Laying small-format tile: a bathroom as the example

By covering type · 6 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

More joints, more tiles and a small area to perfect: small formats follow a slope or an uneven floor better, but they do not forgive a badly set joint.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Bathroom of 2.80 × 2.40 m, 15 × 15 cm, 2 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmFreestanding bath

The bath and the layout’s edges produce several thin cuts, flagged on the plan: this is the weak point of small formats in a small room. Waste stays low, though, because an offcut only costs one small tile.

Calculated result

Room area: 6.72 m²
Area covered: 5.85 m²
Whole pieces: 202
Cut pieces: 88
Actual need: 290
To order (+10%): 319
Waste with no offcut reuse: 10.4 %
Narrow cuts: 18

Most frequent cuts

88 cuts in 13 different sizes.

C01 · 150 × 136 mm× 17
C02 · 150 × 134 mm× 17
C03 · 108 × 150 mm× 14
C04 · 106 × 150 mm× 14

Setting out and products

Starting point 108 mm from the west wall and 136 mm from the north wall, then a 152 × 152 mm repeat. Estimated products: 20 kg of adhesive and 2.0 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 2.80 × 2.40 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Freestanding bath.
2Choose the covering: 15 × 15 cm, 2 mm joint.
3Select the “Straight” pattern.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 10%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits bathrooms, toilets, splashbacks and surfaces needing good grip or following a slight slope.

Best forSmall wet rooms and areas with many outlines.
Avoid ifYou want a quick-to-clean floor that looks continuous: joints remain very present.

Continue with: Straight tile laying: the complete guide, with a real example →

Preparing the job

Check the requirements of the wet room, particularly waterproofing under the tile and falls towards drains, according to the product sheets.

Locate fixed equipment such as a bath and put it on the plan first to see its cuts.

Continue with: Laying large-format tile: the method in 120 × 120 →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the axesCentre the axis on the most visible area, often on entering the room.
Step 2 — Dry-lay near fixed equipmentThis is where thin cuts cause most trouble: adjust there first.
Step 3 — Spread adhesive in small zonesA small tile is quick to lay, but adhesive skins over: do not get too far ahead.
Step 4 — Set the jointsUse consistent spacers: a joint difference stands out at once on a small grid.
Step 5 — Cut around equipmentKeep factory edges on the visible joint side and cuts against the wall.

Continue with: Laying tile on a 45° diagonal: mark accurately, cut efficiently →

Mistakes to avoid

Neglecting thin cutsA few-centimetre sliver breaks easily: shifting the grid by half a tile is often enough.
Under-dosing groutWith more joints, its use per m² rises sharply compared with large formats.

These pointers describe common practice, not imposed rules. The data sheet for your covering and for your installation products always takes precedence, and measurements taken on site are the reference.

Frequently asked questions

Why do small formats use more grout?

The ratio of joint length to area rises as the tile shrinks. Tilelico’s joint calculation takes this into account.

Does a small format suit a shower?

It follows falls well, provided you use products suited to wet areas and follow their sheets.

Technical references

This guide describes common installation practices. It does not replace applicable technical documents, manufacturer instructions or measurements taken on site.