When choosing a ceramic tile for the floor or wall, one of the decisive issues is the size of the tiles. There are many options, but we are often faced with a dilemma: is it better to use smaller ceramic tiles or large ceramic tiles? Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider. Let's take a look.
Smaller ceramic tiles
Pros:
Flexibility in design: Smaller tiles allow for more variability in creating patterns and designs on the floor or wall. You can create different geometric patterns, mosaics and colour combinations, adding aesthetic value to the room.
Adaptability: Smaller tiles are easier to adapt to curved surfaces such as arches or the corners of a shower enclosure. It's also easier to adapt them to different room sizes, as you can adjust the number of tiles to achieve the look you want.
More convenient for repairs: if one tile is damaged or needs to be replaced, it's much easier and more affordable to replace a smaller tile than a large one.
Disadvantages:
More joints: Smaller tiles mean more joints, which means there are more places where dirt and grime can settle. This can require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
More difficult to lay: Laying smaller tiles can be a more difficult and time-consuming task, especially if you want to achieve a precise and uniform appearance.
Large ceramic tiles
Benefits
Visually enlarging a room: Large tiles tend to visually enlarge a room and create the feeling of a wider, more spacious room. This is especially beneficial for small rooms where large tiles can visually enlarge the space.
Fewer joints: large tiles have fewer joints, which means there are fewer places where dirt and grime can settle. This makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Faster installation: because of their large surface area, large tiles are usually quicker to install and less labour intensive.
Disadvantages:
Fewer design options: Large tiles can be limited in the choice of designs and textures compared to smaller tiles. If you prefer more complex patterns and details, it can be difficult to find a suitable large tile.
Vulnerability to cracking: Large tiles are more prone to cracking with large impacts or subfloor movement. This means that careful handling and thorough preparation of the substrate is required during installation.