Large format tiles - Installation problematic?

We were at a large trade fair over the weekend. I also attended a lecture about large-format tiles, given by a publicly appointed and sworn expert for the screed laying trade. I was surprised how problematic the installation of large-format floor tiles is. Narrow joints in particular are very problematic. Random pattern (is that the right term?) is also problematic. Tiles are considered large-format starting at 40x40 cm. However, I see large-format tiles in almost every house nowadays. So here is my question.. is that really the case? We would like to install 60x60 tiles. What are your experiences? Are there the same problems with large wall tiles?

Best regards, Steffi.

My tiler smiled tiredly when I told him that we want "...large-format tiles in 60x60...". Nowadays, every good tiler should be able to handle that without any problems (and in my opinion without an extra charge). Everything is perfect with us, both on the floor and on the wall.

Hi,
with very long tiles, the requirements for the flatness of the subfloor also increase. A slight wave in the screed can really ruin your day. Our neighbors have wood-look tiles in the "almost farmhouse plank" format. They paid a lot of money for grinding the subfloor.

What you should also consider with tiles with cut edges: they allow those really chic narrow joints, but on the wall they have to be laid absolutely perfectly, because otherwise you can see every tiny change in the joint in the grazing light. And we're talking about a few tenths of a millimeter! That bothered me so much even in sample exhibitions that we are now using "normal" tiles in 60*30 cm for the walls. The joint is less critical there.

Best regards,

Andreas

Can one expect the screed to be so level that large format tiles are not a problem? Is this normal standard for proper screed layers or do I have to explicitly agree on something "particularly even"? If there are unevenness.. the tile adhesive can't compensate for that? Best regards Steffi.

That should be explicitly discussed. Definitely better than having whining and complaining afterwards. Grinding screed flat is expensive and can be avoided in advance. Smaller unevenness can be compensated by the tiler. I would also consider beforehand in which pattern it should be laid. Saves a lot of trouble.

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Large-format tiles tend to cup. The corners then stand up. This is not necessarily noticeable. If you want to lay them in a wild pattern, there can be problems. This must be discussed with the tiler. In addition, the tiler may charge double to triple for the installation. Large tiles are also heavier and therefore more difficult to mount on the wall. Furthermore, they are more susceptible to breakage.