Not a Pro.

I would hesitate to put that down, but I did some digging around and found a designer put this down in a kitchen. Something to look into if you are interest and see what the reviews are and durability

Some inspiration: click on More info. to the right in the questions area, is the info on the floor. Someone specifically asked about the floor tile.

Metropolitan Victorian Grandeur in London · More Info

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I would get a larger format tile. Or continue the wood floor, since the area is so small.

Thanks. Larger hex isn't available in this tile, but I think I agree.

Seems like a lot of people do hex for their entryways, but most are larger.

Found this one though: https://www.houzz.com/photos/nest-in-the-trees-traditional-entry-minneapolis-phvw-vp~77232169

I agree that unless you are putting tile in for functional reasons I would just do hardwood to match the rest of the flooring.

In terms of durability, my condo installed limestone tiles (larger format) in all common areas - e.g lobby and elevator lobbies. These were installed about 20 years ago and they still look good. Periodically the building hires a professional company to clean the grout and polish the limestone and it then looks as good as new.

Thanks. Hardwood is kinda out of the question and I think the right tile will have a very nice contrast since the rest of the first floor is hardwood. This one looks excellent in person, mostly concerned about the amount of grout for an entryway and staining. Thanks for the feedback on durability!

I'd say no. The hex is too small and that grout will be hard to keep clean. Typically you want as few grout lines as possible in places where the tile will get dirty often.

Does the grout still get dirty easily if sealed really well? I've never actually tried to maintain a tile floor before. Others I've had were dirt colored to begin with.

I think it's ok. have you thought about doing a porcelain tile w/stain proof grout? Mapei FlexColor CQ is one that won't have to be sealed (however, there is a learning curve when applying this type of grout. please read all data and watch the video if you're doing it yourself)

Limestone, like travertine, will need to be sealed every few years. only stone cleaner can be used to clean it. so if you're coming in that door with muddy or wet boots, tennis shoes, whatever, then it's going to show.

If you did a porcelain hex tile, you could go a bit larger and use whatever cleaner you like.

i believe this one is a porcelain.

Emser tile:

this one looks like a cement hex, (and these are usually 8") but they do make them in porcelain

another option is to lay a herringbone pattern bordered by larger tiles

this one is a porcelain sheet mosaic in a chevron pattern

these are Abbey Brick, 2x10 (I think this design would look way better in your entry)

these 3x12's or 3x9 tiles could also be porcelain. (just showing you some ideas)

and 'cement' look italian porcelain have come a long way. the black white/gray would look great next to your oak floors, hide dirt, easy to clean and minimal grout lines (these are also 8x8 tiles)

Went with this tile for the side door and it looks great so far. We'll see how I feel a couple years from now.

Could anyone tell me what they think about the install job? There are plenty of spacing issues, nothing egregious though. Also Sharpie stained into a couple of them. Should I expect perfect or near perfect spacing when hiring a professional, or are my expectations too high?

Thank you Beth. There are a lot of spacing issues not just the pics, seems like on every sheet. It's not terrible though. Looks like he did a good job measuring and cutting. Ends are all good and nothing weird.

The only spacing issues a professional will be responsible for when given a product on a mesh backing will be the spacing between sheets. Everything else is on the manufacturer and the person who picked/sourced the product.

If the SHEET lines are well hidden, then your professional is doing as good a job as can be expected.

I'm assuming these are natural marble tiles. How many coats of sealant were used before the product was installed? And how many coats of sealant are planned AFTER the tiles are installed (but before the grout)?

What type of grout is being used?

Thank you. They are limestone. One coat of a very expensive (hopefully good) natural stone sealant before grout. Grout is what the tile shop recommended. It's not epoxy but it has a bottle of something to mix in with it so it's "permanently sealed". I am planning on maintaining these and don't expect anything to be permanently sealed.

Looks nice!