Introduction
Choosing tile for your bathroom can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available in terms of sizes, materials, colors and patterns, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Lately, larger format tiles have been trending in bath design. If you’re debating making the leap to a bigger tile size, here’s what you need to know.
What is Considered a Large Format Tile?
In the past, 4-inch by 4-inch tiles were the norm for bathroom tile. These days, large format tiles are defined as those that are 12 inches or longer on one side. Common large format sizes include:
- 12 x 24 inch
- 16 x 16 inch
- 20 x 20 inch
- 24 x 24 inch
- 30 x 30 inch
- 32 x 32 inch
- 48 x 48 inch
Anything larger than 12 inches on one side provides a more seamless, spa-like look. The larger tile sizes also create the visual effect of making a small bathroom appear larger.
Benefits of Using Large Format Tiles
There are several advantages to choosing a larger tile size for bathroom walls and floors:
Fewer Grout Lines
With fewer grout lines, large format tiles create a sleek, contemporary look. The wider grout channels allow for a more seamless feel. The result is a cleaner, less busy appearance.
Enhanced Spaciousness
Larger tiles can make a bathroom seem more expansive and open. The tile pattern has less interruption from grout lines, allowing the eye to focus on the sweep of a wall or expanse of a floor. This helps counteract the confined feeling some bathrooms can evoke.
Easier Maintenance
With fewer grout lines, there are fewer areas that can get dirty. Large format tiles are often easier to keep clean. There are fewer grout joints to have to scrub.
Greater Durability
In general, the thicker the tile, the more durable it will be. Many large format tiles, especially porcelain, are thicker and able to withstand more weight and pressure than smaller tiles. This makes them ideal for high traffic areas.
Smoother Finish
Larger tiles have less lippage, which is when adjacent tiles are slightly higher or lower than each other. With fewer grout lines and tile edges, the overall finish of the tile installation ends up flatter and more uniform.
Things to Consider Before Installing Large Format Tile
While the pros of using larger tile sizes are plentiful, there are some factors to weigh before committing to a big tile project:
Cost
In general, expect to pay more for larger tiles, especially those with premium finishes and interesting designs. Be sure to get quotes from multiple tile suppliers to find the best deals.
Weight
Larger tiles are heavier, requiring a more robust subfloor to support them. This is especially important for floors. A floor that is not properly prepped risks cracking and damage over time from the weight.
Flatness of Substrate
For walls and floors to avoid lippage, the underlying surface must be perfectly flat and plumb. Fix any issues ahead of time to ensure proper large tile installation.
Grout Joint Size
While grout lines are minimized with bigger tiles, the joints themselves need to be a bit wider to account for variation in tile size and room for movement. Standard grout lines with small tiles are 1/8 inch. With large format tiles, grout lines are typically 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch.
Availability of Trim Pieces
It can be trickier finding coordinating accent tiles, borders and trim pieces for larger tile sizes. Be sure these vital finishing elements are available before fully committing to a large tile design.
Tile Pattern
Take care when laying out tile patterns. With bold patterns, the effect can be overwhelming if the design gets exaggerated by the larger scale. Stick with solid tiles or subtle patterns for a seamless look.
Professional Installation
Proper prep and installation is vital with large format tiles to prevent cracking, lippage and other issues. Consider hiring a professional tile installer, especially if you are new to working with larger tile sizes.
Tips for Successfully Installing Large Format Tile
Here are some top tips for flawlessly executing a large format tile project:
- Carefully check tiles for defects and variations before installing. Color and thickness variations are magnified with larger tiles.
- Use leveling spacers during installation to keep tile edges and grout lines perfectly straight.
- Use a premium white thinset mortar to provide maximum adhesion and flexibility.
- For floors, make sure the subfloor is reinforced to prevent deflection and cracked grout joints.
- Use the double-spread method, applying thinset to both the tile and substrate for optimal coverage.
- Follow a layout to avoid narrowly cut slivers of tile around the edges and transitions.
- Use tile leveling systems and lippage control devices to keep tiles perfectly flush.
- Go for a contrasting grout color to add visual interest to the wider grout lines.
- Seal grout once cured to optimize stain resistance and simplify cleaning.
Popular Types of Tile to Use in Large Format
Thanks to advancements in technology and design, virtually any type of tile material is now available in a range of large sizes. Here are some of the most popular options:
Porcelain
Porcelain is highly recommended for large installations. It has little absorption, making it quite dense and durable. Porcelain comes in a vast array of sizes, colors, finishes and patterns. It’s suitable for both walls and floors.
Ceramic
Available in a wide variety of styles, ceramic tile tends to be less expensive than porcelain. It provides great durability and stain resistance. Just be sure to use tile rated for floor use.
Natural Stone
Materials like marble, travertine, slate and limestone can make a stunning statement, especially in large sizes with beautiful veining. Be aware that some types of natural stone can be prone to staining and etching.
Glass
With polished, frosted, colored and patterned options, glass tile in a large format can be a gorgeous focal point, especially for bathroom walls. Just take care to seal it properly.
Concrete
For an industrial modern look, concrete tile offers cool gray tones and mottled finishes. Advanced manufacturing creates precision typically not found in traditional poured concrete.
Design Ideas for Large Format Bathroom Tile
When working with oversized tile, you’ll want to keep the overall aesthetic clean and simple to avoid visual overload. Here are some stylish large format tile design ideas:
All White
An all-white bathroom with gleaming white large format tile is a classic and timeless design scheme. Layer in texture with mosaic floor tile and shimmering metallics for added flair.
Bold Floor
Make a floor tile in a dark shade the dramatic focal point. Pair it with plain white or neutral wall tile. Consider a fun pattern like checkerboard or herringbone.
Contrasting Walls
Use two complementary hues of large format tile on opposite walls. This creates a dynamic, colorful effect. Keep other elements neutral for balance.
Marble Accent Wall
Natural stone like marble makes a glamorous feature wall. For a budget-friendly option, do marble tile on just one wall. Use a matching porcelain or ceramic tile on the remaining walls.
Wood Look
Walnut and oak-inspired porcelain tiles boost the warmth. Lay them in a standard grid or interesting pattern like chevron. Add modern amenities like wall-hung vanities for an updated edge.
Ready to Try It?
If you’re itching to give large format tile a try in your bathroom, start gathering inspiration from magazines, websites, showrooms and model homes. Pay attention to joint sizes, patterns, combinations and grout colors to hone in on the right style for you. Remember to prep your subfloor and substrate to ensure it’s perfectly prepped for oversized tile. Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix sizes. Using different tile scales can add appealing visual layers and depth to your design. With smart planning, patience and proper installation techniques, large format tile can transform the look and feel of your bath for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Format Bathroom Tiles
What are the standard large format tile sizes?
The most common large format tile dimensions are 12×24, 16×16, 20×20, 24×24, 30×30, 32×32 and 48×48 inches. Anything over 12 inches on one side is considered large format.
How large can floor tiles be for bathrooms?
There is no maximum size for bathroom floor tile as long as the subfloor is properly prepped and reinforced. Many manufacturers make tile up to 48×48 inches and larger for bath applications.
Should I use large tiles in a small bathroom?
Yes, large format tiles can make a small bathroom appear bigger and airier by limiting busy grout lines. Stick to a classic white color scheme for the most spacious effect.
Is 12×24 a large tile?
At 12 inches long on one side, the 12×24 format is the smallest dimension typically categorized as large format. Anything shorter than 12 inches tends to be viewed as a standard or regular sized tile.
What tile size is best for bathroom walls?
A 12×24 inch format is ideal for bathroom walls. It’s large enough to create an uninterrupted visual flow but not overbearing. Avoid glossy tile, as large shiny tiles can seem overwhelming.
What thinset should I use for large tile?
Use a high quality, flexible thinset adhesive rated for large format tile. Look for keywords like “fortified”, “polymer-modified” and “large tile”. Laticrete and Mapei make excellent thinset products.
Is large tile harder to install?
Yes, due to the weight and size, installation of large tile requires greater precision and skill. Issues like lippage are magnified. Using a professional installer is highly recommended, especially for beginners.
Should floor tile match wall tile?
Matching floor and wall tile can look clean and seamless. However, contrasting tile can add visual interest. As long as they coordinate, floor and wall tile do not need to match. Mixing tile sizes also adds dimension.
Should I seal my bathroom tile?
It’s a good idea to seal all tile and grout, especially in wet areas like showers. Sealing helps prevent staining, mildew growth and damage from moisture. Reapply yearly or as directed by the sealer manufacturer.
How long does large format tile last?
With proper installation and care, standard large format tile lifetime is 10-15 years. High quality porcelain and ceramic tiles can last 50 years or longer. Natural stone has a shorter lifespan, averaging 15-25 years.
Conclusion
The clean look of large format bathroom tile can instantly modernize your bath design. With specialist prep and installation, oversized tile offers numerous advantages in terms of aesthetics, maintenance and durability. Pay attention to substrate flatness, pattern layout, grout color, trim availability and tile quality when planning your project. While the installation process requires greater precision, the end result of expansive, seamless tile is worth the effort. If you have been hesitant to give it a try, large format tile may just be the fresh new look your bathroom has been craving.
