In recent years, large format tiles have gained both stature and popularity, and an increasing number of people are adopting expansive tiles in a variety of applications when more compact tiles would have previously been enough. Yet, given the surge in designs offered in larger dimensions and the fact that bigger tiles require fewer, this emerging trend shouldn't come as a surprise (you'll save money on materials!). If you've completely embraced the large format revolution and are about to start a new project with larger tiles, read this article first. We'll go over the top five tilling tools you'll require for the job.
Leveling System
Any variances in flatness will be more noticeable the larger the tile. Even if a tile is fully within British and international standards, its flatness may vary. Normally, this isn't a problem, but when installing large format tile, variations may show up where one tile's corner is marginally higher than the neighboring tile. This is known as "lipping," and it is most noticeable when the tiles are of the "rectified" type, which have square edges rather than rounded or "cushion" edges. Using a Levelling System, such as the Mustang Levelling System Starting Kit, is advised to reduce lipping. This kit is crucial for leveling the installation of large format tiles.
Suction pads
Using only your own appendages (or perhaps those of a helpful friend!) to lug about heavy tiles can be dangerous and laborious, so you may want to consider investing in a set of suction pads. If you enjoy old slapstick comedies, you may have seen glaziers using similar tools to carry large sheets of glass across busy roads while narrowly escaping a wrecked charabanc. These useful tools are also reasonably priced. Just fasten them to your oversize tiles, lift them into position with the handles, and then release the suction levers to release the suction pads from the tile's surface. Using these will reduce the risk.
Profile Gauge
Using a profile gauge can help make the process of cutting tiles to fit around barriers like door frames a little bit simpler. With the use of profile gauges, you can quickly create a template by pressing the outline of a shape (such as a door jamb or pillar edge) onto a tile, which you can then copy and cut out precisely to the marking. Paper templates can be used for this, but a profile gauge is more precise, will guarantee your cuts are neat and tidy, and will minimize tile waste by getting the cut correct the first time!
Spare Discs/Blades
Either a manual rail cutter or an electric cutter must be used to cut large scale tiles. This video demonstrates how rail cutters work using the "score and snap" technique, which involves dragging a blade across the tile to create an indentation that is then manually snapped to create the cut. Electric cutters come in two varieties: wet wheel cutters and mobile head cutters. The former uses a rotating diamond-sintered blade that is constantly exposed to a water jet to prevent overheating, whilst the latter device is more akin to a table-top circular saw. Regardless of the cutting technique you choose.Wet wheel cutters and moveable head cutters are the two types of electric cutters available today. The former uses a rotating diamond sintered blade that is kept from overheating by a continual stream of water, whilst the later device is more akin to a table-top circular saw. The sheer size of the tiles puts more strain on your cutters than usual, regardless of the cutting method you use. Have extra blades or discs on hand in case the ones you're using wear out or lose their effectiveness so you won't get trapped working on a project.
Large notch trowel
In order for any form of tile installation to be successful, the glue underneath the tile needs to be adequately covered. While regions vulnerable to direct water should have a minimum coverage of 95%, most installations for dry areas should aim for around 85% coverage. You'll need to invest in a notched trowel to ensure the proper coverage levels; we suggest a 20mm "U-Notch" trowel like the one shown. It is possible to use square-notched trowels, however because the notch forms affect how easily the tile embeds in the thinset bed, it is simpler to move a tile into position on an adhesive bed with a u-notched trowel than a square-notched variation.
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