Installation of Large Format Tiles

The special requirements of large format tile should be considered in the planning stage.

(Available as a downloadable eBook with expanded content at the Kinsman Tile eStore, coming soon)


Large format tiles are not suitable for every installation.

Not long after 8" tile became passé, 14" tile was considered large and 12" tiles were the norm. However, new technology has made larger tiles possible, bringing us 16" and then 18" tiles, followed shortly after by 20" and 24" tiles. And, these are not the largest that are now on the market, either. The demand for large tile is increasing dramatically; but these large tiles are not suitable for every installation.

When considering large tile, probably the most important thing to keep in mind is this:

The larger the tile, the more perfect the sub-floor underneath it must be. In terms of flatness, this means “super flat”.

While the smaller tiles, 12" and under, would follow a few slight humps and dips in a floor without too much difficulty, large tile simply will not tolerate a floor that isn't almost perfectly flat. This means a super flat floor, a floor that is beyond what has been considered an acceptable standard in terms of flatness, 1/4" in 10'.  If these larger tiles (anything over 13", in my opinion) are installed over a less than almost perfectly flat floor, there will be significant “lippage” where the floor dips or is humped, the appearance of the floor will be poor, and it could present a trip hazard.  Further, it may also be difficult or even impossible to achieve the proper bond to such a floor because of the tendency of the tile to be raised up off the floor with significant voids underneath it where the floor dips.  This would be an unacceptable situation. Corrective measures must be taken to achieve a flat surface if such a floor is to receive large tile, which could be at considerable expense.

Another thing to keep in mind about large tile, contrary to what many homeowners might assume, is this:

The larger the tile the more difficult it is to install. Therefore, expect to pay more for the installation.

Many might assume that because it is larger, it goes down faster, and should therefore cost less in terms of labor; but, this is not the case. This is partly because special care must be taken to ensure proper coverage of the mortar beneath it, and even “back buttering” of the tiles may be necessary, though there are now special trowels that are designed to eliminate this necessity. Setting products (thin set mortar) for larger tiles are also more expensive, because of the special formulations, the chemistry, which makes them stronger. It is also much more difficult to install large tiles in terms of cutting and fitting around doors and other obstacles.  In some cases, it may simply not be possible to install the tile in one piece.

With a less than perfect floor, there will be the added cost involved in prep work to correct the problem floor prior to installation of the tile.  Products such as a self-leveling underlayment or other floor filling products may have to be used.

If you are building, and considering large tiles, you should discuss this with your general contractor while you are in the planning stage, before any construction begins.  Engineered lumber, I joists, would be strongly recommended, as these can achieve the flatness in the sub-floor that is required.  If the decision to use large tile isn't made till construction is underway, or completed, it may be to late to consider it.

In an older home, the use of larger tiles is probably simply out of the question, without major work involved.