectic settings.
When it comes to finishes, matte options provide subdued elegance, reducing glare and blending seamlessly into minimalist or contemporary outdoor environments. In contrast, textured subway tiles can improve your overall aesthetic by adding depth and tactile interest, making them ideal for more ornate or classic designs. Polished finishes, such as the Leona 3x12 Polished Porcelain Tile in Calacatta shown above, can be effectively used to brighten your space and increase visual appeal across a variety of outdoor kitchen designs.
Patterns and Sizes
Besides material and color, choosing the right subway tile patterns can dramatically improve the appearance of your outdoor kitchen. Classic horizontal layouts provide a timeless look, whereas more dynamic vertical or herringbone patterns add a modern twist that complements contemporary outdoor spaces. These patterns can change the atmosphere and aesthetic of your kitchen, allowing for a more personalized design that reflects your preferences.
In terms of sizes, larger subway tiles create a cleaner, more streamlined appearance, ideal for modern minimalist themes that emphasize simplicity and clean lines. Smaller subway tiles, on one hand, are excellent for crafting intricate designs that capture attention and add unique character to your outdoor kitchen. If you want to see how the right subway tile size can transform your space, use our augmented reality (AR) tool. It's a great way to test out different options in real-time and see how each tile choice affects your interior design before making a final decision.
Creative Applications in Outdoor Kitchens
Subway tiles are not only durable and easy to maintain but also incredibly versatile in design. Below we explore various creative ways to utilize subway tiles in outdoor kitchens:
Backsplashes
Subway tiles are ideal for creating stylish, easy-to-clean backsplashes that shield your outdoor kitchen walls from spills and stains. You can choose either ceramic or porcelain variants for their durability and resistance to the elements, which ensures longevity even in outdoor settings. Their smooth surface allows for easy cleaning, which is especially important in areas where cooking messes are common. A tip would be adding colored grout to add depth and character to your outdoor kitchen design. This approach can improve the aesthetics of your space making subway tile backsplashes an excellent addition to any outdoor cooking area.
Countertops and Bar Areas
Subway tiles can also be used to enhance outdoor kitchen countertops and bar fronts. Porcelain subway tiles, in particular, are especially useful for these applications because of their durability and moisture resistance, making them well-suited to withstand the rigors of outdoor settings. You can use them in contrasting colors or arrange them in unique patterns like basketweave or chevron, as this not only creates a visually appealing surface but also helps to maintain a consistent look throughout your outdoor kitchen.
Feature Walls and Accents
For an eye-catching focal point in your outdoor kitchen, consider having subway tile feature walls or accents. Whether you choose to cover an entire wall or just a section, subway tiles can dramatically change the ambiance of your space. Polished subway tiles are especially useful for this purpose because of their reflective properties, which can brighten your space and make it appear larger. You can also mix and match different tile colors or experiment with alternating finishes to make a bold statement. This approach not only personalizes its appearance but also adds visual dynamism to your outdoor kitchen.
Design Inspirations for Outdoor Kitchens
Subway tiles' versatility allows them to transform outdoor kitchens into a variety of design themes, ranging from modern minimalism to vibrant and playful styles. Below, we'll look at how subway tiles can be used to create unique looks that improve the aesthetic of outdoor kitchen spaces.
Modern Minimalism
For a contemporary minimalist look, choose subway tiles with clean, sharp lines to create a refined backdrop in your outdoor kitchen, such as the Olivia 4x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Moss. These tiles pair well with sleek, modern materials like stainless steel appliances and smooth stone countertops. Additionally, their glossy finish catches and reflects light, enhancing the openness of your space and contributing to a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Ultimately, this design approach emphasizes simplicity by utilizing neutral colors and minimal decorative elements to achieve a modern and sophisticated outdoor cooking area.
Rustic Charm
Combine subway tiles with natural wood and stone to create a rustic look in your outdoor kitchen. The textural contrast between smooth, glossy tiles like the Olivia 4x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Pearl and rough, natural materials creates a welcoming atmosphere. Complement this cozy look with rustic fixtures like wrought iron light fixtures or brass hardware for a touch of old-world charm. These elements blend seamlessly with the polished finish and subtle elegance of the tiles, adding to the overall harmony of the space and tying together the rustic design theme.
Vibrant and Playful
Use colorful subway tiles to add personality and energy to your outdoor kitchen. Bright or multi-colored subway tiles, such as the Polly 3x10 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Orange, can transform a functional space into a vibrant entertainment area. This tile’s glossy finish reflects light beautifully, brightening the space and adding a lively, dynamic touch. Consider adding complementary fixtures like colorful outdoor seating, vibrant planters, or patterned cushions to enhance the playful vibe further. These elements not only amplify the space's energy but also help tie the design together seamlessly, which results in a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Installation Tips
When preparing to install subway tiles in your outdoor kitchen, make sure the installation surface is clean, level, and dry. Choosing a high-quality, outdoor-grade adhesive also ensures your tiles' longevity and durability in a variety of temperatures and moisture levels. A great tip is to carefully plan your tile layout ahead of time to reduce cuts and ensure proper alignment for a visually appealing finish.
During the installation, make sure to apply adhesive evenly using a notched trowel, and place tiles with spacers to maintain consistent gaps, pressing each tile firmly to secure its position. In addition, once the adhesive has been set, as recommended by the manufacturer, apply grout and ensure that any excess is cleaned immediately. This meticulous attention to detail will help guarantee that your subway tiles are not only visually appealing but also functionally durable. If you are uncertain about any step in the process, consult with a professional installer for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Subway tiles provide exceptional benefits for improving outdoor kitchens, combining durability, resistance to weather, and ease of maintenance with a timeless aesthetic that can be tailored to a variety of design themes. On top of that, the creative possibilities with subway tiles are virtually limitless, allowing homeowners to tailor their outdoor culinary spaces to their individual style and functional requirements.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to contact us! Our team is ready to guide you through every step of selecting and installing subway tiles, ensuring your space combines the perfect balance of style and durability.
