Cement Look Subway Tiles For Kitchen Walls
Cement look subway tiles for kitchen walls are rectangular porcelain or ceramic tiles that mimic the appearance of poured concrete, typically measuring 3x6, 3x12, or 4x16 inches. These tiles cost between $9-15 per square foot, require no sealing unlike real concrete, and resist heat, moisture, and staining in kitchen backsplash applications.
Key specifications: Matte finish, non-porous surface, suitable for wall installation behind stoves and sinks, compatible with standard thin-set adhesive installation methods.
Primary benefits: The textured gray surface naturally hides cooking splashes and grease better than glossy tiles, complements both warm wood and cool metal finishes, and requires only pH-neutral cleaners for maintenance.
Why Choose Cement Look Tiles for Kitchen Walls
The matte, slightly textured surface naturally conceals minor splashes and cooking residue far better than glossy alternatives. This forgiving quality proves particularly valuable in active kitchens where meal preparation happens daily. The neutral gray tones complement both warm wood cabinetry and cool stainless steel appliances, creating a versatile backdrop that adapts as your design preferences evolve.
Unlike authentic cement, porcelain and ceramic versions resist staining and clean easily with standard cleaners. The non-porous surface prevents moisture absorption, eliminating concerns about mold growth or water damage behind ranges and sinks. Installation follows standard tile procedures, and the material withstands heat exposure without discoloration or degradation.
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Cement Look Subway Tile Features
Achieve modern industrial style with durable, low-maintenance cement look subway tiles that bring sophisticated urban appeal to your kitchen backsplash.
- Modern Industrial Aesthetic - Authentic cement texture and neutral gray tones create sophisticated urban style that complements both contemporary and transitional kitchen designs
- Durable Porcelain Construction - Matte finish porcelain resists stains, moisture, and daily kitchen wear better than actual cement while maintaining the same visual appeal
- Low-Maintenance Surface - Easy-to-clean glazed finish requires only soap and water, with fewer grout lines than smaller formats reducing cleaning time significantly
- Design Versatility - Install horizontally for classic appeal, vertically to emphasize height, or in herringbone patterns for added visual interest behind ranges and sinks
Design Flexibility and Installation Options
Cement look subway tiles work equally well in traditional brick patterns or contemporary vertical stacks. The elongated rectangular format creates clean lines that draw the eye upward, making kitchen spaces feel more expansive. Larger format options like 3x12 or 4x16 dimensions minimize grout lines for a more seamless appearance, while standard 3x6 sizes offer classic proportions.
Grout color selection significantly impacts the final aesthetic. Matching gray grout creates subtle integration where individual tiles blend into a cohesive surface. Slightly darker charcoal grout adds definition to the tile grid while maintaining visual harmony. Lighter grout in warm gray introduces contrast without stark appearance.
Practical Considerations for Kitchen Applications
Behind cooktops and near sinks, cement look tiles handle daily exposure to heat and moisture without special treatment. The material resists thermal shock, meaning hot pans placed against the backsplash won't cause cracking or surface damage. Regular cleaning with warm water and mild dish soap maintains the surface appearance without dulling the finish.
Our $1 sample program provides 4x4 cut-to-order samples that ship free. These samples allow you to evaluate how the cement texture and color appear under your specific kitchen lighting before ordering materials. Natural light, pendant fixtures, and under-cabinet lighting all affect how the subtle variations in tone present themselves throughout the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cement look subway tiles are available in multiple dimensions including traditional 3x6, elongated 3x12, and larger 4x16 formats. Size selection depends on your design goals and the scale of your kitchen space.
No. Porcelain and ceramic cement look tiles feature non-porous surfaces that don't require sealing. They resist staining and moisture without the maintenance demands of authentic cement surfaces.
Regular cleaning with warm water and pH-neutral cleaners keeps cement look tiles looking fresh. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that might scratch the surface finish.
Yes. These tiles resist heat exposure and thermal shock, making them ideal for backsplash installations directly behind cooktops and ranges.
Matching gray grout creates seamless integration, while darker charcoal adds grid definition. The choice depends on whether you want tiles to blend together or maintain distinct visibility.
- 4"x4" samples cut to order so customers know exactly what their product will look like
- Samples ship free
- "Try before you buy" approach reduces purchase uncertainty
- Access to design experts who help customers find the right tile
- Available at all 4 showroom locations (Reno, Minden, Sacramento, Fernley)
- Professional guidance throughout the design process