What is a Large Format Tile, And Can I Use It In A Bathroom Remodel?

A current trend in remodeling today is the move toward oversize tile when remodeling a bathroom.

Large format tile is widely available in many colors, styles, patterns, shapes, and sizes and will work in any home. So, what makes these tiles unique and on-trend? It's primarily their size.

A tile is considered oversized or a large format tile once it is larger than the typical 12x12 size. Smaller tiles are typically used for flooring, walls, and backsplash designs. Large format tiles are best for flooring, accent wall designs, and oversized walk-in showers. Oversized tile sizes include 16x16, 18x18, 12x24, and even 24x48 or larger.

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Large format tiles are an excellent design choice to make your bathroom look and feel bigger and draw attention to the room. Thanks to fewer grout lines, large format tile helps to make bathroom walls look seemingly endless. If you want to create an on-trend bathroom that will look great, show off your sense of interior design, and last for years, large format tile is a great option.

Let's look at some of the challenges and benefits large format tile can bring to your next bathroom remodeling project.

What are the Challenges When Using Large Format Tile

Large-format tile offers several benefits, which we'll talk about later. While there are plenty of benefits to using large format tiles, it's also important to understand that there are also some challenges to deal with when using them in a bathroom remodeling project. Primarily, these deal with the special handling needed when installing them to ensure a professional result.

Large Format Tiles Must Be Properly Supported

Of course, larger tiles are heavier than smaller tiles. It's crucial to understand this, especially when using them for flooring. Even though the overall weight of the floor will be the same, heavier tiles will require a more substantial substrate. Smaller tiles can hide flaws in a floor. With a high point in the floor large format tile may become a tripping hazard and look visually off. It's important to support their weight on a vertical surface as the mortar sets to ensure that gravity doesn't pull them out of place.

Level Floors and Plumb Walls

To ensure proper installation, floors and vertical surfaces must be level and plumb. This can often be challenging in an older home remodel. Any variations will be noticeable. For an unlevel floor, consider a self-leveling underlayment. If the walls are not plumb, they may need to be adjusted.

Planning Your Layout

Your designer will do a layout before installation so you can select a pattern that works for your room. Large format tile works in many patterns like brick, herringbone, straight joint, basketweave, and more. Because of the size of your tile, it's crucial to do this step to ensure that any patterns meet your aesthetic needs.

Choosing Your Grout Color

Like all tile floors, grout color is as important as the tiles. When installing large format tiles or planks, it's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended grout line widths, patterns, and installation instructions. Choose a grout color as close to the tie color for a more seamless look and cohesive flow. This creates an appearance that can visually expand the room.

Three Advantages of Using Large Format Tiles in Your Bathroom Design

Large format tile has made the transition from commercial use to residential. A large-sized tile makes a dramatic statement in your home. New manufacturing technology has allowed large format tile to thrive, with manufacturers creating various shapes from ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. These beautiful products can change the look of your bathroom. Large format tile's benefits include:

Minimal Grout Lines

When dealing with large format tiles, minimal grout lines create a strong visual design element. Because the tile covers a larger area, less grout is required between the tiles. This makes it easier to achieve a crisp, unified design. When using large format tiles for vertical surfaces, grout lines almost disappear into the design, creating a wallpaper effect. Large format tiles are perfect for bathroom wall applications because they're a durable alternative to paint. Your grout line width can vary depending on the installation pattern of your tile.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Fewer grout lines also mean less maintenance is required to keep your tiles clean. Grout cleaning is always challenging, whether it's a wall or floor tile. When you shower, tile can become mildewed if not kept clean. Deep cleaning grout lines is time-consuming, but not when using large-format tiles.

Modern Aesthetics and Contemporary Designs

Large format tile practical. It also brings several aesthetic advantages for homeowners looking to make a more contemporary design statement. With modern manufacturing technology and advances in digital printing, large format porcelain tile can be designed to look like any material - from natural stone to concrete, metal, wood, and even fabric. With large format tile, creating a sleek, clean, modern aesthetic for any space is easier. Large format tile relieves your eyes from grout lines, making your space look larger. Fewer grout lines also create a more cohesive look. Want a more unified design? Consider using the same tile on both the walls and floor.

A large format tile is an excellent option for your bathroom remodeling project. At Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, we can help you to choose the perfect large format tile for your project!

Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? Let us help you create a new look with large format tile and design the perfect finished space to meet your needs! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.