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
The truth often lies somewhere in the many answers.
I would hesitate to classify formats larger than 30cm (12 inches) as “large formats.”
However, a large format can certainly be referred to when discussing dimensions of 60cm x 120cm (24 inches x 47 inches), as mentioned here.
Problems only arise if the tile thickness is too low (we have experienced this, even with 8mm (0.3 inch) thickness for a tile size of 1.2m x 1.2m (4 feet x 4 feet)).
Almost all other “issues” can be managed skillfully, provided that the necessary installation height is available.
If the substrate is not sufficiently level, then before the main work begins, the entire surface must be evened out with a leveling or smoothing compound, or the tiles should be installed in a mortar bed.
It is logical, however, that the finished surface must later have a way to relieve stresses. This is achieved on one hand by the joint pattern with sufficiently wide joints, and on the other hand (for larger areas) through perimeter or movement joints.
Nevertheless, every installation method does have its limits.
I would hesitate to classify formats larger than 30cm (12 inches) as “large formats.”
However, a large format can certainly be referred to when discussing dimensions of 60cm x 120cm (24 inches x 47 inches), as mentioned here.
Problems only arise if the tile thickness is too low (we have experienced this, even with 8mm (0.3 inch) thickness for a tile size of 1.2m x 1.2m (4 feet x 4 feet)).
Almost all other “issues” can be managed skillfully, provided that the necessary installation height is available.
If the substrate is not sufficiently level, then before the main work begins, the entire surface must be evened out with a leveling or smoothing compound, or the tiles should be installed in a mortar bed.
It is logical, however, that the finished surface must later have a way to relieve stresses. This is achieved on one hand by the joint pattern with sufficiently wide joints, and on the other hand (for larger areas) through perimeter or movement joints.
Nevertheless, every installation method does have its limits.