Large Format Tiles

Complete Guide To Large format Tiles Designs And Installation

Large format tiles, also known as large format porcelain tiles or simply LFTs, These tiles are significantly larger in size compared to traditional vitrified, porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles. We are aware of traditional standard-size tiles easily available in sizes like 12×12, 24X24, and 24X48 inches. However, large-format tiles are fast becoming popular among home owners due to their many advantages.

The most common size of the large format tiles is 36 by 72 inches, 48 by 96 inches, or as large as 60 by 120 inches or even bigger. These tiles offer some major advantages, such as visual appeal, seamless installation, rapid installation, durability, and ease of maintenance.

However, it is worth noting that installing large format tiles requires skilled workmanship and careful handling due to their size and weight. These tiles also need some special tools during the installation process. Professional installation is often recommended to ensure proper placement and avoid issues like tile breakage or unevenness.

These tiles are popular in both residential and commercial settings and are commonly used for flooring, wall cladding, and other architectural applications. In this article, we will discuss the basics of large format tiles, their installation, and several advantages offered.

Types Of Tiles

These tiles are specially manufactured keeping in mind its large size. Due to its large size, these tiles are only available either in porcelain tile body or vitrified tile body.

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Types Of Tiles - Large Format Tiles

Advantages Of Large format Tiles

Large format tiles offer some major advantages as compared to traditional size tiles. These advantages include:

1. Visual Appeal:

The larger size of these tiles can create a sleek and modern look, minimizing the tile joints, grout lines and giving a sense of continuity to the space.

Large format tiles are often associated with modern and contemporary design aesthetics. Their expansive size and clean lines contribute to a minimalist and sophisticated look. They have the ability to transform the ambiance of a room, making it appear more modern and cutting-edge. This makes them a popular choice for contemporary homes, offices, and commercial spaces that seek a sleek and up-to-date aesthetic.

Another advantage of large format tiles is their ability to visually expand the perception of space. By covering a larger area with fewer tiles, they create an illusion of openness and airiness. This effect is particularly advantageous for smaller rooms or areas where maximizing the feeling of spaciousness is desired.

Large format tiles also offer the opportunity to create a seamless design flow. With fewer interruptions from grout lines, they can be used to extend across multiple surfaces, such as from the floor to the walls or from the kitchen backsplash to the countertops. This continuity enhances the visual harmony and cohesiveness of the space, resulting in a more polished and sophisticated look.

2. Seamless Installation

Jointless look is another major advantage. With fewer grout lines, large format tiles can create a more uniform and seamless appearance. This can be especially beneficial for spaces that require a clean and unbroken surface, such as contemporary bathrooms or minimalist interiors.

3. Ease Of Maintenance

The reduced number of tile joints and grout lines means there is less surface area for dirt and stains to accumulate. As a result, large format tiles can be easier to clean and maintain compared to traditional smaller tiles.

4. Illusion of Space

By using large tiles, especially in lighter colors, you can visually expand the perception of space, making a room appear larger and more open.

The larger size of these tiles can visually expand the perception of space. By covering a larger area with fewer tiles, they create an illusion of openness and airiness. This effect is particularly advantageous for smaller rooms or areas where you want to maximize the feeling of spaciousness.

5. Durability

Large format tiles are typically made of porcelain or vitrified body, which is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to water, stains, and scratches. This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas and areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

6. Modern and Contemporary Style

Large format tiles are often associated with modern and contemporary design aesthetics. Their expansive size and clean lines contribute to a minimalist and sophisticated look. This makes them a popular choice for contemporary homes, offices, and commercial spaces seeking a sleek and cutting-edge appearance.

Top Large Format Tile Companies in US

There are several reputable companies in the US that specialize in manufacturing and supplying large format tiles. It’s important to note that availability may vary depending on the specific location and the company’s distribution network. It’s recommended to contact the companies directly or visit their websites to explore their product offerings and find the nearest showroom or authorized retailer in your area.

Here are some of the top large format tile companies in the US:

Dal-Tile: Dal-Tile is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of ceramic tile, natural stone, and large format porcelain tiles in North America. They offer a wide range of large format tile options, including sizes up to 60×120 inches, under various brand names such as Daltile and American Olean.
Crossville Inc.: Crossville is known for its high-quality porcelain and ceramic tile products. They offer a diverse selection of large format tiles in various sizes, finishes, and styles. Crossville’s Laminam collection features large format porcelain tiles measuring up to 63×126 inches.
Florim USA: Florim USA is a subsidiary of the Italian tile manufacturer Florim Group. They offer a wide range of large format porcelain tiles under the brand names Florim and Milestone. Their products include sizes up to 48×48 inches and offer various designs and finishes.
Porcelanosa USA: Porcelanosa is a global leader in the production and distribution of ceramic tiles, kitchen, and bath products. They offer an extensive collection of large format tiles, including sizes up to 35×70 inches. Porcelanosa’s large format tiles are known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials.
MSI (M S International): MSI is a leading supplier of natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tile products. They offer a wide range of large format tiles in various sizes and styles. MSI’s large format tile collection includes sizes up to 48×96 inches and encompasses a variety of materials and finishes.
Emser Tile: Emser Tile is a prominent tile distributor in the US, offering a wide range of tile products for residential and commercial applications. They have a selection of large format tiles in sizes up to 48×48 inches, featuring different materials, textures, and colors.
Bedrosians Tile & Stone: Bedrosians is a well-known tile and stone distributor with numerous showrooms across the US. They offer large format tiles in a variety of sizes, including sizes up to 48×48 inches. Bedrosians’ large format tiles come in various materials, finishes, and designs.