Over a long time, porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles have been a popular material for bathrooms, outdoor areas, kitchens, and flooring. At present, tiles are available in diverse shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes. It may come as a surprise but the tile size can determine how the space will look.
Continuous debates on whether small or large tiles are better for flooring, kitchen, or bathroom renovation are endless. Large tiles are in the spotlight of today’s post — we will reveal advantages and drawbacks of big tile installation. Let’s dive in.
What tile size is usually considered large?
Tiles are considered large if they are larger than 12×12; the most common sizes for large tiles include 12×24, 16×16, 18×18, and 24×48. Large format tiles have been commonly used for commercial property; however, large tiles are gaining popularity in residential applications, flooring, bathrooms, backsplashes, and outdoor areas.
Laying large floor tiles helps to create a seamless surface and visually expand the space. If you install large tiles on walls, you create a sleek and more spacious look of the given interior.
What are disadvantages of large format tiles?
- For large tile installation you’d better hire pros. Heavier compared to standard tiles, large tiles often require two people to carry them. Additionally, leveling surfaces needs technical understanding of the tiling process, let alone time-consuming installation. Thus, you’d better hire pros to achieve the desired result.
- More cracking-prone in extreme conditions, particularly in low temperatures.
- Large tiles need more support. The larger tiles are the heavier they are, so larger tiles need more substrate to ensure the perfect look. For vertical (wall) installation you need to ensure solid support for tiles, not to let the gravity pull tiles out of place.
- Big tiles require perfect leveling of both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Whether you plan to use large tiles for laying on the floors or walls, leveling the surface is crucial.
When would you rather avoid laying large tiles?
- For intricate interior design large tiles might be not the best option. Smaller tiles offer more options for creating patterns or color combinations.
- For smaller rooms with exterior plumbing and multiple fixtures installation of big tiles may result in greater material losses due to cut offs.
Despite the disadvantages, laying big tiles has a number of advantages:
- Laying large tiles helps to create a sleek and more uniform surface.
- Fewer grout lines. A smaller number of grooves between tiles is much easier to clean to ensure a sleek look of the surface.
- Visually expand the space. Larger tiles help to create an illusion of a larger space: if the same room is laid with small tiles, it will seem tighter compared to its appearance created using larger tiles.
What aspects to consider while choosing a tile size?
- Room type. Specific tile sizes may be more suitable for bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor areas. You’d better consult an expert for recommendations before finalizing your choice.
- Room size. Is the room small and you need to expand it visually or you intend to achieve a cozy feel of a spacious room? Contemporary vibes or traditional aesthetics? Answering these questions you can decide on the best tile size option.
- Interior design. Certain styles that include complex patterns, like farmhouse or rustic, are better achieved with standard tiles, while hi-tech and Scandinavian styles may go better with a larger format.
- Grout lines. The smaller the tile size is, the more grout lines you have. The number of grout lines influences the overall look of the space and the scope of work to keep grout grooves clean.
- Budget. As big-format tiles are more expensive (including higher costs of materials and installation), the available budget might be a determinative factor in deciding on a tile size.
Are you thinking of renovating a bathroom? A team of pros from Groysman Construction, a remodel company from San Diego, can help to design a renovated trendy bathroom with tiling of your choice, be it large or small. Add more style and comfort to your home!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and request a free quote!
