Subway Tiles Are Reliable, But Hex Tiles Have Their Place
“hex grout lines can be trickier—just something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of scrubbing.”
That’s a point I’ve run into more than once. In one of my earlier flips, I went with small hex tiles for a 1920s-style bathroom floor. Looked fantastic—at first. But after about six months, the owner called me back because the grout lines were already showing wear and discoloration, even though we’d sealed them twice. The sheer number of grout joints on hex tiles is no joke, especially with pets or kids tracking in moisture and dirt.
Subway tiles are just easier to work with all around. The rectangular shape means you get longer runs and fewer cuts, which is a big deal if you’re tiling around awkward corners or plumbing fixtures. And like you said, there’s a lot more flexibility than people think—vertical stack bond, offset, herringbone... I’ve even seen some creative basketweave layouts that look high-end without the high price tag.
One thing I will say: if someone’s set on hex tiles for the “wow” factor, larger format hexes (like 4” or 6”) are a bit more forgiving than the tiny mosaics. Less grout to deal with and easier to keep level during install. Still not as simple as subway tile, but it’s a compromise.
Budget-wise, subway tile almost always wins out. Even factoring in colored grout or specialty patterns, it’s hard to beat the price per square foot—and mistakes are less costly to fix if you’re learning as you go.
I get why people want something different, but after seeing how much maintenance those intricate grout lines can add over time, I tend to steer folks toward subway unless they’re really committed to the upkeep. Sometimes “safe” just means fewer headaches down the road... and more time actually enjoying your space instead of scrubbing it.
- Totally agree on the grout issue—hex tiles look awesome but those tiny joints are a pain to keep clean.
- Subway tiles just feel more forgiving, especially if you’re not a pro installer.
- I’ve seen some folks use dark grout with hex tiles to hide stains, but it changes the whole vibe.
- Curious—has anyone tried epoxy grout for hex floors? Supposedly it’s way more stain-resistant, but I’ve never used it myself.
Subway Tiles Vs. Hexagon Tiles In The Bathroom—What’s Your Pick?
- You’re spot on about the hex tile grout. Those little joints look killer when they’re fresh, but man, they can be a magnet for grime. I’ve seen folks get pretty creative with toothbrushes and steamers, but it’s definitely more upkeep than subway tiles.
- Subway tiles are way more forgiving, especially if your walls aren’t perfectly flat or you’re not used to tiling. The bigger joints and straight lines just hide little mistakes better. Plus, if you ever need to swap out a tile down the road, it’s a lot less hassle.
- Dark grout with hex tiles is a bold move. It hides stains, sure, but it totally shifts the vibe—suddenly it’s got that retro or industrial feel. Not bad, just different. I’ve had clients love it and others regret it after a few months because it made the space feel busier.
- Epoxy grout is a game changer for bathrooms, especially on floors. It’s pricier and a bit trickier to work with (sets up fast, so you gotta move quick), but once it’s in, it’s super stain-resistant and doesn’t crack like cement-based grout. I’ve used it on a couple of hex floors—one in a kids’ bathroom where toothpaste and muddy shoes are daily guests—and it still looks sharp years later. Just make sure to clean up any haze right away or you’ll be cursing at yourself for days.
- Honestly, both tile styles have their place. If you love the look of hex and don’t mind a little extra maintenance (or want to splurge on epoxy grout), go for it. If you want something classic and low-fuss, subway’s hard to beat.
At the end of the day, pick what makes you happy every time you walk in there. The rest is just details...
I’ve always leaned toward subway tiles for the sheer practicality, but I get the appeal of hexagons—there’s something about that geometric pattern that just feels a bit more playful. The grout situation is real, though. I’ve seen a friend’s hex floor go from crisp white to “permanently off-white” in less than a year, even with regular cleaning. Epoxy grout does help, but it’s not exactly a DIY-friendly option unless you’re comfortable moving fast and dealing with the cleanup.
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried larger-format hex tiles? I wonder if that strikes a balance—fewer grout lines, but you still get the visual interest. Or maybe it just loses the charm of the smaller ones? I’ve only ever worked with the classic small hex, so I’m not sure how the bigger ones hold up, both in terms of looks and maintenance.
I wonder if that strikes a balance—fewer grout lines, but you still get the visual interest.
I’ve actually used the larger hex tiles in a couple of my rentals, and I think they’re a solid middle ground. You get fewer grout lines, which definitely helps with maintenance—less scrubbing, more sanity. But I’ll admit, they don’t have quite the same “vintage charm” as the tiny hexes. Still, for high-traffic bathrooms, I’ll take easier cleaning over nostalgia most days. And yeah, epoxy grout is a beast to work with... I learned that the hard way on a tight timeline.