Trending in 2022: Large Format Tiles

With many designs, colour and pattern options available, large-format porcelain tiles have become a top trend in interior design. 

Extra-large tiles are stylish, dramatic, and unique for floors and walls. In addition to their aesthetic value, they offer several benefits. 

• Their eye-catching impact can help make your room seem more significant.
•  There are also fewer grout joints with a larger tile surface.

Let’s look at the basics of installing large format tile if you plan to have it installed in your home.

What is a Large Format Tile?

In 2022, large format tiles are usually 60x120cm and continue to become more prominent yearly. You’ll find everything from marble-inspired terrazzo to stone, concrete, and many of the popular everyday trends in tile stores.

Large-size porcelain tiles are produced to remain relatively thin, thanks to innovations in modern tile technology.

Installation Considerations for Large Format Tile

Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor preparation and levelling are among the most critical considerations for installing large tile floors. When working with relatively large tiles, the tolerance for variations in a room’s subfloor level is very low. This means that the subfloor must be as level as possible to ensure a proper, safe installation of large format tile.

Your tile installer will likely use a self-levelling tool to avoid lippage (a term that describes a tile being higher than the one beside it). 

While slight lippage can be acceptable for wall installations, lippage on flooring can be much more noticeable and even pose a tripping hazard.

Inadequate subfloor prepping can cause long-term issues with the installation or durability of a tile floor. Unique lippage systems used while the adhesive sets can help ensure the tile is installed on an even level. On top of that, the subfloor needs to be clean and dry. It should be completely free of debris, dust, old adhesive, contaminants, and moisture.

Adhesive: Professionals can help you choose the suitable adhesive and trowel.

A particular type of adhesive holds the extra weight and size of large tile installations. There are assorted sizes and styles of notches on trowels. 

Installation Tip: When installing large format tiles, we recommend always using the back-buttering method. Applying the adhesive on the entire back of the tile, in addition to the substrate, will ensure complete and secure coverage, which is especially essential for extra-large tiles.

Decobella has a wide selections of decorative tiles, such as subway tiles, pattern tiles, and artisan-inspired focal tiles. They have also recently launched the ALLOY series of large format tiles, and there are more exiting launches coming soon.

For more information, visit decobella.co.za