Hexagon Tile vs. Penny Tile: Comparing Styles, Uses, and Durability

Hexagon tiles offer a bold, geometric aesthetic with larger shapes that create a striking visual impact, while penny tiles consist of small, circular pieces that provide a classic, textured appearance often used for intricate patterns or grip surfaces. Explore this article to discover which tile style best suits your design vision and functional needs.

Table of Comparison

Introduction to Hexagon and Penny Tiles

Hexagon tiles feature a six-sided geometric shape that creates a distinctive honeycomb pattern, often used to add a modern yet timeless look to floors and walls. Penny tiles consist of small, circular pieces that offer a classic, retro aesthetic, ideal for detailed and textured surfaces like bathroom floors or backsplashes. Your choice between hexagon and penny tiles depends on the desired visual impact and the complexity of the tile installation.

Visual Aesthetics: Hexagon vs. Penny Tile

Hexagon tiles create a bold geometric pattern that adds depth and modern sophistication to your space, often enhancing visual interest through their multi-sided design. Penny tiles, featuring small, circular shapes, offer a classic, retro aesthetic that provides a softer, more understated texture. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the angular impact of hexagons or the subtle charm of penny tile patterns to complement your decor style.

Material Options and Durability

Hexagon tiles offer a wide range of material options including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear, making them ideal for both high-traffic floors and walls. Penny tiles, typically made from ceramic or glass, are durable for decorative wall applications and light foot traffic but are less suited for heavy use due to their smaller size and grout density. Porcelain hexagon tiles excel in moisture resistance and strength, better withstanding impact and stains compared to penny tiles, which require more frequent maintenance to preserve grout integrity.

Installation Process Compared

Hexagon tiles typically require precise alignment and careful grout spacing, making the installation process more time-consuming and best suited for experienced installers. Penny tiles, with their smaller size and mesh-backed sheets, offer faster and easier installation, especially on curved or irregular surfaces. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize intricate design detail or efficiency during tile installation.

Slip-Resistance and Safety

Hexagon tiles typically feature larger surfaces and fewer grout lines, which can reduce slip resistance compared to penny tiles that have smaller, circular shapes with more grout lines, enhancing traction. Penny tiles, often made from ceramic or porcelain with textured finishes, offer superior slip resistance due to increased grout area providing better grip under wet conditions. For safety in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, penny tiles are generally preferred because their design significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Maintenance and Cleaning Differences

Hexagon tiles feature larger surface areas and fewer grout lines compared to penny tiles, making them easier to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping. Penny tiles consist of numerous small pieces joined by extensive grout lines, which require more frequent scrubbing and careful sealing to prevent dirt buildup and mold growth. Choosing hexagon tiles can reduce your cleaning time and effort due to their smoother, less intricate design.

Cost Comparison: Hexagon Tile vs. Penny Tile

Hexagon tiles typically cost between $6 and $12 per square foot, offering a mid-range price point for durable, stylish flooring options. Penny tiles are generally more affordable, ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot, making them a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious projects. Installation costs for both tile types vary but can be higher for penny tiles due to their smaller size and increased labor time.

Best Applications for Each Tile Type

Hexagon tiles are ideal for creating bold, geometric patterns on floors and walls in kitchens and bathrooms, offering a modern yet timeless aesthetic with their larger size and versatile layout options. Penny tiles, characterized by their small, round shape and tight grout lines, excel in intricate backsplashes, shower floors, and accent areas where slip resistance and detailed texture are desired. Both tile types are suitable for wet environments but hexagon tiles provide easier maintenance on high-traffic floors, whereas penny tiles add vintage charm and tactile interest in smaller, decorative installations.

Design Versatility and Styling Tips

Hexagon tiles offer a modern, geometric look with clean lines perfect for creating bold, contemporary patterns, while penny tiles provide a classic, vintage charm through their small, rounded shape and mosaic appeal. Hexagon tiles can be paired with contrasting grout colors to enhance their angular design, whereas penny tiles work well in curvilinear layouts, adding texture and depth to backsplashes or bathroom floors. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a striking, structured aesthetic or a softer, timeless design that complements both minimalist and traditional spaces.

Pros and Cons: Hexagon vs. Penny Tile

Hexagon tile offers a bold geometric pattern that creates visual interest and works well for both floors and backsplashes, but its larger size can be less slip-resistant compared to penny tile. Penny tile, composed of small, rounded discs, provides excellent grip and a classic retro look, though it requires more grout lines and maintenance. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize modern aesthetics and ease of cleaning (hexagon) or slip resistance and vintage charm (penny tile).