Tile flooring is one of the most popular floor options amongst homeowners. When picking out suitable tiles for your room, you consider their color, texture, and sometimes pattern. One of the essential things you must also ask is the best size for floor tiles.
The standard size of a floor tile varies from one room to another. For instance, the ideal tile size ranges from 12 to 18 inches in living rooms. However, kitchen tiles are much smaller, ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
You might be wondering why there’s a variation in tile size. Why not use the same dimension in all rooms? This article answers these questions and gives the best tile size suggestions for your home.
What Is the Recommended Size of a Floor Tile?
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The standard range of a floor tile should be a 12-inch square. This tile size is a good fit for any room in the house, so they’re available in several shapes and colors. Despite this standard, there’s a recommended size range for different rooms in the home.
Best Tile Sizes for Room Floors
As mentioned earlier, every room has a standard tile size. The range usually depends on the size of the space.
Small tile sizes are ideal for smaller areas, while large tiles are the best options for wide spaces. Notwithstanding, you can decide to use smaller tiles in large spaces and vice versa.
Below are the size considerations for popular floor spaces in a house.
Living Rooms
Living areas are usually the largest part of any house. As a result, they use larger tiles, ranging between 12 to 18 inches. A small living area should use the lower range, while more expansive spaces can use above 12 inches.
Though large tiles are more expensive, you’ll only be getting a few to cover a floor space. On the other hand, though cheaper, you need more than a handful to cover the same area if you’re using medium tiles.
Besides this, small tiles are not great options for living spaces. These tiles have too many grout lines, making your living room look untidy. Sometimes, the appearance of smaller tiles can disrupt the entire design of your living area.
The downside to big tiles is that they’re not always available because they’re rarely used.
Kitchens
Kitchen floor tiles should range from 8 to 12 inches. The best floor size for a kitchen depends on how big or small the kitchen is. It also depends on the overall outlook and design of the area.
Despite the recommended range for kitchen floors, a kitchen should use the 12-inch tile size. This makes your space looks broader, lending it a more aesthetic look.
Aside from this, large tiles are easier to maintain than smaller tiles. Besides, you’ll want to use tiles that can make the kitchen look neat at all times.
On the other hand, smaller tiles are more challenging to maintain because they have too many grout lines. If these lines are stained, they could leave your kitchen looking untidy.
Still, these small tiles work well in a tiny kitchen. They are also easier to install, even for homeowners with no tile installment experience. These tiles also look better, especially if they feature beautiful patterns.
Bathroom
Most times, the bathroom is the smallest space in the house. Despite this, it’s the most versatile space where you can use any suitable tile size. Here, you’re free to use tiny tiles or large formats for the floor, depending on the look you prefer.
Most times, mosaic tiles are the best option for bathroom floors. These tiles have smaller print designs that make them attractive. Their surface is also less slippery, offering friction even when wet.
In the same vein, you can use the standard 12 by 12 square inches for your bathroom floors. However, this isn’t the best option if your bathroom is too small. Instead, opt for smaller 4-inch square tiles.
For walls, it’s best to use tiles that are larger than 4 by 4 inches. Since bathroom wall tiles are usually high, use rectangular tiles with more height than width.
Another good option for bathroom walls is subway tiles. They have longer widths and a height that is half of their wideness. If you prefer something fancier, use listellos.
How Do I Choose the Right Tile Size?
Selecting the right tile for your space depends on a few things. Though there are standard specifications you’re to follow, other considerations influence the size of tiles.
Below are essential factors to consider before settling for tile size.
Your Space
The best way to choose your tile is to consider the size of your living area. If your space is vast, it should accommodate large tiles. On the other hand, smaller spaces handle smaller tiles better.
To determine the tiles you will use for your room, draw out a floor plan. Start by measuring the area of the space you want to tile. Once you’ve done that, you can create a temporary template that will enable you to experiment with different tire sizes.
During the experiment, it’s important to evaluate your floor layout. Note that larger tiles are more challenging to install and less flexible than smaller ones.
Appearance
Different tiles evoke a different feeling. For instance, larger tiles will give a modern, streamlined look, making your space look wide and uncluttered. On the other hand, smaller tiles tend to look busy, making your area appear more compact.
Grout Lines
Small tiles have more grout lines than their larger counterpart. Grout lines are essential when considering cleaning and maintaining your tiles. For instance, floors and walls with more grout lines are more difficult to keep clean.
For a cleaner look, use grout colors that are the same as your tiles. This way, smaller tiles seem to blend into one another, giving your space a better look.
Are Large Tiles Better in a Small Bathroom?
You can use big tiles in small spaces to achieve a larger appearance. Using smaller tiles will only make your room more constricted.
Despite this, it’s easier to work with smaller tiles in small areas. Though larger tiles are the perfect option, they’re less flexible, and you might have difficulty fitting them.
What Is the Most Durable Floor Tile?
Porcelain tiles are one of the best-recommended options for floors because of their durability. It has a stronger and denser structure and is impervious to water. With this, they can stand extreme conditions and remain in perfect shape.
This quality makes it the best option for bathrooms, patios, laundry rooms, and other water-prone areas. They are also good for tiling countertops.
Still, using these tiles has its disadvantages. First, they are costly for an average homeowner. This explains why many prefer ceramic tiles.
Porcelain’s structure also makes it difficult to cut through. You’ll need a diamond blade or a wet saw in cases where you have to cut the tile. Therefore, if you seek a cost-effective DIY option, porcelain tiles are not for you.
What Tile Quality Should I Use for My Floors?
Tiles come in grades to help customers determine the best selection for their purposes. For floors, Grade one tiles are the best. These tiles are stronger and can withstand any amount of foot traffic.
Grade two tiles are also good for floors, but they can’t stand as much pressure as Grade one. However, they are cheaper and can still make your space appealing.
