04 Feb 2024, Read Time : 11 Min
Earlier, tiles were available in a handful number of sizes. But, with the advent of technology and larger spaces being built, the sizes of tiles have been getting bigger. The use of large format tiles is no longer relegated to commercial spaces. Home owners are also preferring the larger tile sizes. Large format tiles are in a great demand in both commercial and residential spaces. Modern day interiors are about putting your personality on display and bigger the tile, the more dramatic a statement you can make!
With the rise in the popularity of these large format tiles, more and more people want to know about large format tiles, their usage, advantages, and of course, how to install them. If you are one of those, read on to know everything there is about large format tiles.
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A decade ago, any 12 inch (300 mm) tile would have been considered to be of a large format. But, today with the introduction of larger tiles, any tile that has an edge longer than 15 inches (roughly 380 mm) can be considered to be “large format”.
Well, now that we have established which tiles are considered to be large format, let us take a look at the advantages – the reasons why these tiles have shot to popularity and pushed tile manufacturers to create even larger tiles!
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One of the biggest advantages of large format tiles is that you have less grout area. Since the large tile provides you with larger coverage, there is a lesser need for grout – giving your space a clean, crisp and seamless look. On walls, large format tiles are a durable option and do a great job of protecting against stains and make it easy to clean as well.
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Cleaning the grout lines of tiles is probably the hardest part of tile maintenance. Large format tiles give the advantage of lower number of grout lines and a seamless look. With a lower number of grout lines there also comes an ease of cleaning. Bathrooms and places exposed to moisture are prone to mildew and stains. Regular cleaning of the grout is necessary so dust and grime doesn’t get settled into the grout lines.
Deep cleaning the grout lines is a time consuming task, but with large format tiles you can simplify your tile cleaning routine and say goodbye to extensive and time consuming grout cleaning routines!
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Practical uses aside, large format tiles also provide you with an unmatched aesthetic. The large size and the sleek look give a very modern touch to any space. With modern day printing technology, large format tiles are available in various designs, some of them emulating the looks of various other materials, such as wood and stone, effortlessly giving your home the look you need. With a large unbroken tile surface you can be assured of a contemporary look that oozes panache.
The seamless look and the lack of grout lines also help in making a space, especially an open space like a living room, look a lot bigger. Since there is a lesser number of grout lines distracting your eye, the tiles have an unbroken look that seems to go on and on.
A common myth is that large tiles should not be used in a smaller space as it can make your room look smaller. Big or small, no matter the size of your space, large format tiles will always create an illusion of more space. Check out how large format tiles have been used in these spaces.
Use the same tiles on your floors and walls for a seamless look that creates an illusion of more space.
Make your space look even bigger by colour matching the grout with your large format tiles.
So, you now know the what and the why, let us now look at the how – how to install large format tiles. While installing large format tiles is pretty much the same as installing any other tile, the only difference is that because of its larger surface area it is imperative to create a smooth surface as imbalance or debris on the surface can result in an improperly installed tile that can be prone to breakage and cracking.
1. Large format tiles can be installed on almost any substrate that is smooth, clean, dry, and does not have any kind of scum, grease or wax on its surface. If your surface has any uneven areas or has spots that are flaking or loose, they need to be levelled before you begin.
2. Create a blank canvas by removing all appliances, mouldings, shelves, furniture, appliances, etc. from the walls and floor where the tiles need to be installed so that there is minimal interference during installation.
3. If you have door jambs make sure to undercut them so that you can easily slip your tile beneath them.
Allow the tiles to set for at last 24 hours before walking on them.
No, large format tiles are not harder to install. If anything, large format tiles are easier to install as you need to use a lesser number of tiles to cover an area.
All large format tiles, with a side size greater than 15 inches (or about 380 mm), require at least a 1/16 inch grout joint. You can even increase the size of the grout joint to 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch for a smoother installation process.
The surface should be flat, about 1/8 inch in 10 inches when measured from the high points of the floor. This means that when you measure the floor at two high points, spaced 10 inches apart, the difference in their height shouldn’t be more than 1/8 inch.
No, if installed properly, large format tiles are no more prone to cracking than their smaller counterparts.
Large format tiles can be used in most areas such as living rooms, kitchens and even bathrooms. These tiles are versatile and go on the walls and floor of most spaces. Large format tiles will give your rooms a cleaner and larger look with lesser grouts. They area also easier to clean.
Large format tiles are on top of trends and they are not going away any time soon! From their practical advantages to their aesthetic appeal – large format tiles are a great choice for any residential or commercial space. Make sure you install them properly and you will not be disappointed!
Orientbell Tiles manufacturers tiles in a large variety of sizes – from as small as 200x300mm to as large as 800x2400mm. Our large format tiles are available in a variety of material, finishes, designs and colours for you to choose from.
Confused which tile to pick? Head to TriaLook and try the tiles of your choice in your space before making a choice!