10x20 Black Beveled Subway Tile

The 10x20 Black Beveled Subway Tile is a 10x20cm ceramic tile with a glossy surface. It is engineered for interior wall applications only, providing a durable and moisture-resistant surface for residential and light commercial projects. The tile is priced per square metre, with one square metre consisting of 50 tiles. The following table provides cost estimates for common application areas, excluding adhesive, grout, and labour costs.

Applications and Environmental Suitability

This tile is specified exclusively for vertical installations. Its technical properties make it suitable for a range of interior spaces, including kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower enclosures, and utility or laundry rooms. The ceramic composition, combined with a non-porous gloss finish, provides a hygienic surface that resists moisture and staining when correctly installed. This makes it a functional solution for high-humidity environments.

The reflective quality of the glossy finish is a key functional attribute. In urban properties, such as modern apartments in Nairobi, the tile's surface can amplify both natural and artificial light, increasing the perceived size and brightness of a room. For coastal regions with high humidity like Mombasa, the tile's resistance to moisture ingress is critical. Installation with a suitable waterproof adhesive and epoxy or polymer-modified grout forms a robust barrier against water. This prevents substrate damage and inhibits mould or mildew growth.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The performance of the 10x20 Black Beveled Subway Tile is determined by its material composition and physical characteristics. Its "Medium" durability rating signifies it is robust enough for all standard residential wall applications and can withstand the typical impacts and cleaning regimens of these environments. The lightweight nature of the ceramic body reduces the structural load on walls, making it a viable option for large-scale feature walls or installations on plasterboard substrates without requiring extensive reinforcement.

Installation and Maintenance Guidelines

Proper installation is critical to achieving the specified performance and aesthetic of the 10x20 Black Beveled Subway Tile. The ceramic body is easy to cut with a standard tile scorer or wet saw, facilitating complex layouts such as herringbone or custom fits around fixtures and outlets. The beveled edge is a defining feature that creates distinct shadow lines, accentuating the grid pattern of the layout.

• Grout Selection: The choice of grout colour directly impacts the final visual outcome. To achieve a seamless, monolithic appearance that emphasises the tile's black colour, use a dark grey or black grout. A contrasting light grey or white grout highlights the classic subway pattern, making individual tiles distinct. Wet areas, such as shower enclosures, require an epoxy or polymer-modified waterproof grout.
• Layout and Spacing: A standard brick-bond (offset) pattern is common for this format. The beveled edges create a natural, minimal grout line, but 2mm spacers are recommended to ensure uniform joint width across the entire installation.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: The tile's glossy surface is low-maintenance. Regular cleaning should be performed using a soft cloth or sponge with a pH-neutral cleaning solution. Abrasive powders, scouring pads, or acidic cleaners must be avoided as they can scratch or dull the glazed finish over time. The tile itself does not require sealing, but the grout joints in wet areas should be sealed according to the grout manufacturer's specifications to prevent staining and water ingress.