mtnrdux, I think you could really tell the difference between the Subway Ceramics version and newer subway tile if you had them installed side by side. The American Olean 3x5 I have from Lowes in my bath are perfectly nice, but they aren't quite authentic in terms of flatness - they have a bevel to them that reflects the edges and makes them look more modern. Schnauzer, both Emser and Lanka Tile make a nice white subway that's slightly less $$ than the Subway Ceramics version. You could also try Iron Gate tile.

Thanks palimpsest .... I fell in love with a kitchen I saw in a granite yard and thoughtright away: that's what I want!!! And they used the Jeffrey Court Chapter 12. They had a row of 2x3 (set vertically) ~ and inch accent tile ~ then two rows of 6x6s set diagnally. And it looked GREAT. Behind the stove area they used a accent border with hexagons inside. I'm sure they had at least 18 inches from countertop to top of cabinets. I have only 16 (maybe even a little less). So, I'm thinking I should start looking at 4x4s or just use the 6x6s set straight. Behind my sink I want an accent area consising of (if I use the Jeffrey Court) 2x3 subways set in a brick pattern; a 1/2 inch accent border, shaped in a rectangle (but with an arched top); NOW in the accent area, I want 1x1 glass sparkley tile ~ all tone-on-tone (pretty much); because my granite (Delicatus Brown), will be quite busy! This is just driving me crazy, I tell ya. I have looked at thousands of BSs trying to get ideas. But before anything can be done; we have to take off my current tile. 1x1 mosaics (whites/off-whites) on the counter and backsplash (from counter to top of cabinets). Don't think this will be any kind of fun job :( Hoping to get started on taking those off next week. Thanks for your help!! jody

I bought just what you're looking for at Menards a couple of months ago. I'm sorry, but I can't remember the price. I'm remodeling my bathroom and buying a lot of stuff. I know I got their 11% rebate on it. I'm sure it was reasonably priced because I bought a lot and I can't afford much.

ACM - treasure trove of new ideas. Binging on placement of grab bars and grab bars with double lives now! Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Also I have decided on a white subway tile for the shower walls with the handmade whooshy look to the texture. Finally to the silly question that isn’t silly at all - the room in the bottom right of the floor plan which is cut off - we planned it as a bedroom with a wall of reach in closets + a spread of wall between two windows big enough for a queen bed. For now, though, we will use it as a flex room = office den and guest room. We’ll have a built In desk situation in lieu of the closet, a pull out or at least very large couch in lieu of a bed, and a media spot for den life. So A less mobile guest could stay at our house a little more easily as a result of this planning. Not ADA but something. On our urban lot size around here, you would often find the equivalent of this space used for a formal (no doors) living room or an office too small to accommodate a closet or a substantial bed so these trades are significant nods to thinking ahead. Since I added a good 3-4 feet to the typical size of this front room, finding another 5 feet for an en suite bathroom would really push the boundaries of the available configurations. So nothing is perfect but I will have more rather than fewer options if and when the time comes. I’ve heard others complain of the lack of this type of first floor options in typical configurations around here so these small considerations may set us apart for future buyers as well. Thank you all!