A guide to selecting the right tile size for your floors

Selecting the right tile size for your floors isn't as simple as picking large tiles for large rooms and small tiles for small rooms. Nor is there a generic 'one size fits all' solution. Getting it right is a process, taking in a variety of considerations to do with form and function. It ensures that you make your first choice, the best choice and get as much out of your newly tiled floor as you can.

There isn't a single "standard" size for floor tiles as such as the choice often depends on a variety of different factors, which we'll soon explore. The most popular floor tile size in New Zealand is 600x600mm but there's a range in and around this which are categorised below.

Small tiles

You can actually find floor tiles as small as 100x100mm but you'll most likely see them around 200x200mm and 300x300mm as the more common sized small tiles. These tend to be used for bathrooms, laundries and other smaller spaces in the home.

Medium tiles

For medium sized tiles you'll find plenty of options from the 300x300mm size tile right through to the popular 600x600mm. These sized tiles can be used in a variety of spaces, inside and out.

Large tiles

There's a growing variety of large format tiles that you can consider including 800x800mm, 1000x1000mm as well as rectangular tiles like 450x900mm, 600x1200mm, 1200x2400mm and so on. Large slabs of up to 3000mm are also available.

Related article: The pros and cons of ceramic tile flooring

Now you know the most common tile sizes in New Zealand, the next step is choosing the right tile size for the space you have in mind. To help you get there, it helps to consider the following key factors.

Room size and layout

The size and layout of a room are crucial when selecting the size of floor tiles, influencing the look and feel of a space. In large rooms, using large format tiles can enhance the sense of spaciousness with fewer grout lines for a seamless aesthetic. At the other end of the spectrum, using smaller tiles for small rooms can help minimise the cutting of tiles to fit, meaning less wastage and a more cost-effective solution. In saying this, large tiles in a small room can also work, effectively making the smaller space feel bigger, so it pays to bear this in mind too. With respect to layout, for rooms with angles or curves, smaller tiles might offer more flexibility and easier installation.

Design and styling

Personal design and styling preferences also play an important role when it comes to choosing the right size floor tiles. This is because the size can dramatically affect a room's aesthetic and ambience. As mentioned, large format tiles help create a seamless look which complements minimalist and contemporary-styled homes that value clean, uncluttered environments. On the other hand, smaller tiles like subway or mosaic tiles, can add texture, pattern and visual interest to a space giving it a bit of character which can be great for an interior design style that is a little more eclectic. Whether you go for large or small tiles, you should make sure they align with design and styling goals, acting as a complementary presence instead of a contradictory one.

Practical considerations

As important as design and styling are when it comes to tile size choices, it shouldn't be at the expense of practical considerations. This encompasses factors such as installation, maintenance, and the purpose and functionality of the room in question. Both large and small tiles have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to this. Large tiles have fewer grout lines and more surface area making them easier to clean, however, the installation can be more challenging as a perfectly level surface is required and tile cutting can be tricky for awkward shapes and corners. Small tiles are more forgiving on uneven surfaces but have more grout lines so they will require a bit more cleaning diligence. However, in areas prone to splashing, grout lines offer better slip resistance, which is an important safety consideration.

Finally, to make life even easier, we've included a few recommendations based on the type of room you're looking to refresh in the home. These will not necessarily apply to every situation as rooms come in all shapes and sizes, but will generally work across the board.

Bathrooms

For moisture-prone environments like bathrooms, safety is an especially important consideration. As a result, smaller tiles around 300x300mm and below are traditionally favoured for better slip resistance. However, contemporary bathrooms also incorporate larger format tiles, like 600x600mm, for the illusion of spaciousness it creates in smaller spaces. Sometimes mosaic tiles are used for tiled showers for their superior slip resistance.

Related article: Stunning bathroom tile ideas from beautiful homes in New Zealand

Kitchens

For kitchens, where both functionality and style are key, a range of tile sizes can work well, but mid to large format tiles are particularly popular. Sizes such as 450x450mm or 600x600mm are excellent choices, offering a modern look with the practical benefit of fewer grout lines, making them easier to clean and maintain—a significant advantage in a space prone to spills and stains. Large format tiles, like 600x1200mm, can also work well thanks to their sleekness and ability to make spaces appear larger and more cohesive.

Living rooms and dining rooms

For living spaces such as dining rooms and living rooms, the trend leans towards larger format tiles to create an open and expansive feel. Sizes like 600x600mm, 800x800mm and 600x1200mm, are highly popular. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, which is ideal for areas that see frequent use and social gatherings. Additionally, in open-plan spaces, using the same large tile size throughout can enhance the sense of flow between the dining room, living room, and other areas, creating a seamless transition and visual continuity.

Outdoor living areas

Outdoor living areas have their own unique demands depending on the type of outdoor space in question. Large format tiles, like those 600x600mm and above, are generally preferred, especially if the goal is to create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. For safety around wet areas like pools, smaller tiles or outdoor-specific mosaics with increased grip are advisable.

Related article: Superb outdoor tile design ideas for New Zealand homes

With a proper understanding of the standard floor tile sizes in New Zealand and the criteria to help you decide, you're perfectly setup to find something that will look great and meet the functional requirements of your space. The right tile will deliver and perform for years so don't feel bad about taking your time with this and if in doubt, discuss in detail with a trusted tile flooring specialist.