Large Format Tiles: What to Know Before You Buy 600 × 1200 and Bigger

Short answer: large format tiles (commonly anything with a side of 600 mm or more, such as 600 × 1200 mm and 1200 × 1200 mm) give a clean, spacious look with fewer grout lines. To lay well they need a very flat substrate, full adhesive coverage and an experienced tiler.

Why choose large format?

• Fewer grout lines — easier to clean and visually calmer.
• Makes open-plan rooms feel bigger.
• Works well running from indoors to an alfresco area in a matching outdoor finish.

The floor must be flat

Long tiles show every hump and dip in a floor. Your tiler may need to grind high spots or level the substrate before laying. This is the single biggest factor in a good result.

Full coverage

Large tiles should be fully bedded in adhesive — tilers often back-butter the tile as well as trowelling the floor — especially in wet and outdoor areas.

Offsets

Many rectangular tiles have a slight bow from the firing process. Laying them with an offset of no more than one-third of the tile length (rather than half) helps reduce lippage, where one tile edge sits higher than the next. Check the manufacturer's guidance for your tile.

Levelling systems and handling

Tile levelling clips help keep edges flush. Large tiles are heavy and can crack if carried flat, so they're usually carried on edge and handled by two people.

Order a little extra

One broken tile is a bigger share of the job, so allow at least 10% for cuts and breakages, and buy the whole job from one batch.

600 × 1200 mm tiles · 1200 × 1200 mm tiles · How many tiles do I need?