Totally get where you’re coming from—square tiles are underrated. I did hex in my last reno and honestly, the install was a pain. All those little pieces, and the grout lines seemed endless. Sometimes simple just makes life easier, especially if you’re DIY-ing.
I hear you on the hex tiles—those things look amazing in photos, but man, the install can turn into a marathon. I’ve had clients fall in love with them, then halfway through the job, they’re questioning their life choices (and mine). Ever tried getting those tiny hexes to line up perfectly around a shower niche? It’s like a puzzle with no picture on the box.
But here’s a thought: do you think the extra effort is worth it for that “wow” factor, or does the classic subway tile just win out because it’s timeless and way less hassle? I’ve seen some folks do cool patterns with subway tiles—herringbone, vertical stack, even basketweave. Makes me wonder if you can get creative without all the extra grout lines.
Curious—if you had to do it again, would you stick with hex, or go for something simpler? Or maybe mix and match? Sometimes I think we overcomplicate things just chasing that Pinterest look...
Ever tried getting those tiny hexes to line up perfectly around a shower niche? It’s like a puzzle with no picture on the box.
Man, you nailed it. I once spent an entire Saturday hunched over a bathroom floor, cursing every hex tile that dared to shift even a millimeter. Looked amazing in the end, but my knees still haven’t forgiven me. Honestly, subway tiles are like comfort food—reliable, classic, and way less likely to make you question your sanity mid-project. But I get the temptation for that “wow” factor... sometimes I think we’re all just chasing that one photo that’ll make our friends jealous.
Honestly, subway tiles are like comfort food—reliable, classic, and way less likely to make you question your sanity mid-project.
I get the appeal of subway tiles—there’s a reason they’re everywhere. But I think we sometimes overlook how much waste those “classic” layouts can create, especially if you’re cutting a lot for corners or niches. With hex tiles, yeah, the install can be a pain (my back still remembers my last attempt), but you can often use up more of the sheet and have fewer awkward offcuts. Plus, if you go with recycled glass or porcelain hexes, you’re making a more sustainable choice than most standard subway tiles, which are usually new ceramic.
Also, grout lines. Subway tiles mean longer, straight grout lines that can get grimy fast, especially if you’re not sealing them regularly. The smaller hexes break that up and hide a lot of the day-to-day mess. Not saying it’s easier to clean—just that it looks cleaner for longer, which is a win in my book.
I do agree about the “wow” factor. There’s something satisfying about seeing a finished hex floor or wall, even if it took twice as long and made you rethink your life choices halfway through. But for me, the extra effort feels worth it if I know I’m using materials that are better for the planet and will last longer without looking dated.
Guess it comes down to what you value more: ease of install or long-term impact. For me, I’ll take the puzzle over the predictable, even if my knees complain.
I hear you on the sustainability angle and the “wow” factor with hex tiles—there’s no denying they look sharp when done right. But I’ve gotta push back a bit on the waste issue with subway tiles. In my experience, if you plan your layout carefully and start from the right spot, you can actually minimize offcuts pretty well, even around niches and corners. I’ve seen just as much scrap come off a hex job, especially when you’re trying to get those sheets to line up in tight spaces or around plumbing.
“Subway tiles mean longer, straight grout lines that can get grimy fast, especially if you’re not sealing them regularly.”
That’s fair, but I’ve also found that cleaning a million little grout joints on a hex floor isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. I did a small bathroom last year with penny rounds (even smaller than hexes), and the homeowner was cursing those grout lines after a few months. Sometimes what hides dirt also hides mildew, and that can sneak up on you.
At the end of the day, both have their headaches. I guess I lean toward subway for the sheer predictability—less chance of running into weird alignment issues halfway through. But hey, if your knees can take it and you love the look, more power to you.