Bigger Wall Tiles

Are Bigger Tiles Harder to Lay?

In Remodeling by Giovanni ValleLeave a Comment

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tiles are an excellent way to finish walls and floors in both residential and commercial premises. Not only are tiles affordable, but they are also quite durable and provide a beautiful appearance to the area they are used in. All you must do is choose the right quality, color, and size to ensure they blend perfectly with the building or open area.

In reality, bigger tiles are easier to lay compared to their smaller counterparts. Bigger tiles typically measure 12 x 12 inches. However, there are times when that measurement may range up to 24 x 24 inches, depending on where the tiles are to be installed.

Keep reading to learn more about bigger tiles, why they are easier to lay, and why they are growing in popularity.

Understanding Bigger Tiles and Why they are Easier to Lay

Tiles can be made using different types of materials, with the most common being ceramic. Glazed tiles are often used indoors, while unglazed tiles make the perfect match for the outdoors. Other types of tiles include the following:

  • Marble natural stone tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor floors and walls. They can also be used for fireplaces, backsplashes, and countertops.
  • Concrete tiles are quite versatile and can be used for walls and floors. They can be installed in pools, patios, countertops, backsplashes, shower enclosures, fireplace surrounds, and building facades.
  • Cork tiles are limited in use and often work as an underlayment for hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tiles. Cork tiles are known to enhance soundproofing. 
  • Glass tiles are known to be visually appealing and can work for your fireplace, walls, floors, swimming pool, and backsplashes.

Big tiles are generally considered to measure anything above 12 x 12 inches in length and width. These types of tiles can be used to finish the floor or wall. 

Pros of Installing Bigger Tiles 

  • When using larger tiles, you spend less time cutting and fitting them into place. 
  • Laying ten large tiles is much easier because you only must do a little measuring and placing. Smaller tiles, on the other hand, require you to repeat the same process over and over for a considerable amount of time. 
  • Bigger tiles only require leveling of the four sides, which may quickly multiply to 24 or 32 sides. But smaller tiles may require that you keep filling and leveling for over 100 sides, and that is if the area covered is small.
  • In case you make a mistake when laying down large tiles, you just have to take out one or two pieces to correct the issue. However, small tiles may require you to take out several pieces before you start again.

Are Bigger Tiles More Expensive?

The cost of tiles is determined by a variety of factors. Therefore, saying bigger tiles are more expensive than small tiles may not be accurate. For instance, glass tiles are generally more expensive than concrete tiles, regardless of size. 

At the same time, small glass tiles may be more expensive if they are manufactured to higher standards of quality when compared to their larger counterparts manufactured by a less reputable company.

The size of tiles rarely plays a role in determining cost. Often, factors such as the following determine the price: 

  • Quality
  • Type of material used 
  • Availability
  • Cost of production
  • Where the tile is made

So, it is not strange for you to walk into a store and find that bigger tiles are more expensive than smaller ones and vice versa.

Chinese made tiles may not necessarily cost the same as Italian or American-made tiles. There is also the question of the cost of transportation from one place to another. Remember, some tiles are available locally, while others are only available through online ordering.

  • Marble, travertine, slate, granite, and quartz tiles generally range from $5 to $10 per square foot. The Emser Granite Tile is an example of such tiles.
  • If you opt for ceramic tiles, you may have to part ways with anything from $2.50 to $3 per square foot. An example of such tiles is Glacier White.
  • Finally, designer floor tiles can cost as much as $25 per square foot. 

The costs are likely to vary depending on the sizes of the tiles that you order plus the material used to make the tiles.

Cost of Installing Bigger Tiles 

Another thing to remember when looking at cost is the amount you are likely to spend on installation. Some of the factors that may affect the cost of installation include:

  • Size of area
  • Type of tiles to be installed
  • The contractor you hire
  • Mode of payment 
  • Place of installation

If you are paying by the hour, the cost of installing bigger tiles is likely to be lower because it generally takes a shorter time to install bigger tiles. Installing tiles in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or corridor is much harder and will, therefore, cost more than installing the same tiles in an open area such as a pavement or compound.

Additionally, if the floor or wall on which the installation is to take place needs preparation or removal of existing material, that can also have an impact on the cost of installation. The contractor you are working with may also have unique requirements concerning the size of the area they need to cover, among other things.

  1. Installing ceramic tiles is likely to cost you an average of $5 per square foot.
  2. Porcelain tiles are often installed at the cost of $5 to $6 per square foot. 
  3. Natural stone tiles are likely to cost an average of $7 per square foot.

Why Bigger Tiles are Better

Apart from being easy to install, they also have a variety of advantages over their smaller counterparts. Some of the things that make bigger tiles stand out include the following:

1. Versatility

One advantage is that they are more versatile. That means you can install them in a variety of places, including the bathroom, focus walls in dining or family rooms, and outdoors.

2. Low Maintenance

Large tiles have few grout lines and large smooth surfaces, which makes them relatively easy to clean and maintain. Smaller tiles often present a challenge because debris accumulates in the grout lines. It is also common to find that small tiles get damaged in various grout line areas.

3. Creates an Impression of Spaciousness

Large tiles also give the impression that the area is larger than it actually is. 

4. Quick Installation

Another advantage of using bigger tiles is that they can work both indoors and outdoors without presenting any challenges. Installing small tiles outdoors can take quite some time and is more likely to get damaged within a short period.

5. Trendy and Visually Appealing

Larger tiles are quite trendy as they give an impression of calmness and tranquility. They are especially popular for large open areas as they add a touch of class and orderliness.

In Conclusion

Tiles are a great way to finish your walls and floors. They are affordable and readily available in most cities. If you cannot find a local store with these flooring materials, you can easily place an order online and have them delivered within a few days.

Bigger tiles are particularly impressive because they are easy to lay, are affordable, and can be installed both indoors and outdoors. While some people install tiles by themselves, sometimes it is better to seek the services of a professional to make things easier and more accurate.

Sources 

https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/82183-bigger-tile-bigger-challenges-working-with-large-format-tile

Share this Post

Leave a Comment