Large-format porcelain tiling
Big tiles and slabs fitted flat, with no lipping.
Overview
Large-format porcelain gives a clean, modern finish with fewer grout lines, but it is far less forgiving than standard tiles. We prepare the base, handle and bed the tiles properly, and use levelling systems to keep the surface flat.
What we do
- Large porcelain tiles and slabs for floors and walls
- Floor flattening with self-levelling compounds
- Full-bed adhesive coverage and back-buttering
- Tile levelling systems to control lipping
- Lifting equipment and handling frames for big slabs
- Receptions, showrooms, retail and hospitality areas
What to know
Flatness matters
Big tiles show any unevenness in the floor as lipping between tiles. A flat base is the most important part of the job.
Full adhesive coverage
Large tiles need a solid bed of adhesive with no voids, which is why they are usually back-buttered as well as bedded.
Bowing and offset
Long rectangular tiles can have a slight bow. Limiting the offset, often to a third of the tile length or less, helps avoid lipping.
How we work on site
With large-format tiles we make sure the base is flat, use the right adhesive for full coverage and use levelling systems to keep the tiles flat and lip-free.
- We keep dust down with vacuums and dust extractors and clean up as we go.
- We protect finished work and surrounding areas, and leave the site clean and tidy every day.
- We work evenings, nights and weekends when a programme or opening hours call for it.
- Both of us are enhanced DBS checked, hold CSCS cards and are trained in COSHH, manual handling, abrasive wheels and asbestos and silica awareness.
See our health and safety approach.
Common questions
Are large-format tiles harder to fit?
Yes. They need a flatter base, more adhesive and careful handling, so they usually cost more to install than standard tiles.
Can large-format tiles go on walls?
Yes, provided the background can take the weight. We check this before we start.
Do large tiles need a special adhesive?
Large-format tiles usually need a flexible adhesive with full coverage on the back of the tile and the floor, so there are no hollow spots.
Can large-format tiles go on walls?
Yes, as long as the wall is flat, sound and strong enough for the weight. We'll check before we start.
Have a tiling project coming up?
Send us the details and we'll get a price back to you.