Large format tiles: pros, cons and what to plan for

Large format tiles, usually 600x1200mm and bigger, have become the go to choice for open plan living areas and modern bathrooms. Fewer grout lines make rooms look bigger and calmer, and cleaning is easier. They also need more planning than smaller tiles. Browse large format tiles or see the range at our Reservoir showroom, about 10 to 15 minutes from Thornbury and Preston.

Why choose large format

• Fewer grout lines, so less cleaning and a seamless look.
• Rooms feel bigger, which helps narrow Edwardian and bungalow extensions.
• One tile can run from kitchen to living to outdoors with a matching outdoor finish.
• They look great on walls too, from floor to ceiling in a shower.

The floor must be flat

Long tiles show every dip. If the floor is uneven, edges of neighbouring tiles sit at different heights, called lippage. Your tiler may need to level the floor first and will usually use a levelling clip system while laying. Older timber floors on stumps need to be stiff and sound before large tiles go down.

Laying patterns

• Straight lay: clean and modern.
• Third offset: recommended for long tiles because many have a slight bow in the middle, and a half offset can exaggerate it.
• Run the long side along the length of the room or toward the main window to draw the eye through.

Large format tiles in showers

A shower floor needs falls to the waste. Big tiles cannot bend to follow a four way fall, so the usual answers are a linear strip drain with a single fall, or a smaller tile or mosaic on the shower floor with large format on the walls. Read choosing floor tiles for grip advice.

Handling and installation

Large tiles are heavy and need care to carry, cut and lay, often by two people. Ask your tiler about experience with the size you want. Installation by our qualified trades is a paid service we can quote after a measure.

Popular sizes

600x1200mm is the most common. 600x600mm is a good middle ground for smaller rooms, and 300x600mm suits walls. Bigger slabs exist for walls and benchtops; ask the showroom what is available to order.

Ordering

Large tiles mean bigger offcuts, so allow about 10 to 15 percent extra. A free measure plans the layout so cuts land in sensible places. Tiles are call to order.

Common questions

What size counts as large format?

Generally tiles where one side is 600mm or more, with 600x1200mm the most popular.

Are large format tiles good for small bathrooms?

Yes, on walls and on the main floor. Use a linear drain or a smaller tile in the shower floor so the falls work.

What is lippage?

A height difference between the edges of neighbouring tiles, usually caused by an uneven floor or bowed tiles. Flat floors and levelling clips reduce it.

How much extra should I order?

About 10 to 15 percent for large tiles, depending on the room shape.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.