A clever trick to use in small bathrooms is to lay your tiles in diagonal patterns, which tricks the eye into seeing the space as bigger than it really is.
One example of a good layout for large format tile in a small bathroom would be four tiles down the length of the bathroom and three across the width. Less than three tiles across the width can look awkward, especially if you need to cut any of these tiles down.
Do Set Tiles in a Diagonal Pattern. Here's another optical illusion that can work in your favor: Tiles set in a diagonal pattern across the floor can help a small bathroom be perceived as larger than its actual size. This layout places emphasis on the length and width simultaneously.
Consider Large Format Tile in Small Bathrooms
A large format tile is great for small spaces. The reason has to do with grout joints. The larger the tile, the fewer grout joints you'll have and the greater sense of spaciousness you'll feel.
Another great option is to go for a more modern design, such as using large format tiles (12"x24"). These tile sizes are easier to install and provide a sleek look. It works well in larger bathrooms but it does wonders in small bathrooms too.
However, with rectangular tiles, such as 12×24's, it's quite common to install them in an offset pattern. Why? I've talked before about why a 50% offset is a bad idea and why you want to install your 12×24 tiles with a 33% offset instead. It has to do with the tile warpage that a lot of these big 12×24 tiles have.
While larger tiles may cover more area than small tiles, they are harder to install, requiring two people to carry and a solid technical understanding of tiling. These challenges mean they are more time-consuming to lay, so your tiler may charge extra for them.
Large tiles can't flex over raised areas or dips in the subfloor like smaller tiles can. If the substrate is not perfectly level, using large tiles can result in lippage, which is when the edge of one tile is higher than an adjacent tile.
It's usually a good idea to avoid using very large tiles on your bathroom floor if the room is small. Large tiles can make the space seem smaller. However, in some instances, large tile is appropriate. Square or rectangular bathrooms can usually accommodate a light or neutral-colored large 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.
A chevron or herringbone pattern can make a room appear bigger, as the shapes move the eye along the surfaces. In this bathroom, the tiles lead the way along the floor and up the wall to make the space feel longer and taller. Similarly, a layout that creates diagonal lines can help the room to feel more spacious.
For instance, a diamond pattern creates the illusion of a bigger room than a checkerboard pattern. In a diamond orientation, the widest section of each tile faces the entrance. This prevents you from measuring the space in terms of tiles across or tiles down.
GROUT JOINT SIZE FOR LARGE AND HEAVY TILE
Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation. The difference is not really noticeable visually, but can make a big difference to the quality of the installation.
Proper Offset
For large format tile, it is important to use a 1/3 (33%) offset opposed to the more traditional 1/2 “brick” pattern. The 1/3 offset helps to prevent lippage and cracking, while still creating a beautiful end result.
Plan Tile Layout
Laying out tile before you set them in place saves time and money. You'll know whether you have enough material to complete the job, which reduces the number of cuts needed to create the pattern you want. Begin laying tile in the center of the room and work your way out.
Large format tiles are also more prone to cracking than smaller tiles. Because they are larger and heavier, they can be more difficult to handle and install. This means that if they are not installed properly, they can crack or become damaged over time.
One of the main disadvantages of large format wall tiles are that when used in the wrong space, they can make rooms seem smaller.
Tile Sizes & Shapes
The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger.
Porcelain is harder than ceramic, but it's also more brittle. Its hardness makes it more difficult for a DIYer to work with, as they'll need a specialized tile cutter to cut porcelain to shape. This means porcelain tile installation is typically a job left to professionals.
Large-format tiles sometimes cost less to buy and install. Sometimes materials that replicate natural stone can be cheaper when and if it takes fewer individual tiles to cover more floor or wall space. Remember, though; it takes a trained professional with the best tools to measure precisely enough not to waste tile.
Although not necessary for tile coverage, back buttering can be effective by increasing the bond of the mortar to the back of the tile which is an excellent benefit.
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. I already went over why extra large tile is harder to install.
Lippage can be significant when tile with warpage issues is installed at a 50% offset. The outcome is aesthetically unsightly and unsafe for pedestrians. Warpage or bowing can take place during the manufacturing of fired tile products like ceramic and porcelain tile.