The herringbone subway tile backsplash of my dreams has been installed in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to show it off! I’m also sad that I’m old enough to be this excited about a backsplash, but I’m not even embarrassed anymore because it’s so pretty!
Here is a before photo. You can see that this big blank space between the cabinets and counters was just asking for a gorgeous herringbone subway tile backsplash.
Photo by Nicole Quiroz
We DIY’d a similar backsplash in our old house using a smaller, more rectangular tile. It was our first attempt at doing anything tile related, and I have to say, we did a damn good job for being complete tile newbs. But, it took 3 weekends, I threw my back out and we only had one non-mobile child (at the time), so this time, we hired out. And I couldn’t be happier. The amazing tile guy was in and out in a day, grout went in the next day and they cleaned up the mess. We love a good DIY project, but it seems like at this point in our life things come down to time or money, and this time we were happy to throw a little money at the project and save our sanity (and my back!).
Ok, enough blabbing. I’ll give you what ya came for!
Herringbone subway tile backsplash: materials used
- This is the exact tile I used. It measures 1.75″ x 7.75″, but it does go out of stock frequently.
- A close match is this 2×8 tile from Home Depot
- The grout is PolyBlend Non-Sanded Grout #544 Rolling Fog
- The edges are finished with L-Shaped Tile Edging Trim in Satin Silver to compliment the knobs on the drawers and cabinets and the stainless steel appliances
The installation more than paid for itself when you look at the details. The way the tile setter cut the tiles so they wrapped around the corner was so impressive. Way better than we could have ever done!
We went with a light gray grout. Initially I wanted white grout, and while I do think that is the most aesthetically pleasing, it’s just not practical in a house with small kids. I cook a lot and we use our kitchen- white grout wouldn’t have stood a chance! Plus, the gray ties in the granite. White on white would have been too stark of a contrast with the dark cabinets.
I ordered the tile from Wayfair and I am beyond impressed with the price per square foot. It was packed so well and all five cases of tile came in perfect condition. Not a chipped or broken tile in the bunch!
I am so happy with how this turned out! The whole kitchen feels brighter and polished. It was definitely worth the wait!
This looks so beautiful Heather! Your kitchen is to die for!
Thank you! At least I have a nice view while I’m being the snack slave! 😜
What size are the tiles?
They are 1.75″ X 7.75″.
Gorgeous! Are they matte or glossy??
They are glossy. Matte was really hard to find in the size I wanted and I think the glossy gives it a slightly more traditional feel.
We’re doing the same backsplash in our kitchen! I’m having trouble with finding the right light gray grout. What brand/color did you use? Love the look!
The color is Rolling Fog and the brand is Poly Blend. Tag us on Instagram (@okayestmomsblog), we’d love to see the finished product!!
Can you send the link to the exact tile on Wayfair?
This is what I used. It is shown in sheets, but each tile is individual so you can lay them in whatever pattern you want. And they’re on sale right now!
https://rstyle.me/+uNJqpRtou4ubzyTJFSE9Ow
Hi Heather,
It looks gorgeous! What is your granite? Looks exactly like mine – colonial white. We’re building a house and this is the cabinet/ counter/ backsplash combo we are doing, so it’s so helpful to see it in pictures!
Thank you! It is colonial white. Good luck with your build!
Beautiful. What grout color did you use?
My dad is DIYing for me right now and he very well may be regretting the day I was born ha! It is tedious! He has done tile work on the side for years and said nothing has ever taken him this long. Today is day 2 so hopefully all goes well and we make some headway. Yours is the very look we are going for and it turned out beautiful in your home.
Hi! I’m replicating your lovely backsplash but when I click on the link for the grout, it shows a medium brown or taupe color with the same name and number. When I google “rolling fog grout” the same thing happens. Any chance you used a different color or manufacturer? Thanks!
Rolling Fog is the color I used. Product photos online don’t always capture the exact color. It is definitely a gray in person, and still looks gray nearly four years later. There are usually samples you can see in person if you live near a hardware store.
Looks beautiful. Do you perhaps remember what your grouting gap was? Was it 1/16th or 1/8th?
You list two tiles, in the beginning it’s glossy but in your comments you list a Matt one . Beautiful kitchen and I love your herringbone backsplash and trying to order
Beautiful! How many inches are between the countertop and upper cabinets? Is it the standard 18 inches?
Yes, standard amount.
Hi Heather,
Is it a porcelain tile or ceramic tile?