The Size of Travertine to Use on a Floor

Appearance

• The tile size you select will have a significant impact on the appearance of the room. Smaller tile sizes require a greater number of grout lines, and the grout lines will be more condensed, resulting in a busier appearance on the floor. Some people prefer this look, while others like the streamlined look of large tiles. Many people believe large tiles trick the eye into thinking the room looks larger than it does.

Room Purpose

• Consider the room in which the tiles will be installed. If they'll be installed in a bathroom or shower stall, it will be more important for safety reasons that the flooring is as slip-resistant as possible. Grout lines in a tile floor offer more slip-resistance, so smaller tiles will require more grout lines, making floors in this kind of room safer. In a shower stall, opt for very small tiles, no larger than four or six inches square.

Level or Unlevel Floors

• If you're installing new floors as a result of a remodel, check whether the floors are level, or ask your flooring installer to check. Uneven floors will cause larger tiles to crack or break, where smaller travertine tiles will be able to better absorb the differences. Travertine tile is a durable flooring choice, but it can crack if installed on an uneven floor. In brand new homes, floors are usually very level so you may not need to take this into consideration when choosing your tiles.

Ease of Installation

• Many people attempt tile installation on their own, as it can be a reasonable do-it-yourself project and can save money over hiring an installer. If you're considering doing this project on your own, consider the ease of installation when deciding which travertine tile size is best for you. Larger tiles may result in a faster installation because there are fewer to install, but installation is often harder because the tiles are heavier and more prone to breakage. Many people find 12-inch square tiles to be an easy size to install.