“She says it’s like cleaning a mosaic every week. I’ll stick with my big, easy-to-wipe subway tiles for now.”
That’s exactly why I ended up going with subway tiles in our main bath too. The original floor was hex, and while it looked great (from a distance), the upkeep was a nightmare. I swear, grout just finds ways to get grimy no matter what, and with all those little corners it’s like a full-time job. I appreciate the historic vibe, but I’m not trying to spend my weekends scrubbing floors.
Subway tile really is forgiving, especially in an older house where nothing is perfectly square or level. A little wiggle room goes a long way when the walls have character (aka lumps). Plus, if something cracks, you’re right—finding a replacement is no big deal. I actually keep a couple spares in the basement just in case.
Funny enough, I did see someone do a combo—hex on the floor, subway on the walls. It looked sharp, but the owner admitted she’d only do it again if she could hire out the whole install and cleaning. I guess it comes down to how much time you want to spend on maintenance versus aesthetics. For me, I like things to look classic but not be high drama to keep up.
Maybe one day I’ll get nostalgic and try the hex again in a small space, but for now, I’m with you—subway tiles just make life easier.
Subway tile really is forgiving, especially in an older house where nothing is perfectly square or level.
Subway tiles really do make life easier, especially if you’re thinking about long-term value or rental turnover. I’ve renovated a handful of bathrooms over the years, and here’s the step-by-step I usually follow when deciding between subway and hex tiles:
1. **Assess the Space**: If it’s a high-traffic bathroom or one that’ll see a lot of use (like a rental or family bath), I lean toward subway. Like you said, “grout just finds ways to get grimy no matter what,” and with hex, you’re multiplying those grout lines by a lot. That’s more maintenance, more potential for stains, and more headaches.
2. **Consider the Age and Style of the House**: In older homes, subway tiles are a lifesaver. They’re forgiving when walls aren’t perfectly straight, and you can fudge things a bit without it looking off. Hex tiles are gorgeous in the right setting, but they highlight every little imperfection in the floor.
3. **Think About Resale and Repairs**: Subway tiles are classic and appeal to most buyers or renters. Plus, like you mentioned, “finding a replacement is no big deal.” I always keep a box of extras tucked away too—learned that the hard way after a plumber cracked a tile during a repair.
4. **Maintenance Reality Check**: If you’re not hiring out cleaning, hex can be a pain. I once did a small powder room in hex for the vintage look, and even in that tiny space, it was a chore to keep the grout looking fresh. Never again for a main bath.
5. **Mixing Styles**: I’ve seen the combo look sharp too—hex on the floor, subway on the walls—but only recommend it if you’re okay with the extra upkeep or have a cleaning crew. Otherwise, it’s just more work for you.
If you’re set on hex for the look, maybe try it in a low-traffic spot, like a guest bath or mudroom. For everyday use, subway is just practical. It’s not the most daring choice, but sometimes boring is good when you’re the one scrubbing grout at the end of the week.
Funny how design decisions always come back to how much time you want to spend cleaning...
You really nailed it with,
It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics, but your step-by-step is a solid reminder that practicality matters—especially with cleaning and repairs. I’ve also found subway tile to be more eco-friendly in the long run since it’s less likely to need replacing due to staining or damage. Your approach is thoughtful and realistic, which is refreshing.“sometimes boring is good when you’re the one scrubbing grout at the end of the week.”
I hear you on the cleaning front. I’ve installed both types for clients, and honestly, after a few years, the hex tiles can look rough if you’re not on top of the grout. Subway tile might not be flashy, but it’s way easier to keep looking sharp. I always tell folks—sometimes “classic” just means less hassle down the road.
“sometimes ‘classic’ just means less hassle down the road.”
- Totally get where you’re coming from. Subway tile is like the white T-shirt of bathrooms—never really goes out of style, and you don’t have to baby it.
- That said, I’ve done a couple hex installs for friends who wanted something different, and yeah, grout maintenance is a thing. If you’re not into scrubbing, those little lines add up fast.
- One trick I’ve used: go with a darker grout on hex tiles. Hides stains and makes the pattern pop. Still more work than subway, but less stress about every little spot.
- Subway tile’s easier to line up and cut, too. If you’re DIY-ing, that’s a big plus.
- But honestly, if you love the look of hex, don’t let cleaning scare you off. Just be real about what you’re signing up for. Sometimes the extra effort’s worth it for something unique.
I guess it comes down to whether you want “set it and forget it” or “showpiece with some upkeep.” Both have their place.
