Large-format tiles are a brilliant design choice for smaller rooms. Because they reduce the total number of grout lines, they minimize the visual 'grid' that often makes a small room feel boxed in. A floor comprised of 24x48 inch tiles looks much more expansive than a floor made of 12x12 tiles because the eye is not constantly interrupted by grout transitions. This creates a sense of continuity that draws the eye across the room. When installing large tiles, however, preparation is key. Subfloor flatness is critical; because the tiles are larger, they are less forgiving of dips or humps in the substrate. An uneven subfloor can lead to cracked tiles or excessive lippage. You should use a high-quality, large-format tile mortar (often labeled as 'LFT' mortar) which is designed to support the heavier weight of these tiles without settling. While large tiles make a room look bigger, ensure you have calculated for extra material waste, as large tiles are more difficult to cut around obstacles and corners compared to smaller, more flexible formats.
Key considerations
- large-format tile
- tile size
- room appearance
- tile design
- large format tile
- making room look bigger