In the world of tile, "large" is a relative term. It wasn't long ago that an 8" tile was classified as large. However, times are changing and large format tiles are a trend that we love! Decorative Materials is seeing a huge demand from designers,architects, and homeowners for 18", 24", and even 48" large format tile in commercial and residential projects. The shapes of large format tiles differ as well. You'll see large rectangle and square tiles in many projects. Technically, any product with a dimension that eclipses 15" is considered large format—even if the tile is 15" x 6".

So, with the demand for large format tile overtaking our showrooms, installation questions and challenges have arisen. We always say, "beautiful tile cannot compensate for careless installation." So, to ensure that our breathtaking products are displayed as beautifully as possible, we want to pass along a few tips for installing large format tile. 

Here are 4 tips for installing large format tile:

1. The larger the tile, the more costly it is to install, often it requires two installers. Be sure to discuss the size of the product with your installer so there are no surprises.
   
   
2. A consistently level floor is critical! Flattening the floor by filling in low spots and removing high spots will ensure the end result is beautiful.
   
   
3. We recommend setting large format tiles straight, random or with a 33% offset. Never set these materials with a 50% offset as lippage can be unsightly!
   
   
4. The Decorative Materials Collection features cost-effective and beautfiul porcelains from Italy sized at 18x36, 36x36, and 24x48. Beware of potenial increased installation costs.

Remember: Large format tile installation is a KEY component when specifying large format material. With the increasing popularity of large format tiles, please check with your contractor for a labor estimate for installing tiles that start at 24x48 & 24x24. 

This trend of large tiles is here to stay! And, we're here to help answer any questions