I hear you on the grout lines—hex tiles definitely look like a pain at first glance, but in practice, they’re not as high-maintenance as people think, especially with darker grout. I’ve renovated a few rentals with both hex and subway, and honestly, the hex holds up better to tenant wear and tear. The pattern hides little chips or stains way better than subway tiles do. Subway’s classic, but if one tile is off, it’s like a neon sign pointing at the mistake.
One thing I’d add: resale-wise, hex tiles are getting more popular lately. People seem to love that “boutique hotel” vibe. Subway’s timeless, but I’ve had more buyers comment on unique tile patterns in recent years. If you’re thinking long-term value or just want something that stands out a bit, hex is a solid bet.
That said, if you’re doing the install yourself, hex can be fiddly to lay out—takes some patience to get the spacing right. But once it’s down, it’s pretty forgiving visually. Just my experience... I’d go hex again for sure.
I get what you’re saying about hex tiles hiding wear—totally agree there. I did a small bathroom with white hex and dark grout, and honestly, it still looks sharp after years of abuse. Subway’s easier to lay, but every crooked line drives me nuts. I’ll take the extra effort for hex any day.
I’m with you on the hex tiles holding up better over time, especially with darker grout. I did a laundry room floor with small hexes and, honestly, it’s been way more forgiving than the subway tile backsplash in my kitchen. The grout lines on the hex pattern seem to hide dirt and minor chips so much better—plus, if you get a little off with your spacing, it’s not as obvious as with subway tiles. Those long straight lines on subway layouts really do highlight every little imperfection. Drives me nuts too.
That said, I will say hex tiles can be a pain for DIYers on a budget. The sheets are supposed to make things easier, but I found myself constantly adjusting them to keep the pattern consistent. If you’re not careful, you end up with weird gaps or misaligned edges that are tough to fix once the thinset sets up. Subway tile is more straightforward in that sense—just stack and go—but like you said, any crooked line stands out immediately.
One thing I’d add: if you’re trying to save money, hex tiles can get pricey fast, especially if you go for real porcelain or marble. I ended up using ceramic hex for cost reasons, and it’s held up fine, but it doesn’t have quite the same feel as stone. Also, cutting hex tiles around fixtures or walls is a bit more tedious than with subway—lots of little nibbles with the tile nippers.
If maintenance is a big concern, though, I’d pick hex every time. Less scrubbing to keep it looking clean and less stress about every little scuff showing up. Just be ready for a bit more work during install... and maybe budget a little extra for those inevitable mistakes along the way.
Honestly, I’ve seen the same thing with hex tiles—darker grout is a lifesaver for hiding dirt and tiny chips. I do think you nailed it about the install being trickier, though. Those mesh sheets sound easy but they love to shift just enough to make your lines wavy if you’re not careful. For clients who want low-maintenance and don’t mind a bit more upfront work (or hiring out), hex is great. Subway’s easier for DIY, but yeah, every little misalignment shows. I usually recommend hex for floors and subway for walls if people are on the fence. It’s a good balance between forgiving surfaces and manageable installation.
I usually recommend hex for floors and subway for walls if people are on the fence. It’s a good balance between forgiving surfaces and manageable installation.
Couldn’t agree more about darker grout with hex tiles—saves a lot of headaches down the road. I’ve had clients call back months later, grateful for that tip alone. The mesh sheets are definitely a double-edged sword. They seem like a shortcut but, as you said, “they love to shift just enough to make your lines wavy if you’re not careful.” I’d add that even pros have to keep a close eye on those sheets, especially in older homes where floors aren’t perfectly level. Your point about subway being less forgiving with misalignment is spot on too. It’s funny how something so classic can turn into a headache if you rush it. Good advice all around—hex on the floor, subway on the walls is usually a safe bet.
