Large Format Tile - The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Large Floor Tiles For Your Home Or Business

Although tiles have been around for thousands of years, the technology still keeps improving. And thanks to all these technological advances, tile sizes have increased by quite a lot in the past few decades.

Renovating and designing your home or business is a pretty exciting and thrilling activity, and large format tiles have become quite trendy. But, before you head out to your tile-laying adventure, you should consider what types of floor tiles will work best for you.

In this article, I'll go over everything you need to know about large-format floor tiles - from what they are to how and why you should (or shouldn't) install them.

What Are Large Format Tiles?

Before I get to the nitty-gritty, let's go over what people mean when they say large-format tiles.

A bit over a decade ago, 12-inch tiles were considered large-format. However, tile manufacturing technology has progressed quite a lot since then, and the definition of large-format floor tiles has expanded. It now includes tiles that have an edge that measures at least 15 inches or more.

When it comes to the shape of these tiles, you have tons of options. Large format tiles come in square, rectangular, hexagonal, and even circular shapes. Moreover, these tiles are available in a wide range of patterns, colors, and finishes - just like other types of tiles. Although porcelain tiles look pretty good in all shapes and sizes, large-format tiles will truly get people's attention.

Of course, opting for these tiles reduces the number of grout lines, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your space. Large format porcelain tiles are a top choice for homes, buildings, and commercial spaces due to their versatility and numerous benefits, as we'll explore in this article.

Where Should I Use Large Floor Format TIles?

Large-format floor tiles have become trendy in the past couple of years because they provide the space with a minimalist, modern look. And since there are almost no grout lines, the space will also look bigger, with a more cohesive look.

These tiles often feature natural stone patterns such as limestone, granite, and marble that gives the space a touch of class. You can select the perfect design, pattern, and color for floors and walls that complement your desired theme.

Therefore, the choice of tile format depends on the specific design and theme you're aiming for. Large-format porcelain slabs offer exceptional versatility and can be utilized in various spaces.

Here are some ideal places where they can be effectively used for:

• Kitchen floors
• Showers
• Fireplaces

What Are The Sizes OF Large Floor Format Tiles?

Large format tiles come in a wide range of sizes, patterns, shapes, and finishes. But what are their actual dimension?

These tiles are usually 6 mm in thickness, while their dimensions often exceed 12x12 inches. I've seen countless people ignoring the size of tiles and just ended up getting smaller tiles that make the space look too busy.

The size of tiles significantly impacts design, mainly due to grout lines. When using large format tiles, fewer tiles are needed, resulting in fewer grout lines. This creates a minimalist atmosphere, irrespective of the room size. In contrast, smaller tiles produce the completely opposite effect.

What Should I Consider While Choosing Large Floor Format Tiles?

Large floor tiles have become very trendy among homeowners, property developers, and contractors because they enhance small spaces, creating a more seamless surface. On top of that, they're super simple to maintain and keep clean.

But what should you consider when choosing the right tile for your needs? Let's take a look!

Choose A Style

Thanks to recent advancements in the tile manufacturing process, we've experienced a boom in tile styles and finishes. With that said, if you're looking for a seamless appearance, consider using the same tiles for both the walls and floors.

On the other hand, mixing large-format porcelain floor and wall tiles can create a striking and unique style, enhancing the spaciousness of your area and fostering a unified effect.

Choose The Color And Pattern

For Your Theme Once you've honed in on the style of the tiles, you need to ensure the colors and patterns match. I recommend you go for colors and patterns that will complement your home's interior and the theme you're going for.

In spacious rooms like the living room, opt for bold patterns, while in more enclosed spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, choose subtle patterns. This ensures that the tiles don't appear cluttered and maintain a cohesive aesthetic.

Factor In The Tiling Space Size And The Proportion Of Tiles

To minimize tile wastage, accurately measure the area where you plan to install the tiles and ensure they are proportionate to your space.

Large format tiles or slabs can be utilized in both smaller and larger spaces, provided you choose tiles that are proportional to the size of the room's area. This ensures efficient use of materials while achieving a balanced aesthetic.

How Do I Install Large Format Floor Tiles?

Installing large tiles is no different than installing regular tiles. However, because they're so big, cutting them to size is very tricky.

You can't use an angle grinder because that may result in uneven cuts or tiles breaking. I recommend you use a wet saw with one with our Pro-Series X Blades. It's your ultimate solution for precise and chip-free tile cuts.

With that little ramble out of the way, let's go over the steps you need to take to install large tiles properly:

Prep the surface

Smooth out any bumps and fill in any holes on the surface before applying tiles to ensure a flat, even base. Additionally, prime your wall or floor before tiling to enhance adhesion and ensure a long-lasting installation.

Inspect the tiles

It's crucial you do a dry run before applying any adhesive. This will give you a pretty clear idea of how many tiles you'll have to cut so they best fit your space.

Make the right tile pattern

When working with large format tiles, such as creating brick patterns, it's crucial to use the ⅓ offset pattern rather than the ½ offset typically used for smaller tiles. This ensures proper alignment and aesthetic appeal, maintaining the integrity of the pattern across the larger surface area.

Cut the tiles

Use a table saw to cut the tiles so they fit your floors and walls.

Apply the adhesive

Large tiles can be very heavy, so it's essential to ensure proper adhesion between the floors or walls and the tiles. Apply adhesive generously to facilitate complete contact, ensuring a secure and durable installation. You can use our specialized tiling trowels for the best results.

Grout the tiles

I recommend you for a light-colored grout so you get that complementary look. Of course, don't forget to get rid of any excess grout with a grout sponge.

What Are The Benefits Of Installing Large Format Tiles?

As I mentioned a couple of times in this article, there are tons of benefits to installing large tiles, but I never went into any details. That is, until now.

Large Format Tiles Look Are Very Stylish

 Large-format porcelain tiles offer numerous benefits, and aesthetic appeal is definitely one of them. They exude a sleek, modern look that enhances the overall ambiance of any space. Additionally, these tiles are available in a wide array of designs, colors, and materials, providing homeowners with incredible versatility and visual appeal to suit their preferences and style preferences.

 There Are Almost No Grout Lines

A key advantage of large format tiles is their reduction in grout lines. With fewer grout lines needed, they provide a more seamless surface. The joints between tiles become less prominent, creating an illusion of the room being much bigger than it actually is.

They're Easy To Maintain

As previously noted, large format tiles have fewer grout lines, which translates to reduced maintenance needs. Cleaning grout lines can be pretty annoying, whether on floors or walls. Installing large tiles is a smart choice as they are easier to clean and require less maintenance overall.

They're More Hygienic

Than Other Tiles Large porcelain tiles offer superior hygiene compared to other types of tiles. Since there are fewer grout lines, there's less room for dirt to build up. On top of that, large tile is inherently more hygienic and simpler to clean, making it an ideal choice for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in your space.

Conclusion

If you want to add a touch of class or make a room appear bigger than it actually is, you should definitely go for large tiles. And if you're looking for premium quality tiling equipment, we have you covered!

You can find everything from spacers and grout sponges to specially designed tile blades and milling finger bits. Check out our shop today!