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- Why smaller tiles can make your shower safer
- How small tiles help shower drainage and slope
- Design ideas that pair safety with style
- Practical tips to manage cost without sacrificing safety
- Material choices and maintenance to consider
- Installation details that improve outcomes
- When to choose textured tiles instead of many grout lines
When planning a shower remodel, a small detail can change the whole experience. Jenn Todryk of HGTV’s No Demo Reno recommends one specific tile choice that improves safety and function. The idea is simple: more grout, more traction. Homeowners who worry about slips or poor drainage often find this swap delivers real results.
Why smaller tiles can make your shower safer
Smaller tiles create extra grout lines. Those grout joints break up smooth surfaces. That means better grip underfoot, especially when the floor is wet. Todryk used this strategy on Season 3 to help a family with kids. The result was a floor that looked intentional and felt secure.
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- Increased traction from more grout.
- Even wear across the floor surface.
- Reduced chance of slipping for children and older adults.
How small tiles help shower drainage and slope
Shower floors must slope to the drain. Too flat and water pools. Too steep and it’s awkward to stand on. Smaller tiles give installers more control over that slope. They allow for subtle grading changes without obvious seams.
Better drainage and a more gradual slope are practical benefits many homeowners overlook. With small tiles, craftsmen can shape the floor precisely around the drain and curb.
Design ideas that pair safety with style
Small tiles aren’t only practical. They can be a design feature. Use consistent color for a calm look. Or mix tones for texture and depth. Penny tiles mounted on sheets can speed installation while keeping the aesthetic.
- All-matching small tiles for minimalist bathrooms.
- Natural stone pieces for organic color variation.
- Penny tile sheets for easier installation.
- Contrasting grout lines to emphasize pattern and grip.
Practical tips to manage cost without sacrificing safety
More grout means more labor and material. Todryk notes grout can add to the price per square foot. But you can limit expenses with smart mixes of tile sizes. Use small tiles where slip-risk is highest and larger tiles elsewhere.
Cost-saving approaches
- Install small tiles in the shower and just outside the curb.
- Choose larger tiles for dry zones like near the sink.
- Pick textured tiles to get traction with fewer grout lines.
Material choices and maintenance to consider
Tile type affects both look and longevity. Ceramic and porcelain resist stains and hold up well. Natural stone offers a unique finish but needs sealing. Grout also demands attention. Sanded grout can be more durable on floors, while epoxy grout resists staining but costs more.
- Ceramic/porcelain: low maintenance, durable.
- Natural stone: high-end look, needs sealing.
- Sanded grout: good for wider joints and durability.
- Epoxy grout: best for stain resistance, higher cost.
Installation details that improve outcomes
Skilled installation matters more with small tiles. Each piece must be set evenly. That keeps the slope consistent and prevents hotspots where water pools. Contractors often use a waterproof membrane under the mortar bed for long-term reliability.
Precise layout and proper waterproofing will protect your investment and maintain the tile’s anti-slip performance for years.
When to choose textured tiles instead of many grout lines
If you want the safety benefit without the visual busyness of many grout lines, textured tiles are a valid option. They come in various sizes and finishes and deliver grip through surface texture rather than grout density.
- Textured porcelain mimics natural stone grip.
- Micro-textures add slip-resistance while keeping a modern look.
- Combine textured tiles and small tiles for a layered effect.
