Choosing a large floor tile for your project will not only transform your room or space, it can also potentially add value to your property. In our blog we explore how tile trends are leaning towards ever larger formats and how the larger format tile has become the go-to for homeowners, interior designers and architects alike.
As tile formats go 800 x 800, 900 x 900, 1m x 1m and 1.2m x 1.2m square format tiles are definitely in demand for both ground floors, external areas as well as smaller rooms such as bathrooms. Many tile collections are also available with larger rectangular tiles including 1200 x 600mm and 1510 x 750mm sizes meaning there are so many options to choose from. So why would you choose to “go large”? We explore some of the benefits and considerations of opting for a large floor tile for your project.
A large tile adds to a feeling of spaciousness by making a room feel larger. Because grout lines are at a minimum there are less lines breaking up the floor space and that creates an illusion of continuity. Grout lines tend to make spaces feel busy so whether it’s the ground floor, an open plan space, a smaller bathroom or utility room, they can all benefit from a larger tile format.
This is especially so if you are opting for a tile with a rectified tile edge. Rectified tiles are simply tiles with straight edges. These precision edges mean your grout joint is a slim 3mm so with minimal grout lines these lovely large format tiles will open-up space like never before.
And by picking a grout colour that blends seamlessly with your tile tone you really can enhance that feeling of making your room feel larger.
If it’s contemporary design you are seeking then a large tile is the go-to choice for flooring and walls. Porcelain tiles come in a wonderful variety of designs echoing everything from cements, concretes, woods, marbles, metals and more. Whether it’s the latest concrete effect tiles, cement look tiles or a stunning marble porcelain tile the expansive surface of larger formats is often associated with the luxurious.
Larger tiles can beautifully showcase patterns and textures. Take a marble tile. With a large floor tile the pattern works across a larger surface area, meaning beautiful veining is not interrupted by the grout lines necessary with smaller tiles. A cement or concrete effect large floor tile with co-ordinating minimal grout lines can bring a lovely seamless feel to spaces.
A high quality, large floor tile can add value to your property. Minimal grout lines, Italian or Spanish styling and superb quality are all key considerations for potential buyers – in particular concretes and cements in subtle tones make a superb canvas for any home. And this isn’t just about aesthetics – this is also about ease of cleaning, durability, longevity and practicality.
We are slightly biased of course, but we just love the blend of high design and high functionality that porcelain brings. It’s a material that has stood the test of time and tile technology is continually pushing the boundaries of tile finishes with more choice than ever before. Gone are the days of just matt and polished finishes. Tiles now have a huge variety of clever finishes with antislip properties that are easy to clean and soft and silk finishes that add a luxurious feel to spaces.
It is also the durability of porcelain that makes this material the go-to for busy homes. This is a material that will withstand the thrills and spills of every-day life with ease. A large floor tile in porcelain will cope with a fair amount of footfall so is perfect for the hustle and bustle of busy families. Stain and scratch resistance as well as ease of cleaning make this material a top choice for homeowners.
A large floor tile in porcelain is a cinch to keep clean. After installation, a final or end of work cleaning regime should be carried out by the installer. This is essential as it removes all the excess grout and organic dirt that has built up over the installation process. This leaves your tiles free of residues and makes ongoing maintenance easy. A mop and warm water are all that is generally needed with the occasional clean down with an appropriate porcelain floor cleaner. And as we have already seen, a large tile has less grout lines than smaller tiles making them even easier to maintain.
Bathrooms can be tricky spaces to design. You may choose to only use tiles purely for functional reasons ie where water is present or you may prefer to use tiles to create the wow factor with a stunning feature wall. Do you tile floor to ceiling? Half height? There are lots of decisions.
You may think it is better to opt for a smaller tile for a smaller space and in some cases that may be the right choice. However, it is worth considering that a large tile can really make that small bathroom space actually feel larger.
In most cases you absolutely can. It is always worth checking that tiles are suitable for both walls and floors. If they are then opting to continue that same large format tile from the floor onto the walls can really add enhance the beautiful simplicity of a room design.
There are also some key considerations are around large floor tiles that are worth mentioning.
The wastage allowance is usually higher than with a smaller tile particularly for smaller rooms such as utility rooms or bathrooms. This is because cutting around pipes and corners can be tricker than with a smaller tile and this can lead to some wasted material.
Like any tile, it is important that large floor tiles are installed correctly and whilst our list here isn’t exhaustive, ensuring tiles are in a full bed of adhesive and subfloors are sufficiently prepared and are perfectly flat are all important to avoid cracking. Employing a professional installer is important.
Large floor tiles are generally heavier to handle on site. An 800 x 800 or 900 x 900mm format can be a great choice for those wanting a large format tile that is still relatively easy to install. Really large formats such as 1200 x 1200mm or larger will require additional labour on site which can add to the cost.
A large floor tile can make a room feel larger and enhance a feeling of spaciousness due to minimal grout lines. This in turns brings a contemporary look to spaces. Even smaller rooms can benefit from these larger format tiles and high-quality Italian and Spanish large floor tiles with great design can also potentially add value to your property. If you are opting for a large floor tile then choosing your tile size is important. The larger the tile, the more potential impact on installation cost and wastage but even taking these points into consideration, a large floor tile is hard to beat especially for large open plan rooms.
Like any tile, it is important that large floor tiles are installed correctly and whilst our list here isn’t exhaustive, ensuring tiles are in a full bed of adhesive and subfloors are sufficiently prepared and are perfectly flat are all important to avoid cracking. Employing a professional installer is important.
Large floor tiles are generally heavier to handle on site. An 800 x 800 or 900 x 900mm format can be a great choice for those wanting a large format tile that is still relatively easy to install. Really large formats such as 1200 x 1200mm or larger will require additional labour on site which can add to the cost.
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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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