We attended a large home building fair over the weekend. I also went to a lecture about large-format tiles, given by a publicly appointed and sworn expert in screed laying.
I was surprised to learn how challenging it is to install large-format floor tiles. Especially narrow grout lines cause significant issues. Staggered joint patterns (is that the correct term?) are also problematic. Tiles from 40x40 cm (16x16 inches) are already considered large-format. However, nowadays I see large-format tiles in almost every house. So here is my question: is this really the case? We are considering installing 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) tiles. What are your experiences? Are there similar problems with large-format wall tiles?
Best regards,
Steffi33
I was surprised to learn how challenging it is to install large-format floor tiles. Especially narrow grout lines cause significant issues. Staggered joint patterns (is that the correct term?) are also problematic. Tiles from 40x40 cm (16x16 inches) are already considered large-format. However, nowadays I see large-format tiles in almost every house. So here is my question: is this really the case? We are considering installing 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) tiles. What are your experiences? Are there similar problems with large-format wall tiles?
Best regards,
Steffi33
My tiler gave a tired smile when I told him we wanted "...large-format tiles in 60x60 cm (24x24 inches)...".
Nowadays, any competent tiler should be able to handle that without problems (and in my opinion without an extra charge). Everything turned out great for us, both on the floor and on the walls.
Nowadays, any competent tiler should be able to handle that without problems (and in my opinion without an extra charge). Everything turned out great for us, both on the floor and on the walls.
Hi,
with very long tiles, the requirements for the flatness of the substrate also increase. Even a slight unevenness in the screed can cause major problems. Our neighbors have wood-effect tiles in a format almost like wide plank flooring. They paid a lot of money for grinding the substrate.
Another thing to consider with tiles that have rectified edges: these allow for very narrow grout lines, but the tiles on the wall must be installed absolutely perfectly, because otherwise, under raking light, even the slightest variation in the grout joint will be visible. And we’re talking about just a few tenths of a millimeter! This bothered me so much even in tile sample showrooms that we decided to use "standard" tiles in 60 x 30 cm (24 x 12 inches) for the walls instead. With those, the grout joints are less critical.
Best regards,
Andreas
with very long tiles, the requirements for the flatness of the substrate also increase. Even a slight unevenness in the screed can cause major problems. Our neighbors have wood-effect tiles in a format almost like wide plank flooring. They paid a lot of money for grinding the substrate.
Another thing to consider with tiles that have rectified edges: these allow for very narrow grout lines, but the tiles on the wall must be installed absolutely perfectly, because otherwise, under raking light, even the slightest variation in the grout joint will be visible. And we’re talking about just a few tenths of a millimeter! This bothered me so much even in tile sample showrooms that we decided to use "standard" tiles in 60 x 30 cm (24 x 12 inches) for the walls instead. With those, the grout joints are less critical.
Best regards,
Andreas
Is it reasonable to expect the screed to be level enough for large-format tiles without any issues? Is this considered a normal standard for professional screed installers, or do I need to specifically arrange for an "extra level" surface? If there are uneven areas, can the tile adhesive not compensate for them? Regards, Steffi33.
This should definitely be discussed explicitly. It’s always better than dealing with complaints and regrets afterward. Grinding the screed level is expensive and can be avoided in advance. Minor unevenness can be compensated by the tiler. I would also consider beforehand the pattern in which the tiles will be laid. That can save a lot of trouble.
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Large-format tiles tend to cup, causing the corners to lift slightly. This may not be immediately noticeable.
If you want to lay them in a random pattern, it can lead to issues. This should be discussed with the tile installer.
Additionally, the installer may charge two to three times more for installing large tiles.
Large tiles are also heavier, making them more difficult to handle and fix to the wall.
Furthermore, they are more prone to breakage.
If you want to lay them in a random pattern, it can lead to issues. This should be discussed with the tile installer.
Additionally, the installer may charge two to three times more for installing large tiles.
Large tiles are also heavier, making them more difficult to handle and fix to the wall.
Furthermore, they are more prone to breakage.
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