Obviously when a floor is so vast, like restaurants, lobbies and hospitals, small and medium size tiles are not appropriate, and it is highly suggested to use large format. The installation is also important. The purpose of this manual is to outline the solutions that MAPEI has available for installing this kind of material on interior and exterior walls and floors, as well as to provide a number of helpful tips on the best installation techniques for big format porcelain tiles. Manufacturers of ceramic tiles have increased their selection of large format tiles during the past few years. They are now recommending configurations that can achieve diameters of up to 1.6 m × 3.2 m and thicknesses ranging from 5 mm up to 12 mm, in addition to the 3 and 5 mm thick 3 m x 1 m formats. Mapei has consistently partnered with top suppliers of large format tiles and has evolved to keep up with these new products by creating new products that are appropriate for installing these kinds of materials. Because porcelain often has a very large format and a very low absorption rate, it is crucial to choose the best installation technique for this kind of tile with great care and precision. The longevity and functionality of slim porcelain, like that of any floor and wall dressing, are largely dependent on precise design parameters, suitable substrate preparation, and proper installation techniques using adhesives, grouting mortars, and joint sealants that have been selected based on the type of dressing material and its intended area of use. 
Large Format Floor Tiles
One of the most used tile types, especially on vast floor is large format tiles. They are available in a variety of hues and patterns, making them appropriate for a range of design sensibilities. Square or rectangular tiles greater than 12x12 are referred to as large format tile. This includes popular wood effect porcelain planks in sizes like 6x24 and 6x36. Because of their size and durability, fewer of them are required per area, which means fewer grout lines, which makes cleaning and maintenance simple. Large format tiles can assist visually enlarge your space and give it a coherent sense for flooring, accent walls, shower and tub surrounds, worktops, backsplashes, and kitchen islands. Although the durability, ease of cleaning, and variety of colors and designs of big format tiles make them appealing, it is necessary to address installation because these tiles need particular care to ensure a professional finish.
- Large Format Tiles Must Be Supported Properly
Large format tiles are undoubtedly heavier than tiny ones. But many people are unaware that heavier tiles need a stronger base even though the floor's overall weight stays the same. Additionally, when using smaller tiles, installers may be able to conceal uneven floors; but, when using bigger format tiles, this becomes more difficult. A high spot in the flooring may cause the tiles to slant, posing a tripping risk and being unsightly. For a horizontal and vertical installation of 10 feet, it is advised that the variation not be greater than 1/8 of an inch. To prevent gravity from pulling big format tiles out of place during installation on a vertical surface, it is crucial to support the tiles as the mortar sets.
- Planning the Layout
It's crucial to arrange the tiles before installation. It aids in choosing a pattern that complements the space the best. Traditional brick patterns, herringbone, straight joint, chevrons, cobblestone, basket weave, and circular rectangle patterns are just a few of the unique designs that may be created using large format tiles. It is crucial to employ a 1/3 offset pattern, as illustrated in the figure below, rather than the typical 1/2 offset pattern frequently utilized for smaller tiles, especially for plank-sized tiles like our Capella Birch Porcelain Tile (above). This improves the final appearance and helps to avoid lippage and cracking. 
- Choosing Grout
The grout color should be chosen with just as much care as the tiles themselves, as is the case with all tile floors. It is essential to follow the recommended grout line widths, recommended patterns, and all installation instructions when installing big format tiles and planks. For all rectangular MSI tiles, a minimum of a 1/3 or more off set with a 1/8 grout joint size and a 3/16 grout joint size for non rectified tiles are advised. Use grout that is as near to the tile color as you can if you want the room to have a more seamless flow. This gives the appearance of being more continuous and aids in making the space appear larger, bringing out the beauty of the tiles. Focus Graphite Porcelain Tile has a matte finish for a modern appearance and is ideal for a 1/3 staggered offset pattern when combined with a lighter colored grout. This develops a striking linear pattern and aids in emphasizing the floor. Choose a grout color that is closer to the tile's color, or perhaps one that is even just a touch darker to provide subtle dimension, to create a more seamless appearance. Salvage Red Porcelain Tile, which comes in 6x40 planks, is a terrific option if you adore the appearance of reclaimed wood but are concerned about its durability and maintenance needs. When put in a 1/3 offset pattern, planks with these dimensions are ideal for producing a classic wood-look floor. For added aesthetic appeal, they can also be put in a herringbone or chevron pattern. It is strongly advised that you set out many patterns in the space to find the style that works best there.
- Safeguarding Against Cracking with Proper Mortar
It is essential to utilize mortars or thin-sets designed specifically to support the larger tiles due to the weight and size of large format tiles. For any installation, vertical or horizontal, this is crucial. Medium-bed mortars and polymer-modified mortars assist tiles adhere to walls more effectively and shrink less, preventing movement and cracking. In order to aid avoid lippage and slumping into the mortar bed, medium-bed mortars are frequently utilized for flooring. It's vital to keep in mind that this kind of mortar is more challenging to work with, and adding more water would make it less capable of supporting the tiles. More specifically built mortars are created to withstand the weight of the increasing number of large format tiles that are sold on the market. 
Microspheres are an ingredient in some of the latest formulations that assist keep tiles level and plumb. Discuss the various mortar kinds when buying tile to get a stunning finish that will withstand years of use. If large format tiles are not laid as advised, cracking is another issue. The cause is frequently mortar shrinkage and uneven surfaces. Crack isolation membranes, which are attached directly to the substrate, aid in preventing this issue. Large format tiles may need special care during installation, but they are worth the extra planning and installation time due to their beauty, longevity, and minimal maintenance requirements. To alter floors, backsplashes, showers and tubs, and to make attractive accent walls, look through our porcelain collection, which includes our big format tiles, for ideas. Both while handling the tiles while they are still wrapped in their packaging and throughout any cutting, drilling, and installation activities, handling large format tiles should be done with extreme caution and should be done by at least two people using specialized tools and equipment. Large format tiles must be handled and lifted appropriately because they are easily bent and even broken if not. Always check ahead of time to make sure there is enough room and space on site to move the tiles effortlessly due to their enormous size. To minimize the distance you have to transport the tiles, it is advised to bring the boxes and crates containing them as close as you can to the installation area. Once the tiles have been unwrapped, they must be carefully positioned by setting the long side of the tiles on the ground at a 30-degree angle to the support. To prevent breaking or chipping the tiles while handling, pay close attention to the corners. 
Large Format Tiles Installation
Although it is suggested to hire a tile installer for large format tiles, installation of them is not impossible for people. Here are the instructions and methods to do so. We advise using the double-buttering approach to apply adhesive when installing large format tiles, which involves doing it on both the substrate and the tile's back. A tile can be easily stood up on a trolley to make applying the glue to the tile's back simpler. Make sure the tile's back is clean and free of any ceramic or magnesium dust before applying the adhesive. If necessary, use a damp sponge dipped in a solution of water and an acidic detergent to clean the tile's back. The type of substrate material must be taken into consideration when selecting the spreader to utilize while applying the glue. To apply adhesive to the substrate, it is advised to use a spreader with sloping notches; however, the spreader used to apply adhesive to the back of the tile should have smaller notches so that nearly the entire surface is coated with adhesive. We advise using a spreader with 3 mm pitch square notches to apply and spread the glue over the tile's back. To minimize the distance traveled by the air being pushed out, the adhesive must be applied in straight lines parallel to the short side of the tile. On the other hand, depending on how flat the substrate is, it is advised to use a spreader with sloping notches with a pitch of at least 10 mm when applying glue to it. Using a spreader with sloping notches forces the adhesive trails between the notches to fold over one other, filling in all the spaces and minimizing the chance of air bubbles being entrained in the adhesive bed. 
The adhesive must then be spread on the substrate in a straight line in the same direction as the adhesive applied to the back of the tile after first applying a thin layer to remove any dust from the substrate. To make handling the tiles simpler and safer, it is advised to utilize runners and cross-members or a frame with suction cups after applying the glue using the double-buttering technique. Never lay the tile with the adhesive ribs crossing each other. Instead, place the adhesive ribs parallel to each other on the substrate and the back of the slab to help push the air out. Use a vibro-plate to go over the tile's surface or tap the surface with a specific anti-bounce float made of rubber to make sure the tile is thoroughly bonded and that all the air has been released. To make sure that all of the air under the tile is forced out, we advise tapping the tile starting in the middle and moving outwards parallel to the short side, just like the adhesive ribs. Particularly when installing internal floor tiles, where gaps could cause the tiles to be shattered if subjected to concentrated stresses, any air bubbles that form could indicate a weak point for the fitted tiles. Gaps could allow water to gather in the case of tiles fitted externally. This could result in the tile coming loose as a result of strains brought on by water that freezes and thaws underneath the tile during the winter or by pressure produced by water vapor during the summer. This is why meticulously performing the procedures of double-buttering and tapping the tile down are crucial. Both floor and wall tiles can be installed using the same method. The design engineer must determine whether additional mechanical safety fasteners are necessary before putting tiles on facades. 
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