Laying Large Tile
Large-format tiles have their own set of rules — install them like standard tiles and watch the job fail.
As a second-generation remodeling contractor, I’ve seen a lot of design trends. One that seems to have staying power is large-format tile — that is, any tile with at least one edge more than 15 in. long. Whether they’re 16×16, 18×18, or plank style, open any home-design magazine and chances are you will see large-format tiles.
Most of the techniques used to install larger tile will be familiar to anyone who’s ever set smaller tile. Laying out the tile is similar, cutting it is the same except that you need a bigger saw (which can be rented), and grouting it is no different. However, some normal procedures used for installing smaller tile take on heightened importance when working with large-format tile, and there are several differences that are crucial to both the final look and to the longevity of the floor.
Flaws in the substrate can cause any tile floor to…
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Tile isn't flat (duh!) so let's assume it's curved and that a 12" tile and a 24" tile have the same curvature- that is, if you put a 12" ruler against the concave side, you'll get the same lippage, say 1/16". The ruler imitates a flat substrate (yeah, sure.) Now if you put a 24" ruler on the 24" tile, you'll get FOUR times the lippage, 1/4".
It's a bit surprising, but you can prove it to yourself with a garage floor, a string and a pencil. Draw a large arc, say 60" radius. Now, starting from the same point on the arc, strike 2 more arcs, one with 12" of string, the next with a 24" radius. Draw the 2 straight lines from the original point on the arc to the two points at 12" and 24". Now measure the maximum distance from each straight line to the original arc- you'll get about 5/16" on the 12" line, about 1-1/4 on the 24" line. That is, 4 times the lippage.