Tiles are an excellent way to cover walls and floors in residential and commercial spaces. Tiles are not only affordable but also highly durable and give a beautiful appearance to the area they are used in. You just need to choose the right quality, color, and size to ensure that they blend perfectly into the building or open area.
So, are larger tiles more difficult to install? Actually, larger tiles are easier to install compared to their smaller counterparts. Larger tiles are usually 12 x 12 inches in size. However, there are times when this measurement can be as large as 24 x 24 inches, depending on where the tiles are being installed.
Read on to learn more about larger tiles, why they are easier to install, and why they are becoming increasingly popular.
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Understanding Larger Tiles and Why They Are Easier to Install
Tiles can be made from various types of materials, with the most common being ceramic. Glazed tiles are often used indoors, while unglazed tiles are the perfect addition for outdoor spaces. Other types of tiles include:
- 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 very 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 used only to a limited extent and often serve as an underlayment for hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tiles. Cork tiles are known to improve sound insulation.
- Glass tiles are known for being visually appealing and can be used for your fireplace, walls, floors, swimming pools, and backsplashes.
Large tiles generally have a length and width greater than 12 x 12 inches. These types of tiles can be used to finish the floor or wall.
Advantages of Installing Larger Tiles
- When using larger tiles, you spend less time cutting and fitting.
- Laying ten large tiles is much easier as you only need to measure and place a little. In contrast, with smaller tiles, you may need to repeat the same process over a considerable period of time.
- Larger tiles only require leveling four sides, which can quickly multiply to 24 or 32 sides. But smaller tiles may require you to fill and level over 100 sides, and that’s the case when the covered area is small.
- If you make a mistake when installing larger tiles, you only need to accept one or two pieces to fix the problem. However, with small tiles, you may need to remove several pieces before starting again.
Are Larger Tiles More Expensive?
The cost of tiles is determined by a variety of factors. Therefore, the statement that larger tiles are more expensive than small tiles may not necessarily be true. For example, glass tiles are generally more expensive than concrete tiles regardless of size.
At the same time, small glass tiles may be more expensive when manufactured to higher quality standards compared to their larger counterparts produced by a less reputable company.
The size of the tiles rarely plays a role in determining costs. Factors like the following often determine the price:
- Quality
- Type of material used
- Availability
- Production costs
- Where the tiles are manufactured
So, it is not uncommon to walk into a store and find that larger tiles are more expensive than smaller ones, and vice versa.
Tiles manufactured in China do not necessarily cost the same as tiles made in Italy or America. There is also the question of transportation costs from one location to another. Keep in mind that some tiles are available locally, while others are only available through online orders.
- The cost of porcelain tiles, such as 10 dollars per square meter.
- Marble, travertine, slate, granite, and quartz tiles generally cost $5 to $10 per square foot. Emser Granite Tile is an example of such tiles.
- If you opt for ceramic tiles, you may have to part with $2.50 to $3 per square foot. Glacier White is an example of such tiles.
- Finally, designer floor tiles can cost up to $25 per square foot.
The costs will likely vary depending on the size of the tiles you order and the material used to make the tiles.
Cost of Installing Larger Tiles
Another thing to consider when looking at costs is the amount you are likely to spend on installation. Factors that can affect the installation costs include:
- Size of the area
- Type of tiles to be installed
- The contractor you hire
- Payment method
- Location of installation
With hourly payment, the cost of installing larger tiles is likely to be lower as installing larger tiles generally takes less time. Installing tiles in a confined area like a bathroom or corridor is much more challenging and therefore costs more than installing the same tiles in an open area like a sidewalk or courtyard.
In addition, if the floor or wall where the installation is to take place needs to be prepared or existing material needs to be removed, this can also affect the installation costs. The contractor you work with may also have specific requirements regarding the size of the area to be covered, among other things.
- The installation of ceramic tiles is likely to be associated with costs averaging $5 per square foot.
- Porcelain tiles often cost $5 to $6 per square foot.
- Natural stone tiles are likely to cost an average of $7 per square foot.
Why Larger Tiles Are Better
In addition to being easy to install, they also have several advantages over their smaller counterparts. Some of the things that highlight the benefits of larger tiles include:
1. Versatility
One advantage is that they are more versatile. That means you can install them in a variety of places, including bathrooms, feature walls in dining or family rooms, and outdoors.
2. Low maintenance
Large tiles have few grout lines and large smooth surfaces, making them relatively easy to clean and maintain. Smaller tiles often present a challenge as dirt tends to accumulate in the grout lines. It is also common for small tiles to get damaged in different areas of the grout.
3. Creates a spacious impression
Large tiles also give the impression that the area is larger than it actually is.
4. Quick installation
Another advantage of using larger tiles is that they can work both indoors and outdoors without posing any challenges. Installing small tiles in outdoor areas can take some time and is more likely to get damaged within a short period of time.
5. Trendy and visually appealing
Larger tiles are very trendy as they convey a sense of calm and serenity. They are especially popular for large open spaces as they add a touch of class and order.
Conclusion
Tiles are a great way to finish your walls and floors. They are affordable and easily available in most cities. If you can’t find a tile business near you, you can simply order online and have them delivered within a few days.
Larger tiles are particularly appealing because of their easy installation, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for both indoor and outdoor use. While some people choose to install tiles themselves, it is sometimes better to hire 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