Shop the Look: Macauba Blue 48x48 Porcelain Tile
Large-format tile (tile that is larger than the standard 12x12) has been gaining popularity thanks to its minimalistic, streamlined appearance. It’s frequently used in residential and commercial settings and can be found in various colors and finishes. Choosing the right large-format tile for your space requires you to consider the specific size, material, cost, color or pattern, and installation and maintenance requirements.
Scroll to the bottom of this blog post for an exclusive discount code!
What Is Large-Format Tile?
There are multiple definitions of large-format tile, which is sometimes called “slab tile.” Some state that any tile larger than the typical size of 12x12 is considered large format. Others specify that at least one edge of the tile must measure 15 inches or more for it to qualify. It’s usually easy to identify large-format tile when you see it due to its large size and thin profile. Common sizes include 16x16, 12x24, 24x24, 24x48, and 48x48.
Shop the Look: Momento Cement Gray 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Most large-format tile options come in a square or rectangular shape, although you may sometimes find large-format tile in shapes like hexagons. The most common materials for large-format tile are porcelain and ceramic, followed by natural stone. It’s much less common to see large-format glass tiles due to the risk of breakage.
Benefits of Large-Format Tile
Many choose large-format tile because of its modern appearance, ability to visually expand spaces, minimal grout lines, easy maintenance, versatility, and affordability.
Sleek, Modern Aesthetic
Large-format tile is an excellent choice for fans of contemporary interior design. Its smooth, uninterrupted look is minimal and elegant, and there are many material and design options from which to choose.
Shop the Look: Matieres Brun 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Ability to Visually Expand the Space
Want your home to feel open, airy, and expansive? While small tiles like mosaics can make rooms seem smaller and more “busy,” large tiles create a sense of spaciousness, especially when you choose grout of a similar color to ensure an uninterrupted, streamlined appearance.
Fewer Grout Lines
Large-format tile requires less grout than standard 12x12 tile. Often, its edges are rectified, meaning that they are precisely cut for minimal grout lines, contributing to a smooth, continuous appearance. When used on walls, large-format tile with rectified edges can create a “wallpaper effect,” as the grout joints practically disappear, forming a seamless surface.
Shop the Look: Madison Grafito 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Minimal Maintenance Required
While the maintenance required for large-format tile largely depends on the material chosen, its minimal grout lines mean much less scrubbing is necessary. Porcelain and ceramic large-format tiles are especially easy to care for, as they can quickly and easily be wiped down and maintained.
Cost-Effective
Large-format tile tends to be quite affordable when you look at pricing per square foot. To save even more, consider opting for porcelain that imitates the look of natural stone, concrete, or wood rather than splurging on the real thing.
Quick Installation
Although we recommend hiring a pro to install large-format tile, the job itself usually doesn’t take too long, as there are fewer tiles to install and fewer grout lines to fill in.
Shop the Look: Vella Gray 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Versatile
Large-format tile is suitable for a variety of applications and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Drawbacks of Large-Format Tile
Of course, it’s always important to consider the potential drawbacks before selecting the tile for your next home renovation project. Large-format tile is very heavy and difficult to transport, and it requires professional installation.
Heavy
It’s likely not a surprise that large tiles tend to be extremely heavy, making them awkward to carry. To avoid cracking the tiles and sustaining injuries, we recommend having multiple people available to move the boxes of tile into the area where they will be installed.
Shop the Look: Tune Snow 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Difficult to Transport
Large-format tile tends to be more prone to cracking during the shipping process. It can be best to order your tile from a distributor that offers insured shipments, such as Tilezz.com. In addition, we always advise ordering at least 10% more tile than you need to cover the space.
Once your tile is delivered, moving it into the area where it will be installed can be tricky. Prepare accordingly by considering the sizes of your doorways and any stairs you may have to navigate to get the boxes of tile into the room where they will be installed.
Shop the Look: Fortaleza Black Marquina 48x48 Porcelain Tile
Requires Professional Installation
While some DIYers may be up to the challenge of installing large-format tile on their own, we highly recommend hiring a professional who has experience with this type of tile. Due to its large size, many precise cuts will likely need to be made. In addition, it’s challenging to handle large, heavy tile, and a team of pros will have the tools and experience necessary to do this properly.
Plus, while large-format tile is no likelier to crack once installed than standard tile, it may crack or sustain other damage if it is not installed correctly. It’s especially crucial to even out the subfloor before installing large-format tile, so we suggest leaving it to the pros.
Shop the Look: Statuario White 12x24 Marble Tile
Suitable Applications for Large-Format Tile
There are many potential applications for large-format tile:
- Floors
- Feature walls
- Kitchen or bathroom backsplashes
- Fireplace surrounds
- Shower tile/bathtub surrounds
- Bar, counter, or kitchen island surrounds
- Outdoor patios
Note that ceramic tile should only be used for outdoor applications in areas with mild weather conditions. Certain types of natural stone may be suitable for patios, but porcelain tends to be the best choice for various climates because it can withstand freeze/thaw cycles without cracking.
Shop the Look: Waystone Pearl 24x24 Porcelain Tile
Applications to Avoid
Some large-format tiles may be too heavy for walls. (Learn more about floor versus wall tile here.) In addition, using large-format tile as flooring in extremely small rooms may not be ideal. If you can only fit a couple of full-size tiles in the space and have to cut the rest to fit around the edges, this can result in an unbalanced, cluttered appearance rather than a streamlined and cohesive one.
Choosing the Best Large-Format Tile
The ideal large-format tile will depend on the space in which it will be installed and your personal preferences. The main characteristics to consider are material, size, color or pattern, cost, and installation and maintenance requirements.
Aside from size, many of these factors are dependent on the material you select. Below, explore porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone in more detail. For further information on which tile material is best for you, check out this blog post.
Shop the Look: Tune Ivory 48x48 Porcelain Tile
Ceramic
Ceramic is made from a mixture of clay, water, and minerals. It’s then fired in a kiln, treated with a liquid glass coating, and fired again to form a material with a hard, scratch- and stain-resistant surface. Ceramic is affordable, water-resistant, and offers tons of variety, coming in a wide range of colors and patterns. As long as you choose glazed ceramic, maintenance requirements are minimal.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a type of ceramic that’s denser, higher-quality, and more durable. It has the same benefits as ceramic but can be used both indoors and outdoors and is less prone to chips and cracks. Thanks to modern technology, porcelain can realistically imitate the look of natural stone and other materials.
Shop the Look: Bardiglio Imperiale Premium Italian 12x24 Marble Tile
Natural Stone
The main advantage of selecting natural stone is its beauty and uniqueness. As it’s natural rather than man-made, each natural stone tile is truly one of a kind. While it’s much more expensive than ceramic and porcelain, it can add value to your home and contribute to an elegant, timeless look. However, natural stone can be susceptible to scratches and stains, and it requires regular maintenance, primarily resealing. Learn more about maintaining each type of tile here.
Shop Large-Format Tile at Tilezz.com!
You can find the perfect large-format tile for your home improvement project at Tilezz.com!
Click here to explore our full product range, or visit our blog for more informational posts and interior design inspiration. You can also follow us on Pinterest!
Shop the Look: Zephyr Satin Up 24x24 Porcelain Tile
Discount Code
It can be challenging to pick between several flooring options without seeing how they look in your space, but we can make it easier! Just use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.
Suggested Reading