5 White Subway Tile With Black Grout Designs You Can DIY

White subway tile with black grout is a classic design choice for bathrooms and kitchens that never goes out of style. It’s bold, sleek, and perfectly matches a modern aesthetic while still retaining a timeless look. Plus, you can easily DIY a subway tile design without breaking the bank.

In this post, we’ll look at five easy-to-install DIY designs that use white subway tiles with black grout. From classic herringbone patterns to more unique twists, these designs will show you how versatile white subway tile and black grout can be. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using subway tiles and the different types of grout available on the market today.

Materials and Tools Needed 

• White subway tiles 
• Tiles spacers
• Mortar
• Black grout 
• Grout float 
• Grout sponge 
• Notched trowel

Style 1: Herringbone

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Start by measuring the dimensions of your backsplash area. Next, plan your layout by arranging the tiles in a herringbone pattern on the countertop or floor. Ensure that your layout fits properly within the backsplash dimensions before you start applying tiles to the wall.
2. Mix the mortar together and apply it to the wall using a trowel. Add the tiles in small sections to avoid drying out the mortar. Ensure you’re careful to leave an even amount of grout space between each tile. You can use tiles spacers to help keep the width even and consistent. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours before applying the grout.
3. After the mortar has dried, it’s time to apply the black grout. First, mix the grout according to the directions on the package, then spread it over the tiles using a grout float.
4. After all the black grout is applied, use a grout sponge moistened with water to wipe off any excess from the surface of the subway tiles.
5. Caulk the edges of the backsplash. Caulking the edges is an essential step to ensure that no moisture seeps in. Once you are done, allow the grout and caulk to dry for about 24 hours.
6. Finally, apply a sealant to the tiles for additional protection once the grout and caulk are fully dry. Make sure that the sealant you use is waterproof and heat-resistant.

Style 2: Offset

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Measure the area of the wall where you plan on adding the backsplash. Use these measurements to lay out your white subway tiles on the countertop in an offset pattern, alternating between short and long tiles as you go. 
2. Mix the mortar and use it to apply the tiles to the wall in small sections with a trowel. Use tiles spaces to make sure that you leave a consistent amount of space between each tile for the grout.
3. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours and then apply the black grout on top of the tiles using the grout float. Clean the tiles of any excess grout using a moist grout sponge.
4. Caulk the edges, ensuring that they are completely sealed to keep moisture out. Let everything dry for 24 hours.
5. Apply a sealant suitable for kitchen use to the backsplash for additional protection.

Style 3: Basket Weave

Step-by-step instructions  

1. Lay out your white subway tiles on the countertop or floor in a basket-weave design. To do this, alternate between short and long tiles, creating a type of checkerboard pattern. Check your measurements to make sure that your tile design will fit on the wall.
2. Measure the area of the wall where you plan on adding the backsplash. Use these measurements to lay out your white subway tiles on the countertop in an offset pattern, alternating between short and long tiles as you go. 
3. Mix the mortar and use it to apply the tiles to the wall in small sections with a trowel. Use tiles spaces to make sure that you leave a consistent amount of space between each tile for the grout.
4. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours and then apply the black grout on top of the tiles using the grout float. Clean the tiles of any excess grout using a moist grout sponge.
5. Caulk the edges, ensuring that they are completely sealed to keep moisture out. Let everything dry for 24 hours.
6. Apply a sealant suitable for kitchen use to the backsplash for additional protection.

Style 4: Stacked

Step-by-step instructions     

1. Begin by planning the pattern out on the floor or another flat surface, making sure that your layout matches the dimensions of the backsplash area. To create a stacked design, start by laying out two rows of subway tiles vertically that run alongside one another. Make sure they are not staggered past one another, but instead, line up horizontally side by side. This should create something that looks like a quilting pattern running. 
2. Now begin staggering additional rows of vertical tiles so that they overlap one another slightly while still maintaining an even distance between each row. This will become more clear once all rows are laid out (it should look something like brickwork).      
3. Once all rows are laid out as desired, start applying the tiles to the wall using the mortar. Work in small sections so that the mortar doesn’t dry out and use tile spacers to ensure that the gaps between tiles are consistent. When all the tiles have been installed, let everything rest for 24 hours.
4. After the mortar has dried, you’ll need to apply the grout. Mix the black grout together according to the instructions on the packet. Next, spread it over the backsplash surface with a grout float.
5. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp cloth or sponge before leaving it aside for 24 hours.
6. Once set firmly, apply sealer or caulk around the edges for extra protection from any potential moisture damage.

Style 5: Diagonal

Step-by-Step Instructions      

1. Plan out the design by laying diagonal rows of subway tile across a flat surface – make sure they match up pretty well when interlocking with one another.
2. Adhere the tiles to the wall with your mortar mixture and trowel. Use tile spacers to make sure that there is an even amount of space between each tile. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours.
3. Mix together the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then spread it over the entire area with a grout float. Hold the float at a slightly tilted angle so that the grout will have a little texture when finished.           
4. Wipe away any remaining grout from the tiles and allow it to dry for another 24 hours.
5. Once everything is dry, apply caulk to the edges and finish up your backsplash with a layer of sealant.

Conclusion

Applying a backsplash with white subway tile with black grout is an easy way to create an elegant and timeless look in your kitchen or bathroom. With just a few tools and some patience, you can DIY any of these five designs. Make sure to take your time and be careful with your measurements and installation. With careful and precise execution, you’ll surely have a beautiful and unique design you can enjoy for years to come.