Large-format tile has become one of the most requested looks for floors, shower walls and even backsplashes. In the tile industry, a tile is generally called large-format when any side is 15 inches or longer, so 12x24, 24x24, 24x48 and bigger panels all count.
Why people choose it
- Fewer grout lines. Less grout means a cleaner look and less to scrub.
- A bigger-feeling room. Fewer lines make small bathrooms and kitchens feel more open.
- Stone looks without stone upkeep. Marble-look and concrete-look porcelain in large sizes is convincing and low maintenance.
What it needs
Big tiles are less forgiving than small ones.
- A flat surface. Large tiles can't follow dips and humps the way small tiles can. Floors and walls often need leveling or extra prep first. The flatness standard for large-format tile is stricter than for small tile.
- Full coverage of mortar. Large tiles need a specific mortar and careful technique so there are no hollow spots under them.
- Lippage control. Small height differences between neighboring tiles show up on big tiles, especially with light from a window. Leveling clips or systems are commonly used.
- Care in handling. The largest panels can be heavy and need two people and special tools.
Where it works best
- Shower walls: large marble-look or stone-look panels with a niche make a high-end shower.
- Bathroom floors: paired with a linear drain in a walk-in shower, large tile can run continuously from the bathroom into the shower.
- Open living areas: big porcelain tiles running through connected rooms.
Where to think twice
- Shower floors with a center drain. The floor slopes in four directions, which large tiles can't follow without many cuts. Smaller tiles or a linear drain work better.
- Very uneven older floors, unless the budget allows for leveling.
Layout tips
With large tiles, the layout is part of the design. Centering tiles on a wall or on the room, and planning so you don't end up with skinny slivers at the edges, makes a big difference. A 1/3 offset is often used instead of a half offset with long rectangular tiles to reduce lippage.