With its clean lines and timeless appeal, subway tile has become a staple in contemporary interior design. Its versatility and affordability make it a popular choice for various applications, from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom walls. They are also admired for their ability to blend effortlessly into both modern and traditional spaces, offering a sleek, polished look. However, as they are often used in moisture-prone areas, an important question arises: Is subway tile truly waterproof?
While subway tiles are a common feature in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture is a constant concern, it’s essential to understand their true capabilities when exposed to water. Factors such as the material composition of the tile, its surface treatment, and how it is installed play critical roles in determining its water resistance. To fully understand how subway tiles perform when exposed to moisture, let’s explore the science behind subway tiles and the factors that influence their performance in wet environments.
The Science Behind Subway Tile
Understanding how subway tiles perform in wet environments requires a closer look at their material composition and the factors that contribute to their water resistance. From the type of clay used to the application of protective glazing, each element plays a crucial role in determining how well subway tiles can withstand moisture.
What is Subway Tile Made of?
Subway tiles are commonly made from either ceramic or porcelain, both of which are clay-based materials that undergo a kiln-firing process to harden them. The primary difference between these two materials lies in their composition, density, and performance in moisture-prone areas.
Ceramic subway tiles are non-porous due to their durable glazed surface, making them an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Their affordability, ease of maintenance, and wide range of design options make them a popular option for kitchen backsplashes and accent walls. While the coarser clay beneath the glaze can make them slightly more susceptible to water absorption in rare cases of damage or unsealed grout, proper installation and maintenance ensure they perform exceptionally well in areas that don't experience constant moisture.
On the other hand, porcelain subway tiles are made from finer clay and fired at much higher temperatures, which results in a denser, non-porous material. This non-porous quality means porcelain tiles do not absorb water, making them exceptionally durable and ideal for high-moisture environments such as bathrooms and showers. Additionally, porcelain's strength and resistance to cracking ensure a longer lifespan, even in areas exposed to frequent water exposure.
The Impact of Glazing
Another important factor that influences the water resistance of subway tile is the glaze applied to the surface. The glaze creates a smooth, non-porous barrier that prevents water from penetrating the tile. This protective coating is fused onto the tile during the firing process, effectively sealing the porous clay body underneath.
There are different types of glazes, and each has a varying impact on water resistance. Glossy glazes provide a highly reflective and smooth surface that offers superior water resistance compared to matte glazes, which have a slightly rougher texture. They create a more uniform barrier, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Matte glazes, on the other hand, offer a textured, modern aesthetic that many homeowners appreciate for its understated elegance. While matte finishes may absorb slightly more water due to their surface texture, they still provide a high level of protection when properly installed and maintained, making them a great choice for spaces where style and subtlety are key.
In high-moisture areas, it’s crucial to choose a tile with a high-quality glaze that enhances water resistance. Additionally, advancements in antimicrobial glazes not only improve water resistance but also make cleaning easier by preventing the buildup of bacteria and mold—an essential feature in spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
The Role of Installation in Water Resistance
While the material and glaze of subway tiles play critical roles, proper installation techniques are equally important in ensuring their long-term performance in wet environments. A key aspect of the installation process is grout, which fills the gaps between tiles. Grout, often made from cement, is naturally porous and can absorb water if not treated correctly. This makes grout a potential weak spot in subway tile installations, particularly in moisture-heavy areas.
To prevent water from seeping behind the tiles and causing damage to the walls or structure, it is important to use water-resistant grout, specifically designed for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. These grouts often contain additives that increase their durability and water resistance. After the grout is applied, it must be sealed to act as a protective barrier. Grout sealers prevent moisture from penetrating the grout, and resealing should be done regularly—ideally every 6-12 months, especially in areas prone to water exposure.
Moreover, in constantly wet environments such as showers, applying a waterproof membrane behind the tiles is an additional safeguard. The membrane serves as a protective layer, preventing any water that seeps through the tile or grout from reaching the wall, which helps prevent mold, mildew, and water damage over time. To ensure the best results, it's always wise to rely on a professional installer and follow the manufacturer's recommendations, as this guarantees optimal water resistance and long-lasting durability.
Subway Tile in High-Moisture Environments
Subway tiles are a popular choice for moisture-prone spaces due to their classic aesthetic and versatility. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how subway tiles perform in specific areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, and discuss the best practices for ensuring durability and water resistance.
Bathrooms and Showers
Bathrooms and showers are the most moisture-exposed environments in the home, making them the most challenging spaces for subway tile installations. While subway tile is a popular choice in these areas due to its classic aesthetic, it's important to recognize that not all tiles are inherently waterproof. However, glazed, non-porous ceramic tiles offer excellent moisture resistance when installed correctly.
For an elegant and versatile option, the Everly Collection from Edward Martin offers a variety of ceramic tiles that are perfect for bathroom and shower installations. With a range of sizes and finishes, including matte and glossy options, the Everly Collection combines style with practicality. Its subtle tones and refined textures can elevate the look of any bathroom, providing a sophisticated backdrop that is both durable and water-resistant. To ensure optimal performance in moisture-heavy areas, all of Edward Martin’s ceramic tiles are fully glazed, making them non-porous without the need for sealing, and ideal for use in high-humidity spaces like showers and bath surrounds.
Kitchens and Backsplashes
Though kitchens may not face as much direct water exposure as bathrooms, they still encounter frequent moisture from cooking, cleaning, and spills. Subway tiles are commonly used in backsplashes, where they are frequently exposed to steam and water splashes.
In kitchen applications, ceramic subway tiles are a popular and practical choice due to their affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. For instance, the Jaden 2.5x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Ink stands out as a perfect option for backsplashes. Its glossy finish not only offers a sleek, modern look but also provides a moisture-resistant surface that is easy to clean, making it ideal for areas like behind sinks and stoves. The Jaden tiles combine both aesthetic appeal and functional durability, ensuring that the kitchen stays protected from moisture while maintaining a bold design statement.
Outdoor Applications
For those considering subway tiles outdoors, it's crucial to understand the extra demands placed on tile installations in open-air environments. Outdoor applications, such as patios or pool areas, expose tiles to additional challenges, including temperature fluctuations and heavy rainfall.
Using subway tile in outdoor environments like patios or pool areas presents a unique set of challenges due to exposure to the elements. Outdoor installations require specific considerations, particularly in regions that experience freezing temperatures or heavy rainfall. In such conditions, water can penetrate the surface of the tile, freeze, and expand, potentially causing cracks or loosened tiles.
For outdoor use, exterior-grade porcelain tiles are highly recommended. These tiles are frost-resistant and designed to withstand significant fluctuations in temperature without cracking. Weather-resistant grout should be used for outdoor applications, and applying a waterproof membrane can further protect the installation from water penetration.
One issue common in outdoor environments is efflorescence, a condition where water containing salts seeps through the tiles and leaves a white, powdery residue on the surface. This can be minimized by using waterproofing membranes and avoiding dark-colored grout, which tends to highlight efflorescence more prominently.
Regardless of the environment—whether it's a moisture-prone bathroom, a kitchen backsplash, or an outdoor space exposed to the elements—selecting the right subway tile and ensuring proper installation is critical for maximizing water resistance. Durable, non-porous tiles such as glazed ceramic or exterior-grade porcelain, combined with moisture-repellent grout and a waterproof membrane, offer the best protection against moisture. Regular maintenance, such as sealing grout and addressing any leaks, further prolongs the life of your subway tile installations, ensuring they remain both beautiful and functional over time.
To further ensure that you make the best choice for your space, Edward Martin offers an innovative augmented reality (AR) tool. This technology allows you to virtually visualize how different subway tiles will look in your bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas before making a final decision. By using the AR tool, you can seamlessly explore various tile finishes, sizes, and layouts, giving you confidence in selecting the perfect subway tile for high-moisture environments while considering both aesthetics and functionality.
While subway tiles perform well when installed correctly in these moisture-heavy environments, it’s crucial to understand their actual capabilities and limitations regarding water resistance. This brings us to a broader discussion of some common misconceptions surrounding subway tile and its relationship with water.
Common Misconceptions About Subway Tile and Water
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that subway tiles are inherently waterproof and can be installed without special precautions. While subway tiles can offer excellent moisture resistance, especially in high-humidity environments like bathrooms or kitchens, they are not impervious to water by nature. Let’s clear up these misunderstandings and provide a better grasp of what subway tile can and cannot do when it comes to water exposure.
Is Subway Tile Always Waterproof?
A prevalent misconception is that subway tile is inherently waterproof. While subway tile can be made water-resistant when installed correctly, it is not completely impervious to water. Several factors, including the type of tile, the quality of the glaze, and how well the tile is installed, will determine its ability to resist moisture. Even with glazed tiles, poor installation or low-quality materials can lead to water penetration. Choosing high-quality materials and ensuring professional installation is crucial to optimizing water resistance.
Can Water Damage Subway Tile?
Water can still damage subway tile if the installation is done poorly or if proper maintenance is neglected. One common cause of water damage is unsealed grout, which can absorb water, allowing moisture to seep behind the tile. This can lead to issues such as mold, mildew, and even structural damage if not addressed. Moreover, moisture buildup behind the tile, which can occur due to poor ventilation or hidden leaks, can cause the tiles to crack or shift over time. This can result in the tiles loosening or falling off the surface.
Grout is Waterproof
The belief that grout is naturally waterproof is a common misconception, making it an important point in this section. Grout is often porous and can absorb moisture if not properly sealed, leading to water damage, mold growth, and weakened installations. This allows moisture to seep through the grout lines, potentially reaching the substrate behind the tile and causing damage to both the tiles and the underlying structure over time.
Now that we've cleared up these common misunderstandings, let's explore some alternative tile options that may offer superior moisture resistance for certain environments.
Alternatives to Subway Tile for Waterproof Applications
While subway tile is a popular choice in moisture-prone areas, some homeowners may look for alternative options that provide distinct aesthetics or additional benefits, such as increased durability or unique design elements. These alternatives offer different visual styles and performance characteristics that may better suit specific project needs or preferences, particularly in environments exposed to high moisture.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, and slate, are renowned for their durability and water resistance, especially when properly sealed. However, it's important to note that all natural stone, including granite, is inherently porous to some degree. Granite is less porous than other stones like marble or limestone, but it can still absorb water if left unsealed. This makes proper sealing essential to maintaining its water resistance and preventing moisture damage over time. Once sealed, granite becomes highly resistant to water and stains, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor applications.
For those seeking the luxurious appearance of natural stone without the need for regular sealing, marble look tiles provide a fantastic alternative. These tiles replicate the beauty of real marble but are crafted from materials like porcelain, offering excellent water resistance with significantly less maintenance. They deliver the same elegance as natural stone but are better suited for high-moisture environments.
For example, you can consider the Aniston 2x2 Matte Porcelain Hexagon Mosaic Tile in Calacatta Top (as shown in the photo above). This tile beautifully mimics the appearance of natural quartzite with its soft, marble-like veining, providing an elegant stone look without the upkeep required by real stone. Since it’s made from porcelain, the Aniston tile is non-porous and highly durable, making it an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Its hexagon mosaic design also adds a contemporary and stylish element, perfect for adding texture and visual interest to backsplashes, shower walls, or accent areas. Plus, its matte finish enhances slip resistance, further improving functionality in wet environments.
Wood-Look Tiles
For those who prefer the aesthetic of natural materials but need a more water-resistant solution, wood-look tiles are an excellent alternative. These tiles are made from porcelain but mimic the warmth and appearance of natural wood, offering the best of both worlds—design and durability. They are perfect for high-moisture environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor patios, where traditional wood would be unsuitable.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a sleek and modern choice for high-moisture environments due to their non-porous nature. Being impervious to water, glass tiles are highly resistant to stains, mold, and mildew, making them a great option for areas like showers and kitchen backsplashes. However, glass tiles are not for flooring applications as their smooth surface can become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of accidents. They can also be more prone to cracking under pressure, especially in busy areas. Glass tiles may also show smudges and water spots more easily, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance. Additionally, installation can be more complex and often requires professional expertise to avoid breakage or improper placement.
Making the Right Choice for Moisture-Prone Areas
When choosing tiles for moisture-prone areas, subway tiles are a popular and stylish option, offering good water resistance when glazed and installed correctly. Their versatility makes them suitable for both modern and traditional designs. However, other alternatives like natural stone, glass, and wood look tiles also provide unique benefits, and understanding the strengths and maintenance needs of each material is essential to making the right choice for your space.
To make the selection process easier, Edward Martin offers $1 tile samples, allowing you to see and feel different tiles before making a final decision. By exploring samples, you can better visualize how each option fits into your design and moisture-resistant needs, ensuring that you choose the perfect tile for your project.
