The Complete Guide to Pairing Subway Tile and Granite Countertops

Are you considering a kitchen remodel that incorporates subway tile and granite? If so, you‘ve chosen two iconic, versatile materials that can look beautiful together with proper planning. Granite brings natural pattern and texture while subway tile offers a classic, streamlined look.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk you through how to successfully match subway tile and granite for a cohesive aesthetic. I‘ll provide tips on choosing complementary colors and patterns, backsplash design, installing and caring for these materials, and pulling other elements like cabinetry, floors and paint into the mix. Let‘s dive in!

Why Granite and Subway Tile Make a Great Pair

Granite countertops and subway tile backsplashes have been popular choices for good reason – they‘re attractive, durable, and timeless. Here are some of their key advantages:

• Elegant Contrast – The matte finish and straight lines of subway tiles contrast beautifully with the glossy, marbled pattern of granite. This creates visual interest.

• Range of Options – With subway tiles available in endless colors and granite quarried across the globe, you‘re sure to find a pairing that suits your taste.

• Protection for Granite – Unlike granite, subway tiles won‘t absorb liquids. This makes them ideal for backsplashing and protecting the space around a granite countertop.

• Increased Home Value – Kitchen updates using granite and tile will increase resale value. On average, granite countertops offer an ROI of 125%, while tile backsplash can boost value between 118-126%, according to Sebring Design Build.

Choosing the Right Granite and Subway Tile Colors

Granite comes in a diverse range of colors from dramatic bold hues to neutral creams and gray. Subway tiles are also available in virtually endless colors and finishes. Here are some tips for picking complimentary shades:

Warm Granite Tones

Granites in warm brown, beige, cream, and terra cotta tones pair well with subway tiles in:

• Beige
• Warm white
• Almond
• Light brown
• Terra cotta
• Cream
• White with grey veining

Cool Granite Tones

Granites in cooler grays, taupes, and blues work nicely with subway tiles in:

• White
• Light to medium grey
• Soft blue
• Pale green
• White and grey marble

Bold Granite Colors

For granites with more striking colors like emerald, sapphire blue, and vibrant white, choose a crisp, bright white subway tile. The simple tile prevents clashing and lets the gorgeous granite take center stage.

Busy Granite Patterns

Granites with lots of movement, variation, and "busyness" in their veining and speckles pair best with solid colored subway tiles without much pattern. This helps calm the countertop so the space doesn‘t feel too active.

More Uniform Granite

Subtle, more uniform granites can handle busier subway tiles with multiple colors, varied veining, or an intricate mosaic pattern.

Other Elements to Pull Into Your Design

While the granite and subway tile will be the stars of your kitchen, you‘ll want to pull in other materials so the whole space comes together seamlessly:

Cabinetry

• Wood cabinets – Choose a finish that picks up on the warm tones in granite and subway tiles like oak, walnut or maple.

• Painted cabinets – Pair cool-toned granite and tile with light grey, blue, sage green, or crisp white cabinets.

Flooring

• Hardwood – Provides warmth against cool granite and tile. Opt for oak or walnut floors.

• Tile or stone – Help cool color schemes feel more cohesive. Marble, slate, or porcelain floors are great options.

Paint Color

• White or grey walls make a versatile backdrop, allowing the star materials to stand out. Be sure to pick a grey or white with a similar cool or warm undertone to the rest of the scheme.

• Bold paint colors can work well with more subdued granite and tile. Deep blue or sage green walls pop against white.

Additional Touches

• Lighting fixtures – Use pendants to illuminate countertops or undercabinet lights to showcase the backsplash.

• Hardware – Tie everything together with matching metal finishes like satin nickel or aged bronze.

• Window treatments – Pick a granite/tile accent shade for the curtains or roman shades.

Backsplash Design Considerations

You have lots of options when it comes to your backsplash design. Keep these factors in mind:

• Partial vs. full height – Partial backsplashes provide some separation from upper cabinets. Full height makes more of a statement.

• Surrounding walls – Bring the backsplash up the wall behind the stove or around windows for a seamless look.

• Accent tiles – Add glass, metal or ceramic accent tiles in coordinating colors to break up the subway pattern.

• Bold backsplash – Busy patterned or mosaic tiles paired with more uniform granite prevents a dull backsplash.

• Matching countertop edge – Choose bullnose subway tiles to continue the counter‘s rounded edge up the backsplash.

Creative Subway Tile Layouts

The basic brick pattern is a go-to subway tile layout. But don‘t be afraid to get creative with these eye-catching options:

• Herringbone – This zig-zag pattern adds great visual interest in a rectangular backsplash area.

• Pinwheel – Tiles are arranged in a square shape fanning out from a central point.

• Stacked – Instead of a running bond, tiles are stacked vertically in columns alternating the joint.

• Wavy – Tiles are installed in gently curving rows rather than straight lines.

• Angled – Simple brick pattern with tiles set at 60 or 45 degree angles adds flair.

• Subway tile accents – Use thin rows of small accent tiles in between regular courses.

Grout Considerations

Grout is just as important as the tiles themselves. Keep this in mind when selecting and installing:

• Color – Match grout color to tiles for unified look. For white subway tiles, white or light grey grout is best. Use dark grout with bold colored tiles.

• Width – Follow manufacturer‘s recommendation. Typically 1/8 inch is best with standard 4 x 8 inch subway tiles.

• Sanded vs. unsanded – Use unsanded for thin grout lines less than 1/8 inch. Sanded provides more texture for wider grout lines.

• Sealing – Seal grout periodically to prevent staining, about once a year.

Material Options Beyond Subway Tile

While subway tiles are a popular backsplash choice, consider these other materials to pair with granite:

Material	Benefits	Considerations
Glass	Sleek, modern look; available in range of colors; easy to clean	Higher cost; can break or scratch
Metal	Industrial vibe; very durable	Prone to scratches; hard to cut
Mosaic	Intricate pattern; artisinal feel	Higher cost; challenging installation
Stone	Matches with granite; natural beauty	Sealing required; can stain

Installation and Maintenance

Follow these best practices for installing and caring for your backsplash and countertops:

Installation

• Use unsanded caulk between countertop and tile – avoid sanded which can scratch granite.

• Professionally apply a penetrating sealant to the granite to guard against stains. Reseal yearly.

• For a quality finished product, consider hiring a contractor unless you have tiling experience.

Maintenance

Granite

• Seal granite every 12 months with a penetrating stone sealer.

• Clean with mild dish soap and water or granite stone cleaner daily. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

• Immediately blot spills – especially wine, oil, and acids.

Tile

• Use a neutral pH tile cleaner for regular upkeep.

• Re-seal grout every 1-2 years with a silicone-based sealant.

• Scrub grout lines occasionally with baking soda paste to remove grease and dirt buildup.

Cost Breakdown

Here are approximate costs for materials and professional installation:

Material	Cost (per sq. ft.)
Granite Countertop	$60-$100
Subway Tile	$5-$15
Service	Cost
Countertop Install	$40-$100 per linear ft.
Tile Installation	$6-$15 per sq. ft.

Updating the Look Over Time

One great thing about subway tiles is that they make the backsplash easy to update down the road. Consider these refresh options:

• Change out the grout color – grey instead of white, for example.

• Replace existing tiles with new ones in a different color or finish.

• Apply removable wallpaper on top of tiles for quick transformation.

• Install a fresh mosaic accent strip.

• Paint tiles with etching primer and latex paint if bored of the color.

So in summary – yes, subway tile definitely pairs beautifully with granite countertops. By considering the colors, patterns, layouts, and design elements covered here, you can install a cohesive, timeless kitchen backsplash and countertop combination that looks amazing together.