XXXL Format Tiles

[Pudding & Pie]

Quick question re: Xtra Lge format tiles..

I'm on a project with multiple baths & shower ensuites - just finished the cloakroom in Lge (600x300) porcelain tiles & 900x100 pencils - pls'd with the results & felt comfortable handling the format..

Moving onto the main bath now & the ante's been upped..! I'll now be working with 900x450's & frankly, I'm a little nervous about the size increase!

You guys got any Top Tips when it comes to handling the xtra bulk & size..? They're being delivered t'moro & things are starting to twitch a bit!!!

Thanks - P&P

 

[Ian]

Get your prep as near to flat and perfect as is humanly possibly, installation will be much easier.

 

[hillhead]

I put down 2300 x 1300 x 20mm marble a couple of months ago. It took 4 of us to lift and lay the main block.
I find bigger tiles easier to level out etc but get you walls and floors flat !

 

[doug boardley]

what are your concerns?

 

[Andrew]

hi mate,
i recently fixed a 80m floor in 1200 x 1200 porcelain, so long as your prep is good and the tiles are of a decent quality(flat) ! substrate is sufficient, adhesive is correct and set out carefully! you will be fine
i was a little apprehensive with this format,but once your first tile is down and level its lovely 4 tiles 5m2, 80m was down in 2 days! and now 60 x 60 seem easy and somewhat small, youll breeze it sleep well give it no more thought till your on it! good luck

 

[PHG Dave]

Just about to get a new Grespania display in and the rep was showing me a new tile they have produced - 1m x 3m and only 3.5mm thick!!!

 

[hillhead]

Just about to get a new Grespania display in and the rep was showing me a new tile they have produced - 1m x 3m and only 3.5mm thick!!!

That's like the tiles Ray and Gary demo'd for us on the video yesterday, the poor rubi cutter struggled up against the sigma prowess.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Rizzle from the Portizzle]

with a bigger format tile just spend a little bit more time setting out this will help you reduce promblem cutting also make sure you give your self some extra room when cutting look both ways when putting tile in and out of your cutter you can chip tiles if not carefull make sure tile is fully bedded check twice

 

[VersaTileEssex]

I think most people have said the same but it's all in the prep, other than that it's normal. Just check the weight of the tile against which type of substrate you have, you would'nt want one of those falling off on your head!!

Best of luck!!

Martin @ VersaTile

 

[borgie]

I have done a lot of work with the 3mx1mx3.5mm thick tiles. you cut them with a glass cutter and snap them between your thumbs just like the old 6x6 inch whites. easy when you know how . I have been trained by the Italian manufacturer, LAMINAM - The largest and thinnest ceramic slab ever seen, 3mx1mx3mm, floors and walls, who patented the machinery, that all companies are using to produce these tiles. Even H n R Johnsons are doing them now. maybe they are going to be the next big thing? Can be expensive if your working with this format and are treating it like an ordinary tile. They retail around £180 a sheet!

 

[Rich]

Are these going on the walls or the floors? As has been said, the prep is crucial and if you are laying them on the floor then i would recommend a full contact adhesive (like pourable thick bed) to make it easier to get 100% coverage and save time on back buttering. Also the correct trowel will be important.

If they are going on the walls then be aware of the max holding weight of the wall.

 

[Pudding & Pie]

Brilliant, guys - Thanks! I feel more assured now..! Somewhat!!! LOL!

They're going on throughout, floor (22mm of Tilesafe tanked ply, onto Impey Aquadec - all well secured) & walls (Aquapanel - with an extra peppering of their recommended ceramic coated screws!)

All advice gratefully considered.. ..all should go well - certainly will make impressive coverage in short time!

One more Q, if you don't mind.. I've a Dewalt D24000 table saw - which has served me extremely well upto the 600x300 format & a little edge-of-the-seat success with 700 & 900 pencils cut length-wise.. but then one pencil won't break the bank!

I'm a bit wary of flipping these puppies! Thinking of hiring in a fixed rail No. for the job. Your views / experiences on any particular make / model, again, greatly appreciated!

Cheers

 

[Pudding & Pie]

Are these going on the walls or the floors? As has been said, the prep is crucial and if you are laying them on the floor then i would recommend a full contact adhesive (like pourable thick bed) to make it easier to get 100% coverage and save time on back buttering. Also the correct trowel will be important.

If they are going on the walls then be aware of the max holding weight of the wall.

Liking the sound of the full coverage pourable - any compatibility issues with heat mats? A flexible pourable would certainly minimise any potential air pocketing??

 

[Rich]

Thats the idea, have a look at Mapeis Adesilex P4, it is suitable for UFH

 

[Rich]

Mapei: Mapei powdered adhesives info.

Should be some info on it in here ^

 

[swanman]

Good advise Rich

People do worry over the smallest things

 

[Spud]

Tiles are getting bigger for sure and we need to move with the times but dont be scared as all tiling basics apply to any size tile get the substrates right and you will find the tiling goes right

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Tiles are getting bigger for sure and we need to move with the times but dont be scared as all tiling basics apply to any size tile get the substrates right and you will find the tiling goes right

Spot on Gary, we can go larger or smaller, but tiling is about working plumb, level, and line- able, square, parallel etc, the same with geometrics, some people get a bit nervous about their first victorian job, but the principle is exactly the same. Good tilers can cope with anything

 

[Pudding & Pie]

My thanks again to you all - Cracking Mapei link, Rich!

P4, it is then, for the floor - Keraflex for the walls

What do you reckon to those long cuts..?! These are porcelain, Btw

 

[Rich]

I use a grinder with a markrist disk as my wet cutter will not cope with tiles as long as that. Not sure how others go about it.

 

[Andrew]

how flat do they manage to produce them over that format! prepwork needs to be immaculate i would imagine

 

[bugs183]

A flat surface is vital. Now i'm sure some will disagree and say why can't i get them flat anyway, but take a look at 'lash clips' at Tradetiler. These fellas may look DIY, and they are no excuse for bad fixing, but these boys really get the tiles flat, great on floors and walls. They really make fixing large tiles loads easier.