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When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don’t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

The easiest tile size to install is large tiles, and they’re easier to install than small tiles—the job is faster and simpler when there’s less placing, adhering, and grouting to do. However, when tiles get really big, they’re more difficult to handle, cut, and fit. Standard floor tile sizes are 12-by-12 inches, 18-by-18 inches, and 12-by-24 inches.

The lifespan of tile flooring can vary significantly based on the material and maintenance. Generally, tile flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, but high-quality, well-maintained ceramic tile can last 75 to 100 years. To achieve a longer lifespan, you should clean the tiles and grout regularly, reseal the grout annually, keep the floor dry, and avoid placing extremely heavy items on it to prevent cracking. Choosing a high-quality tile (Grade 1) will also contribute to its longevity.

To make a small bathroom look bigger, choose light-colored tiles in a medium- to large-format size. Lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray help open up a room, making it feel larger and more airy. While it may seem counterintuitive, small tiles can actually make a bathroom look smaller because the increased number of grout lines creates a busy pattern that visually shrinks the space. Instead, opt for medium- or large-format tiles for a more seamless, expansive appearance. For the best effect, pair your tiles with a matching or similarly colored grout to create a continuous surface that enhances the illusion of a larger area. Avoid dark colors, heavy patterns, and contrasting grout, as these can make the space feel more confined.