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Last updated: 25 September 2023
Can you have tiles too small for flooring?
Can you have tiles too small for flooring? Plus other factors to consider when selecting your new tiles.
Can floor tiles be too small?
When choosing the best floor tiles, it can often be simpler to opt for a larger format tile - this is because it tends to be easier to visualise how they'll look as part of the finished project.
Having said that, you may be wondering if you can have tiles too small for flooring.
For example, would they be too tricky to install and would they look too 'busy'? Would they be harder to keep clean and is there a chance smaller tiles could move and break over time? Here's the lowdown:
Cleaning is more of a challenge with smaller tiles due to the increased number of grout lines
Installation can be more fiddly, requiring a skilled and experienced tiler to deliver a professional, long-lasting job
Aesthetically, smaller floor tiles can work well, depending on the size of the room and the desired look
Find a flooring expert to help select the most suitable floor tiles for your room. Simply add your postcode to the search box below to see who comes highly rated in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Considerations for choosing floor tiles
When choosing the best floor tiles for your home, there are a number of factors to consider:
Material
There's a huge range of tile materials available, for example, ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and tile-effect vinyl.
It's important to weigh up the durability, suitability, and maintenance requirements of each option.
Aesthetics
Your overall room design will be influenced by the tile material you choose. Whether you want to achieve a specific tile trend, or a particular style, there's a vast array of options.
Despite vinyl flooring doing a grand job of mimicking tile, it can't outdo the variety in both colour and texture of natural tile materials.
Cost
Tile-effect vinyl is, however, a really cost-effective material that's also cheaper to install than real tiles.
Bear in mind, that while natural materials come at a higher cost than their synthetic counterparts, they will add value to your property.
Find out more about the cost of tiling a kitchen or bathroom.
Size
Another significant decision to make when tiling a floor is the most appropriate size tile to choose.
Large tiles (typically 12x12 inches or larger) are often used in contemporary schemes. They have fewer grout lines, which creates a clean, seamless look, helping to make a room feel more spacious
Small tiles (for example mosaics or subway tiles) are great for adding texture and detail. If you're after a pattern, such as herringbone, or want a traditional/ vintage design, smaller tiles are ideal
Choosing tiles for a more compact room? Read our guide to tile selection for a small bathroom.
Maintenance
Grout lines don't just affect the appearance of a tiled area, but also the amount of cleaning and maintenance required.
A smaller tile means more grout lines that will easily accumulate dirt and grime without regular cleaning.
Suitability and durability
In a bathroom, it's recommended to choose a water-resistant, non-slip tile.
In a kitchen or utility space, floor tiles will need to be durable to withstand high traffic.
Need more ideas and inspiration for your tiling project? Read our guide to kitchen flooring ideas and top bathroom design concepts.
Find a professional tiler near you
Choosing the right tiles for your home is one thing, finding a trusted tradesperson to install them is another.
We help to make it easy to find quality tilers through our directory of approved tradespeople.
Simply add your postcode to the box below to find an experienced tiler in your local area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job