Full size tiles are a standard fixture in most bathrooms and kitchens. They are durable, simple to clean, and available in an enormous variety of colours, textures, and finishes. Large format tiles have been a design trend for the past few years, providing a stylish and contemporary choice to traditional sizes.
But how do they actually compare? Below we examine the key differences between big format tiles and regular tiles — style, price, installation, and maintenance — so you can choose which one is best for your area.
What Are Large Format Tiles?
Large format tiles are significantly larger than the standard type. Anything greater than around 60cm x 60cm is generally considered “large format,” although some get as large as 120cm x 240cm. The effect is dramatic, seamless style that instantly alters a room’s ambience.
Standard tiles, by contrast, are the more traditional option. They can be small mosaics or medium-sized squares and rectangles — 30cm x 30cm or 45cm x 45cm are typical. They are more adaptable to intricate designs because they are smaller.
Style and Appearance
Large format tiles provide a sleek, modern finish. With less grout lines disrupting the surface, walls and floors are cleaner and less cluttered. This provides a luxury appearance that suits particularly well in minimalist bathrooms and modern kitchens.
Normal tiles are more textured and have more character. From simple checkerboard designs to mosaics, they can accommodate artistic layout and ornamentation. They’re the way to go if you like a classic or intricate appearance.
In brief: big tiles have a smooth, contemporary feel, whereas smaller ones provide more texture and design freedom.
Impact on Room Space
In a tiny bathroom, large format tiles make the room feel larger. The absence of grout lines creates the illusion of a single surface.
Standard tiles, with additional joins, can make a small room feel more crowded. But that detail can also be employed to introduce personality or emphasize a feature wall.
Briefly: large tiles open up space, standard tiles create interest.
Installation
Big tiles are heavier and require consideration. The floor or wall has to be spot on level, otherwise the finish will be unbalanced. Fitting generally involves a professional tiler and specialized tools.
Regular tiles are less difficult to cut and adjust, so are more forgiving for DIY purposes. They are lighter to maneuver and faster to fit into confined areas.
Briefly: bigger tiles require more expertise, smaller tiles are less demanding.
Cost
The cost per big tile may be higher, but since fewer are required, the material cost usually evens out. Where the cost tends to increase is in fitting — labour is longer, more powerful adhesives are likely to be required, and it is more complicated to handle.
Standard tiles tend to be less expensive per unit and faster to install, which can make overall expenses lower, particularly in small projects.
Briefly: large tiles tend to cost more to install, but standard tiles tend to be more affordable.
Maintenance
Large format tiles are simpler to clean due to having fewer grout lines. Because grout is the area that is prone to staining or accumulating mould, less of it means less scrubbing.
Standard tiles = more grout = more work to clean. But they do have one benefit: if one breaks, it’s easier to replace a single small tile than a large slab.
Short version: large tiles = low maintenance, standard tiles = more convenient to repair.
Design Flexibility
Large tiles are best for simple, open spaces. They are not well suited for curved walls or complicated patterns.
Plain tiles, being small, can be installed in numerous patterns — herringbone, mosaic, diamond, or checkerboard. They’re also simpler to fit into alcoves and irregular surfaces.
Short version: big tiles are best for low-key designs, standard tiles offer greater freedom of creative choice.
Weight and Structure
Big tiles weigh a lot and require strong walls or floorboards to hold them. On weaker or irregular surfaces, they might not be the best choice.
Regular tiles are lighter and can be fitted onto a greater variety of buildings with no problem.
In brief: large tiles require heavy support, smaller tiles are more versatile.
Which Should You Choose?
Opt for large format tiles if you desire:
- A clean, contemporary finish
- A bathroom or kitchen that appears larger
- Simple cleaning with minimal grouting
- A high-end, luxurious appearance
- Opt for standard tiles if you like:
- Traditional or decorative designs
- Greater pattern arrangements and flexibility
- Simpler DIY installation
- Lower fitting expenses
Both large format and normal tiles have their own benefits. Large tiles produce a striking, modern appearance with less grout and quicker cleaning, whereas normal tiles provide greater design flexibility, easier fitting, and sometimes a lower cost.
The best one for you will be based on your space, your personal style, and your budget. Weighing out these distinctions, you can select the one that will get your kitchen or bathroom the look you are seeking.
