Large Format Tiles vs. Subway & Mosaic Tiles in Showers: What’s Best for Your Space?

When it comes to bathroom renovations in Calgary, the tile you choose for your shower walls and floors can have a big impact on the final look, feel, and maintenance of the space. At Clgaary Home Renovations | LBProjects, we help clients make smart, informed design decisions — including one of the most common questions we get: Should I go with large format tiles or smaller options like subway or mosaic?

Each option has its advantages depending on your layout, budget, and the type of finish you’re going for. Below, we break down the pros and cons to help guide your decision.

Choosing the Right Tile for Your Calgary Bathroom Renovation

When planning your Calgary bathroom renovation, one of the first key design choices is the tile type used in the shower area. Both large format and small-scale options like subway or mosaic tiles offer unique benefits. The best fit depends on your priorities: clean lines, ease of maintenance, flexibility on sloped surfaces, or custom design patterns.

If you're still exploring ideas, feel free to browse our completed renovation projects for inspiration, or learn more about our company and how we work.

Large Format Tiles: Clean, Modern, Low Maintenance

Pros:

• Fewer Grout Lines: Less grout means lower maintenance and a sleeker, cleaner finish.

• Spacious Feel: Especially useful in smaller bathrooms — large tiles visually expand the space.

• Contemporary Aesthetic: Popular in modern designs for their smooth, uninterrupted surfaces.

Cons:

• Surface Prep Is Crucial: These tiles require a flat surface to avoid lippage.

• Difficult on Shower Floors: Not ideal for sloped floors or complex curves.

• Heavier and Costlier to Install: More precision and time may increase labour costs.

Subway & Mosaic Tiles: Versatile, Classic, and Flexible

Pros:

• Ideal for Sloped Floors: Smaller tiles conform easily to slopes and curves in shower bases.

• More Design Variety: Great for mixing colours, patterns, or adding borders and accents.

• Timeless Appeal: Subway tiles especially offer a classic look that suits almost any style.

Cons:

• More Grout Lines: Which can mean more maintenance, particularly in high-moisture areas.

• Can Look Busy: Without balance, small tiles can overwhelm tight spaces.

Our Take: It Depends on the Layout and Look You’re After

Both options work beautifully — the key is choosing what suits your space and your lifestyle best. If you want a sleek, low-maintenance shower with a modern finish, large format tiles are worth considering. If you're designing around a complex shower layout or prefer more texture and detail, mosaics or subway tiles will give you more flexibility.

At LBProjects, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons and help you select the right tile based on your space, budget, and personal taste. We offer custom quotes and personalized service, making it easy to take the next step.

Fill out our contact form for a custom quote, and let’s build something that lasts — without the guesswork.