Hexagon Tiles 101: The Complete Guide
When you think of tiles, you might immediately think of a square — or possibly a rectangle. The four-sided shape is the most ubiquitous form, after all. But there’s another world beyond the box, and that’s where shapes like the hexagon enter the chat.
Even if they’re more rarely seen and used, hexagon tiles are a classic design staple. They have a contemporary feel yet retain a timeless appeal. They are boldly geometric yet organic as well. From classic hexagon floor tile in historic homes to dynamic, colorful hexagon tile in a statement powder room and beyond, hexagon tiles offer remarkable versatility across styles, spaces, and materials.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about hexagon tiles, including what they are, the different types available, and design inspiration for how and where to use them. You’ll also learn some tips on installing hexagon tile (for the DIYers out there!), how to care for it, and where to buy it.
What Are Hexagon Tiles?
If you hearken back to high-school geometry, you may recall that a hexagon is a six-sided shape. And that’s precisely what hexagon tiles are, too. Often referred to as hex tiles, they have an uncanny ability to create visual movement, pattern, and texture in a space. Their shape allows for everything from subtle repetition to dramatic, art-forward layouts.
While hex tiles can be made from a range of materials like ceramic and marble, at Otto Tiles & Design, hexagon tiles are crafted exclusively as encaustic cement tiles.
Types of Hexagon Tiles
Hexagon tiles come in a range of materials, finishes, and sizes. Here is a short list of options you may want to consider:
Ceramic Hexagon Tiles
Ceramic hex tiles are a common type of this tile. While you can find them in a matte variety, they are more often glazed for a polished finish. You may commonly see them on backsplashes and walls where bold color or a lustrous shine is desired.
Porcelain Hexagon Tiles
A type of ceramic hex tile, porcelain hex tiles are denser and less porous, making them a popular choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, as well as high-traffic floors and commercial spaces — all due to their durability and minimal maintenance, not to mention their design-forward look.
Stone Hexagon Tiles
You will also find hexagon tiles available in marble, limestone, and travertine. They bring natural variation and an organic, luxury appeal. While these tiles require sealing and more attentive care, many people crave their elevated, timeless look.
Cement Hexagon Tiles
Handmade and richly pigmented, cement hex tiles are known for their matte finish, durability, and artisanal character. At Otto Tiles & Design, cement hexagon tiles are available in both richly monochrome shades, like bosco, dirty white, and navy blue, and uniquely patterned varieties.
Let’s talk a bit more about cement tiles here, because they are made through a distinct, artisan process that blends natural cement with fine sand, marble powder, and natural mineral color pigments. Unlike ceramic or porcelain, encaustic tiles are not kiln-fired. Instead, they are compressed in a hydraulic press.
Both the color (and design or pattern, if applicable) are embedded into the tile rather than printed or glazed on top, so encaustic cement tiles develop a beautiful patina over time and have a matte, chalky look that differentiates them from ceramics. They are especially known for their rich color, handcrafted charm, lovely finish, and undeniable artisanal character.
Where Can You Use Hexagon Tiles?
Hexagon tiles, especially those crafted from encaustic cement, adapt beautifully across interiors and exteriors, making them an incredibly versatile option.
Check out the range of places you can use the cement version of the hex tile:
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Floors and walls
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Bathroom floors and showers
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Kitchen backsplashes
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Fireplace surrounds
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Entryways and mudrooms
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Underfloor heating systems
Design Inspiration for Hexagon Tile
If you need some ideas for how and where to use hex tile in your home, let these ideas guide your imagination.
Star Light
Turn your bathroom into a dreamy nightscape from top to bottom with the Starry Night Navy Blue hex tiles, which are inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s well-recognized painting: The Starry Night. There isn’t a square inch of this hexagon tile bathroom that’s not touched by the tile, and that’s the magic of it.
Star Bright
For a brighter take on the night sky, the Starry Night Dirty White hex tiles are a fresh, charming rendition for hexagon floor time. But it’s also an uplifting colorway for walls, backsplashes, and beyond.
Geometry Class
Modern meets classic in this bathroom, where black hex floor tile gets a lift. The geometric harmony of Hex Monochrome commands attention on the floors, yet fits in beautifully with the overall sophisticated, black-and-white vibe.
Making Waves
Precisely divided through the center with a wave-like pattern, the monochromatic Hex Waves isn’t just a black hexagon tile. Mixed with a soft white hue, it can be laid in a variety of ways to create statement-making patterns and designs.
Hexagon Tile Installation
When it comes to installing hexagon cement tile, many homeowners choose to hire a professional team to ensure the smoothest and best outcome. After all, a good product must be combined with good installation for the perfect result.
At Otto Tiles & Design, we can help you find an expert installer specializing in encaustic cement tile.
But for those with DIY experience who want to learn more about how to install hex tile, here are some installation tips and tricks.
DIY Hexagon Tile Installation Tips
To Prepare for Installation:
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You’ll want a good foundation to lay your hex tile. So, make sure the tile substrate is level, clean, dry, and free of oil, dust, or debris. You may want to use something like RLS (Raimondi Leveling System) to avoid lippage between tiles.
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If you’re using cement tiles in a wet area (like a shower), apply a suitable waterproof membrane.
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If you are using cement hex tile on the floor and have underfloor heating, make sure to turn the system off at least 12 hours before tiling begins to avoid any unwanted temperature fluctuations on the floor.
Pro tip: Consider ordering at least 15% more tile than your measured area to account for cuts, onsite selection based on color and tone variation, and potential breakage (or mistakes!).
To Install Your Hex Tiles:
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Make sure to use a flexible, high-bond adhesive that’s appropriate for both the substrate and cement tile.
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Install tiles with a 0.03-inch (1 mm) grout space for the best aesthetic results.
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Use the double spreading method, applying adhesive to both the surface receiving the tile and the back of the tile, to ensure proper fixing.
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Use a diamond cutter or angle grinder for cuts. Make sure to wear protective eyewear and to clean the tile immediately after.
Pro tip: Remember that cement hex tiles are handmade products made from natural materials. So, inherent to the tiles are slight thickness, weight, and color tone differences. You can avoid stacking similar tiles too frequently in a row by choosing tiles from different boxes and dry-laying them before installation to make sure you like the effect.
To Seal Your Hex Tiles:
Due to the porous nature of encaustic cement, all tiles must be sealed both before and after grouting.
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Sealant is a transparent liquid that will never change your tile’s color, finish, or texture. We recommend a sealer like Stonetech Impregnator Pro Sealer or Miracle 511 Porous Plus.
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Before you apply the sealer, make sure the cement tile surface is clean and completely dry.
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Suitable application tools to apply sealant include a cloth, brush, or sponge.
Pro tip: Follow the sealant’s application instructions, but always test a small area first to ensure the tiles are not stained or otherwise adversely affected. Also, if water doesn’t bead up on the tiles' surface after the sealant is applied, it hasn't been applied correctly.
To Grout Your Hex Tiles:
Grouting should be applied after a certain period of time — typically one day — after the tile has been laid, to allow for curing. The exact amount of waiting time depends on the surface, environmental conditions, and the type of adhesive used.
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Use a grout like Mapei Ultracolor Plus for cement tile installation, and follow the Mapei application instructions to avoid staining or grout haze.
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As you start applying grout, it’s best to work diagonally over the tiles in small sections of 21.5 to 43 square feet (2 to 4 square meters).
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Don’t let the grout sit on top of the tiles. Wipe off any excess quickly using clean water and a soft cloth or sponge to avoid staining.
Pro tip: As with the sealant, spot-check your grout on a small area to ensure it’s the right color and that no staining occurs.
Hexagon Tile Care and Maintenance
Cement hexagon tiles naturally develop patina over time, adding character and depth. Routine care helps preserve their beauty and allows them to age gracefully. Note: Some staining is part of the natural patina process, so don’t worry.
For regular cleaning, use a soft cloth or a mop with a pH-neutral detergent, such as Miracle Tile and Stone Cleaner. It’s important not to use a detergent that’s too acidic. Avoid using any other harsh chemicals, bleach, or floor polishes, too, as this can negatively impact the cement tile. It is always wise to test any cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area of your cement tile installation.
For stubborn stains, you may need to use a wet grinding machine. This will gently remove a micro-layer of the cement hex tile, exposing a like-new pigment surface. Don’t forget to reseal your tiles after this process.
Pro tip: Don’t procrastinate your cleaning. Immediately wipe up any spills and don’t allow liquids to sit on the tile surface, as this excess moisture can stain, pit, and crack the tile. Oil and hair-dye stains are often difficult to remove from cement and may require a professional cleaning service.
Water spotting can be avoided with a regular maintenance routine that includes resealing the surface every 2 to 3 years, depending on wear conditions. In high-traffic interior areas and commercial spaces, a topical sealer like Fila Surface Solutions Matt Wax can provide an extra layer of protection for the surface.
Where to Buy Hexagon Tile
With this as your guide, it’s time to pick your hexagon tiles, order your samples, and bring your vision to life!
With hexagon tile, quality counts, especially when you’re creating a living work of art and a beautiful, long-lasting result.
So if you’re wondering where to buy hex tile, Otto Tiles & Design is here to help you — every tiled step of the way. Our hexagon tiles are a statement of elegance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, found nowhere else in the world.
