What’s Currently Shaping Tile Trends: A Pro Installer’s Take
Tile trends are always a fun scroll. They’re even more interesting when you’re the one actually installing them.
We caught up with Ontario-based tile contractor Mack Burrows, a self-employed installer specializing in high-end custom homes and renovations. After nearly a decade in the trade (and countless bathrooms later), he’s seen trends come and go. And he has a pretty good sense of what’s sticking.
Large Format Is Here to Stay
If there’s one shift Mack says isn’t slowing down anytime soon, it’s tile size.
“Two-foot by four-foot tiles are everywhere,” he explains. “Years ago, two-by-one was standard. Then two-by-two. Now it’s bigger and bigger.” The appeal? Less grout.
“When I send clients to pick tile, I don’t send them to pick grout,” Mack laughs. “They’re excited about the tile. The less grout in a shower, the better.”
Larger format tiles create a cleaner, more spa-like look — especially in white or neutral showers. And from a performance standpoint, the installation still demands a full waterproofing system behind the scenes. Even if less water gets through surface joints, moisture and vapor can still penetrate. A complete system approach ensures the beauty up front is backed by reliability underneath.
And yes, maneuvering a four-by-eight slab up a staircase is exactly as fun as it sounds. “Think twice, move once,” Mack says.
Warm Tones Are Warming Up Bathrooms
Cool greys and blues are stepping aside for warmer earth tones: Think natural beiges, taupes, and terracotta-inspired looks.
“Tile can feel cold,” Mack says. “When you incorporate warm undertones, it changes the whole feel of a space.”
Matte finishes are also replacing glossy floors, contributing to that softer, modern-rustic aesthetic homeowners are gravitating toward. And while natural stone still has its admirers, porcelain options that replicate slate, terrazzo, or marble are winning clients over.
“You’re getting the look people want, but with better durability and lower maintenance,” he explains. “Nine out of ten clients choose porcelain once they understand the benefits.”
Adding Warmth with Wood-Look
Another trend catching Mack’s eye? Wood-look tiles. “People love the warmth and natural feel of wood,” he says. “But with tile, you get durability, easy maintenance, and you can go bold with larger planks that still fit seamlessly thanks to the right waterproofing and support systems.”
Wood-like tiles are a great way to bring natural textures into a bathroom or kitchen while keeping installation practical. Larger plank formats allow for a modern, open feel, and their durability makes them ideal for areas where real wood might not hold up. Mack has installed these tiles in both bathrooms and kitchens, noting that the size and layout of the planks allow for a seamless, visually appealing finish that homeowners love.
Texture Is Having a Moment
Fluted and three-dimensional tiles are gaining popularity, especially as feature walls and statement details.
“These can get tricky in corners,” Mack admits. “You might spend two or three hours templating the first piece just to get it perfect.”
The result, though, is striking. Subtle grooves, rounded profiles, and linear textures bring dimension without overwhelming a space. They’re especially popular in warm, natural colors — and even green, which Mack says is having a major moment right now.
“Years ago we were pulling out blue bathrooms,” he jokes. “Now we’re putting in green ones.”
Classic Patterns, Reimagined
Herringbone isn’t new — but it’s definitely not going anywhere. Mack recently installed a brick-style herringbone floor in his own home and loves the timeless feel it brings.
Plaid patterns and retro-inspired layouts are also popping up in powder rooms and entryways, often used as accent moments rather than full-room commitments.
No matter the pattern, precision matters. Clean edges, aligned layouts, and carefully integrated finishes all contribute to a polished result. Coordinated trims, shelves, and drains help tie everything together — details homeowners may not think about at first, but absolutely notice in the final reveal.
The Constant: Evolution
Tile trends will keep evolving. Sizes may grow. Colors will shift. Textures will push boundaries. But according to Mack, one thing stays the same: homeowners want something beautiful, durable, and built to last.
“They’re making an investment,” he says.
“They want it done once, and done right. It’s so nice to have Schluter behind it. It’s a guaranteed system that makes every shower, wall, and floor durable.”
Our waterproofing membranes, integrated drains, and coordinating trims make it possible to create stunning designs that stand the test of time. Because without the right system, even the most beautiful tile won’t last.
And that’s a trend we can definitely get behind.
Meet the Installer
Mack Burrows is based in Ontario and specializes in high-end custom tile installations. You can see more of his work, including stunning warm, wood-look, and herringbone projects, on his Instagram page, Burrows Tile and Trim.
