Thinking of large kitchen tiles for your project? Find out all you need to know about these expansive tiles, explore our beautiful collections and see how they can transform your space.
It’s thanks to the latest tile technology that porcelain and ceramic tile formats have grown ever larger over the past few years. Large porcelain tiles are typically 600 x 600mm or bigger with sizes like 800 x 800mm, 900 x 900mm, 1m x 1m, 1200 x 1200mm and 1200 x 600mm the go-to for large tile enthusiasts.
These larger-than-life tiles, once the preserve of the interior designer, are making their way into our homes and adorning the walls and floors in our kitchens as well as other spaces in the home.
For those looking to overhaul or redesign this hub of the home, large kitchen tiles create a sleek, contemporary canvas for both modern and traditional kitchen designs alike. For those building anew or extending homes, large tiles can be used across entire ground floors to include kitchens, dining areas and more to seamlessly unite spaces.
This is for one simple reason, larger tiles mean less grout lines. Grout lines tend to make spaces feel busy so the larger the tile, the less grout lines and this helps make spaces feel more cohesive and calmer – especially if you are opting for a grout colour that blends with your tiles – then you really are aiming for that architectural feel.
Many large kitchen tiles are rectified, this simply means that the edges are straight but the key benefit of this is that the grout line itself is as slim 3mm (the British standard) all of which enhances that feeling of spaciousness and sleekness.
Porcelain really is a wonderful material. It is incredibly hardwearing and that makes it an ideal material for busy kitchens and ground floors. Because of their make up – a mix of fine clays and minerals – and the fact they are fired at very high temperatures, porcelain tiles are superbly scratch resistant. So unlike natural wood or stone, they can easily cope with every day life and that also makes them ideal for those of us with pets – bowls and claws are no contest for porcelain tiles.
Whilst it is always advisable to mop up any spillages promptly, unlike natural stone and wood, porcelain is also highly stain resistant so highly coloured foods, red wine etc are not a concern.
Porcelain tiles are also very easy to clean and don’t require any initial sealing or any ongoing sealing or maintenance. You don’t need to worry about mopping and sloshing water around either, which can be a factor with wood. In fact, ongoing, a mop and warm water are all that is really needed for porcelain tiles, with a buff with a dry cloth if you want to. You can occasionally use a cleaning agent formulated for porcelain tiles if you want to give them a good through clean.
Porcelain tiles are specifically designed to echo other materials, think stone, cement, wood, marble, concrete, slate, limestone, terrazzo – the list is extensive.
The key benefit of porcelain large kitchen tiles is the perfect marriage of a hardwearing material with beautiful design. The fact that porcelain tiles can mimic other materials so well opens up a whole world of design possibilities.
Leading manufacturers are creating tile designs that replicate with incredible realism. Gone are the days of just one or two patterns per tile, now collections house marble tiles with a whole host of designs for ultra realism. The same for wood effect tiles where you can have 40 or 50 different patterns per tile. Not only that but pattern and texture are aligned in some of the latest porcelain tiles so you can not only see the veins in that marble tile, you can feel it too.
Kitchens are very often the hub of the home and that means they can have high footfall. These busy areas demand a flooring that can cope with this, and as we have already seen porcelain is a perfect choice. As well as opting for a tile colour and size, you will also need to think about tile finish. Kitchens are spaces where water is present so opting for a tile with a suitable finish is important. Finish also plays another role, that of texture, a key element of interior design. So it’s also important to consider how the texture of your chosen tile will work with other design elements.
Any interior designer will tell you that it’s important to combine the rough with the smooth, layering texture and choosing surfaces that work together cohesively to create that. Tiles are such an important element of this because they cover such a large area.
Consider whether you want your tiles to be a canvas or the star of the show. Concrete and cements make great canvas tiles especially those with little movement in the tile. Choosing a tile with texture can add interest whilst still ensuring your tiles make the perfect backdrop to your kitchen.
Or if you want to make a statement then look for stones or marble porcelain tiles. Think about how you want the veining to run across the room. These tiles can add depth and character to spaces.
If it’s an ultra-modern look and feel you are seeking, then large kitchen tiles in matt finishes are perfect for contemporary settings especially in concrete and cement finishes. Putty, taupe and warmer tones are creating a nurturing vibe for spaces. Check out our Blend collection for more.
Or check out our antislip soft finish – this innovative surface texture is R11 A+B+C rated for areas needing a slightly higher slip rating, but at the same time they are easy to clean offering the perfect blend of texture and ease.
For wood effect tiles, opting for a larger format wood plank can work especially for kitchens and open plan areas. Our 1510 x 240mm plank options in our Serenity and Oakwood collections are stunning. Or if space is at a premium then opt for the smaller 1210 x 195mm format.
As with any porcelain tile, installation preparation is key. We would always recommend employing the services of a professional installer for your large kitchen tiles. Whilst our information here isn’t exhaustive, there are a few things that are critical to consider including ensuring the subfloor is level and clean and tiles are bedded in a full bed of adhesive.
One of the brilliant things about porcelain tiles is they can also be used outside. Porcelain is frost resistant and inhibits the growth of moss on the surface, save for that very dark, dank corner of the garden. As we have seen porcelain tiles are also available in a range of finishes with antislip R11 A+B+C or even R12 A+B+C ratings the requirement for outside or external areas. Our inside outside tile portfolio houses tile collections with co-ordinating inside tiles in matt finishes with external tiles in antislip finishes allowing you to connect lounge to lawn with ease.
Large kitchen tiles can transform a space and your home. These tiles are an investment and can add value to your home especially in neutral tones. Large tiles mean less grout and less grout equals spaces that feel less busy and with thinner grout lines, large tiles will bring an architectural look and feel to your room.
Docklands Cement Porcelain Tiles – beige
Chic Limestone look porcelain tile – Silver
Knot porcelain wood effect tiles – Ash
Aspect porcelain tile that looks like slate – charcoal
Docklands cement porcelain tiles – white
Click the images with a description underneath to head straight to these tiles on our website.
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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
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