A small 3x6” tile can be set with a 1/16” or 1/8” line, while a mid-size tile like 6x12” or 13x13” would be better with an 1/8” grout line. A large tile, such as 12x24”, usually requires a 3/16” grout line, so it's best to check the manufacturer's recommendations to see how small you can go.
Straight Horizontal Layout
But with a rectangular 12x24 tile like Graphite Focus Porcelain, you still have to decide which direction you want to take. Laying this mid-tone gray tile flooring in a horizontal straight pattern gives the illusion that your space is wider than it really is.
What size tile spacers should I use? Mostly, the choice of tile spacer is down to personal preference and how big you would like the grout joints to be, however, there are British Standards to consider. It is recommended that wall tile spacers should be between 2mm–3mm and floor tile spacers should be between 3mm-5mm.
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.
Generally, it is recommended to choose tiles that are 4" or smaller for small bathrooms because it's easier to contour around fixtures and appears visually proportioned in a smaller space. Another great option is to go for a more modern design, such as using large format tiles (12"x24").
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.
Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16" to 3/16". However, the actual finished grout spacing will vary from 1/8" to 1/4" if 3/16" spacers are used. If smaller spacers, like 1/8", are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.
Proper Offset
Laying out your large format tile prior to installation is important. It can help determine the pattern that best suites your project. For large format tile, it is important to use a 1/3 (33%) offset opposed to the more traditional 1/2 “brick” pattern.
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.
A tile spacer is the only way to get a truly professional finish on your project. Without tile spacers, your project will look amateurish, with uneven gaps and crooked tiles.
Spacing your tiles an extra mm apart can often save the majority of small cuts (across the total length of a wall/floor this can make a big difference!). It is not recommended to go below 2mm for wall tiles and 3mm for floor tiles due to the requirement of stress relief.
The common practice is a gap of 2mm or 3mm for wall tiles and between 3mm and 5mm for floor tiles, however it is important to follow the standards within the BS 5385-1 which outline the sizes required depending on the tiles being used and the substrate.
Double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangular shaped tiles with each other. This pattern is not commonly installed because it can be a difficult layout to perfect.
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.
It is something that should be addressed prior to installation by designing a pattern that will allow for that size / shape tile. Instead of a 50% stagger, manufacturers recommend these tiles should be designed with patterns that do not exceed a 33% stagger.
Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is considered by many in the industry to be a superior choice for any kind of tile project. Epoxy grout is durable, doesn't need to be sealed, is stain and chemical resistant, and can withstand high traffic and moist areas.
One of the primary drawbacks of large format tiles is that they require skilled professionals for installation. Because these tiles are larger and heavier than standard tiles, they can be difficult to handle and install. This means that installation costs can be higher than with smaller tiles.
Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it's not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.
The manufacture specifies 3/16 of an inch for grout spacing.
When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.
Misconception #2: “Large format panels are more fragile and therefore, more likely to crack.” In reality: With proper installation, tiles that are larger in size are no more likely to crack than their smaller relatives.
As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that's the easiest to install.