Why People Like Large Format Tiles?
Large porcelain tiles are a popular choice in modern construction and interior design. These tiles provide a high-end appeal that works well in both homes and businesses. They have a smooth finish, few grout lines, and a sleek design. They can make small spaces feel bigger and more open, whether you put them on the floor or the wall. They are also strong and easy to care for. Most of the time, these tiles are between 600x600mm and 1200x2400mm, although they can be considerably bigger. Their large size means fewer joints, which gives them a sleek and polished look that is quite popular in modern design. They make a surface that looks good and is useful in places like kitchens, baths, and open-plan living rooms. Porcelain is also strong, water-resistant, and stain-resistant, which makes it a great choice for locations with a lot of foot traffic. Large format porcelain tiles are not only attractive, but they are also a wise long-term investment because they are less likely to get scratched or wet than many other natural stone options.
Things to think about and problems that can come up during installation
Installing large format porcelain tile can be really beautiful, but it takes skill and experience to do it right. These tiles are harder to work with than regular tiles since they are bigger and heavier. Even little mistakes during installation can cause cracks or uneven finishes. First and foremost, getting the surface ready is very important. Large tiles need a base that is entirely flat and level. Even small bumps or dips in the surface can cause lippage, which is when one tile is higher than the one next to it. This is not only ugly, but it can also be dangerous.Before they start tiling, professional installers often use self-levelling agents to make sure the surface is perfectly smooth.
The next step is to apply the glue. To make sure the bond is strong, you need to use the right tile glue. It is best to use a high-performance thin-set mortar and to back-butter both the tile and the substrate to have the best contact. Because huge tiles are heavy, they need extra support while the glue dries. To keep them in place and completely aligned, people often employ special suction tools and tile levelling systems. The cutting process is also very crucial. You need precise cutting instruments like water-cooled tile saws or professional scoring equipment to cut large format tiles. These tools assist make sure that the edges are clean and free of chips, especially when making curving cuts or putting things into walls. This is where skilled installers really shine—they know how to get the best results with the least amount of waste.
Tools and methods that make a difference
Putting down large format tiles isn’t as easy as just putting them on the floor; it takes the right tools, skill, and time. To eliminate lippage, many experts employ tile levelling spacers. This makes sure that the whole tiled surface has a smooth, flush finish. These spacers keep the tiles in place as they cure, making sure they are spaced and aligned evenly. The layout stage is also very important. Before any glue is put on, a dry layout is normally done to figure out where the cuts will go, how the pattern will fit with the room’s features, and to avoid narrow edge pieces that could damage the look. When using large format tiles, it’s usually preferable to start in the middle and work your way out to keep everything even.
You should also be careful when grouting. A high-quality grout that won’t break or stain is important because the grout lines are small with big tiles. You can choose a grout colour that matches the rest of the tile for a smooth effect, or one that stands out for a bold design statement. Sealing the grout lines after they have dried gives another degree of protection.
Why it’s worth it to hire a pro to do the work?
If you want to tile a small area yourself, that’s fine, but if you want to install large format porcelain tiles, you should hire a professional. There isn’t much room for error because of the size, weight, and accuracy needed. If the job isn’t done right, it can be expensive to rectify later. Professional installers have the proper tools, skills, and knowledge to make sure the job is done perfectly and will last a long time. Also, experienced tilers can help you get the most out of your investment by telling you the best way to lay the tiles, choose the right grout, and keep the tiles clean. They also know how to get things done quickly in hard-to-reach places like around vanities, door frames, and walls that aren’t straight. Large format porcelain tiles are a beautiful and useful addition to any room, but the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the tiles. Working with a skilled installer is the best way to get a clean, long-lasting, and professional finish.