Jim The Bathroom Guy

When it comes to the world of laying tiles you will be fed a bunch of different reasons why bigger tiles will cost you more to lay but I am here to tell you why bigger tiles should not cost you more to lay.

Tiles over the years have become larger and larger with large tiles 300 x 600 and 600 x 600 becoming the normal tile for all bathrooms and floors around Australia.

As these tiles have become more common and more included in the learning process at tafe or self-taught tilers you have increased in knowledge and understanding of how to lay these tiles.

Below I will cover why tilers will tell you they cost more to lay and finish with WHY THEY SHOULDNT COST MORE TO LAY.

Disadvantages of Large Tiles When It Comes To Laying Them

I am not telling you Large Format tiles are easy to lay, doing that would diminish the hard work tilers put into laying them in bathrooms especially and a few of the below points are valid.

Setting Out Process Takes Longer

Larger tiles in bathrooms and big floors often require a longer prep and set-up process to make sure the floors and walls are as level as possible to reduce lippage.

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The second reason for the longer prep and set-up is you are looking to reduce as much wastage as possible with larger tiles.

Heavier The Tile Double The Hands

An average 600mm x 600mm tile can weigh between 5k to 10kg depending on the thickness which doesn’t sound like a lot but due to the size of the tile you are often holding that weight stretched out trying to lay them perfectly.

Different Equipment Required

Laying 600mm wide tiles and tiles of a large size will require a large tile cutter this is true.

Larger tile cutters can cost hundreds in thousands more to accommodate these tiles.

Why You Shouldn’t Pay More For Laying Large Format Tiles

We have now arrived at why you shouldn’t pay more to lay large format tiles.

In 2024 tilers should charge you the same to lay anything up to 600 x 600 as they do for 200 x 200. The big reason for this is anyone who can lay tiles and is of any quality at laying tiles should not have any extra difficulty laying these.

When I started 20 years ago the largest tile we laid was 200mm x 450mm rounded edge tiles and we complained about that so I understand how we got here.

I was there when the charging more for rectified tiles came in and I was there when larger format tiles took over so I understand why tilers will tell you it costs more because back then they were unfamiliar with the product and didn’t want to lay them.

2024 and onwards you should be paying more for a product that tilers have been laying for over 15 years plus these are the norm and shouldn’t cost you more to lay.

Now every bathroom and floor is different and 1200mm x 600 tiles and then moving into Porcelain Panels are different altogether but up to 600 x 600 in size don’t pay more.

So to recap below in dot points all about larger format tiles to make it easier

1. Tilers are more familiar with larger tiles than small ones
2. Smaller tiles at high capacity are more time-consuming to lay
3. Over 600 x 600 is when costing should or could be higher
4. Understand you have a 15% to 20% wastage buying larger tiles
5. Replacing larger tiles can be annoying if crack or are damagedd as they take up a much bigger surface area
6. Bigger tiles make smaller rooms feel bigger
7. The larger the tile the less grout required and easier to clean

ANY QUESTIONS or you would like to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below I would love to hear

Below are links that cover the following tiling PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS for every bathroom need.

• Matt Tiles Versus Gloss Tiles – What Makes the Room Feel Bigger
• Rectified Or Cushion Edge Tiles Which Has Less Grout and What Works Better
• Tile Direction – Horizontal V Vertical (How Each Impacts Your Bathroom Visuals)
• Every Tiling Term You Will Ever Need (Understanding The Different Jargon)

LATEST TILING TRENDS

• 2023 and 2024 Bathroom Tiling Trend
• Why Colour Is Making A Comeback In Modern Bathroom Tiling
• THE TERRAZZO BATHROOM TILE TREND IS HERE TO STAY

BEST SMALL BATHROOM TILING ADVICE

• Small Bathroom Tiles – What is the best size tile to use?
• Why you should tile to the CEILING

EASY CLEANING TILING

• 3 Tips For Grout Sealing Your Bathroom Tiles
• Pattern Bathroom Floor – The Best For Mess 

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