Large format tiles are an increasingly popular design choice in residential and commercial spaces. Their sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines can give a room a more spacious and luxurious appearance. But do you know how to “lay” such large format tiles properly? Several tilers still avoid them, either because of the higher installation effort or because of the need for equipment to cut and install them. We hope that whether you are a beginner or a pro tiler, this article will help you to successfully start laying even large format tiles.
STEP 1: START WITH A CLEAR PLAN
Planning the tile layout is the most important part of any tiling job, and even more so for large format tiles. Start by accurately surveying the space. The old adage “measure twice and cut once” is key at this stage; this will avoid mistakes that cost time and money when working with more expensive large format tiles. Rooms are rarely a perfect square with 90-degree angles. Therefore, start by finding the centre of the room and laying the tiles in a dry direction from that centre. Someone may find that instead of laying, it may be enough to just draw a laying plan. Then evaluate: do you want a whole tile in the center or a grout line between the tiles? Experiment with different options to avoid awkward, thin cuts at the edges of the room. Even a small miscalculation can ruin the whole design. What separates professionals from DIYers is the time spent in this planning phase. It’s well worth the effort, and your customer will appreciate it.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE SUBSTRATE
Larger tiles accentuate imperfections in the subfloor, so take extra care to ensure that it is clean, even, dry and structurally sound.
STEP 3: PRECISION TOOLS FOR QUALITY AND ACCURATE CUTS
Large format tiles are more expensive to install than smaller sizes, so mistakes and repairs are more costly and time consuming. You’ll need good quality tools to make precise and clean cuts.
In our shop you will find several tools from different manufacturers, suitable for working with large format tiles. For the sake of clarity we have grouped them into 1 category “Tools for large format tiles“.
For example, RUBI offers a complete range specifically designed for cutting large format tiles. Alternatives are products from other manufacturers such as Battipav, Kaufmann or Raimondi:
- The RUBI Slim Cutter G2 and Slab Cutter G3 are special hand-held cutters for precise and fine cutting of oversized tiles. Other brands include the Battipav Lampo Cut System Evo, Kaufmann TopLine Pro Rail or Raimondi T-CUT.
- Of the classic handheld tile cutters, several models from different manufacturers are usable and are large enough to handle large-format tiles. These include the RUBI TZ-1800, the Battipav Sintesi 163 or the Kaufmann TopLine Pro 1830.
- The RUBI TC-125 G2 is a hand-held circular saw designed for wet or dry cutting with mitre cutting capability, moving on G2 guide rails. A special product is the Raimondi LEM 105 vertical electric cutter, which you can see in our shop in Banská Bystrica. Bevel cutting is an important advantage for edge alignment and seamless joining of tiles. The right cutter not only saves time, but also reduces waste, increases performance and efficiency and, last but not least, reduces the overall cost of paving.
STEP 4: SAFE HANDLING AND TRANSPORT
Cutting is only half the battle. Moving and placing large format tiles safely is at least as challenging. That’s where specialised handling tools and systems come in.
The RUBI SLAB System work trolley is ideal for moving smaller, large-format tiles.
The handling systems are available in different versions, from simpler models such as the RUBI SLAB TRANS MINI, RUBI SLIM Easy Trans Plus or Battipav AGILE Light to more complex models with higher load capacities and lengths: RUBI SLAB TRANS HEAVY DUTY N or Battipav AGILE Light Plus. These systems reduce strain, increase safety and ensure easier placement of the tiles in the adhesive.
STEP 5: USE THE RIGHT WORKBENCHES
Proper support is essential when cutting and placing large tiles. Workbenches such as the
STEP 6: CHOOSE A SLOW-SETTING ADHESIVE
Once you’re in the laying phase, the slower-setting adhesive with extended set time (Class E) gives you more flexibility. It provides extended working time per tile, giving you more options for moving and adjusting without the stress of the adhesive setting too quickly.
STEP 7: ENSURE SUFFICIENT ADHESION
One of the most important, but often overlooked, steps when installing large format tiles is to ensure full contact between the tile and the substrate. Gaps or air bubbles can lead to tiles cracking or, worse, to tiles coming loose and falling out of the walls, posing a major safety risk. That’s where tile vibrators come in. In our range you will find vibrators from RUBI, the QUAKE ENERGY CAS model ideal for smaller paving jobs and 2 TRILLER models (battery or cable) designed for larger paving jobs. The competitor of the QUAKE model is the Battipav PULSE. These tools vibrate the tiles while the adhesive is still wet, displacing trapped air and improving the strength of the joint. A stronger bond means a longer lasting and safer installation.
In addition to vibrators, double application of adhesive is often recommended, i.e. applying a thin layer on the back of the tile and also on the substrate.
And finally, the actual laying of the large-format tiles
Learning how to install large format tiles well isn’t easy, but with the right tools, careful planning and attention to detail, you can become a true professional and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Using quality equipment and following best practices will not only improve your results, but also your reputation.
Brief summary: Plan your layout carefully. A few extra minutes in planning will save hours in the actual laying. Prepare your subfloor, even small unevenness can be a big problem. Use tools designed for cutting and handling large format tiles. For better control, choose a slow-setting adhesive (Class E). Prefer full coverage and strong bond with a tile vibrator. Work carefully, large format tiles are generally more expensive, so caution and precision is important.
Article created in cooperation with profiobkladac.sk