The bigger the tile, the more the tile will feel the effects of deflection in the subfloor, and as a result the stronger the subfloor should be in order to use large format tile. As for the thicker tile being less prone to cracking, yes, you're correct.
You should make sure that an anti-fracture membrane has been laid between your tile and the subfloor. Anti-fracture membranes are designed to absorb any cracking energy and disperse it across a larger area of the floors. This keeps all that pressure off of a single tile and prevents cracking.
MSI admits that cracking can be an issue for large format tile but that can be alleviated with an understanding of how cracking can occur. According to MSI: Cracking is a concern when not installed as recommended. Shrinkage of the mortar and uneven surfaces are often the cause.
So, are bigger tiles harder to lay? Actually, bigger tiles are easier to lay compared to their smaller counterparts. Bigger tiles typically measure 12 x 12 inches. However, there are times when that measurement may range up to 24 x 24 inches depending on where the tiles are to be installed.
Porcelain Tile.
Made by firing finely ground clays and minerals at extremely high temperatures, is harder and denser than ceramic. Porcelain is better at resisting water and stains and is often used outdoors as it won't crack in cold temperatures.
If there is a vibration in a floor there is a moving deflection in its flatness; the larger the tile, the greater the chance of cracking grout or the tile itself.
A larger tile means less interruption of the flooring surface, which makes the floor look more streamlined and open. They also tend to have more movement and colour variations, making them more consistent than smaller tiles.
But large-format tile also has its installation challenges. Working with large-format stone requires tighter tolerances in the substrate. In addition, its weight makes it harder to handle in both floor and wall applications. View our latest article on large-format tile!
One way to save on tile installation is to buy the cheapest material, but there are other ways to save without compromising quality. Use bigger tiles. Larger tiles cost less to install than smaller tiles since there is less labor involved.
Installing 12×24 tile can be a little tricky compared to smaller tiles, but with a little planning, and a few tricks up your sleeve, this can be a great DIY project even if you don't have a ton of tiling experience. 12 x 24 tile is everywhere lately.
A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands.
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
Cracked tiles are usually the result of other underlying issues, mostly likely incorrect installation. However, it could also be due to extreme temperature changes, cracks in the substrate (or surface the tile is laid on), supporting too much weight or something as simple as a heavy item being dropped on them.
An uncoupling membrane can allow for a degree of flex between the subfloor and the floor covering, which is often enough to avoid damage. Finally, tile floors installed over a concrete subfloor are the most susceptible to cracking because the concrete itself is prone to cracking, the GeeksOnHome article states.
The cracks in the screed are normally the result of a poorly designed floor screed (ie badly coordinated movement joints) or failure to properly commission the heating system before the tiles are laid.”
One consideration when purchasing large-format tiles is that installation could be more costly than for traditional tiles. This is because of sheer size, which means that special care must be taken during transporting to ensure minimal breakage.
Generally, it is easier to install large tile. Large Format Tile that is around 1′ square, 1'x2′, or 5″x36″ in size is usually faster and easier to install than small tile and extra large tile.
Large tiles often have a higher labour rate cost, because even though a smaller number of overall tiles need to be laid, there is less tolerance for error during the laying process – therefore requiring greater skill and care – compared to laying a larger number of small tiles.
Making sure you use the right one correctly for your large format installation is essential. Heavy, large format tiles used on wall applications are best installed using non-sag adhesives. TCNA recommends medium bed mortars for large format floor installs. TCNA also recommends full coverage on the back of the tile.
Larger Tiles Make Small Rooms Appear Bigger
Because grout lines are thinner and fewer as part of the layout, smaller rooms appear bigger when using larger tiles. Large-format tiles make floors look more streamlined – therefore, creating the illusion of more space.
Larger tiles will trick the eye and make a room look bigger,rather than smaller. The main reason for this is that larger tiles reduce the 'busy' factor, whereas smaller tiles, such as mosaics (with comparatively more grout lines), will increase how busy the design looks.
Large tiles are proportionate to a large room, and they can make a small room feel bigger. However, tiles larger than 18 to 24 inches may overwhelm a small space, like a bathroom or mudroom.
An uneven floor or wall surface can lead to several problems in a tile job. Tiles may crack, pop loose or "lip" -- a condition that occurs when the corners or edges of some tiles stick up higher than those around them.
The material might crack because of a sharp blow, heavy load, spaced joists, control joint installation, problems with the concrete substrate, wrong use of adhesive, and low-quality tile.