Large-format ceramic tile installation: trends, adhesives and recommended boradas

The trend for large-format ceramic tiles

The trend of large format ceramic tile installation has been gaining popularity in the construction and decoration sector over the last few decades. This style, as its name suggests, is characterised by the use of tiles of considerable dimensions, generally larger than 60×60 cm. A trend that has emerged in response to the search for a more contemporary and minimalist design in interiors and exteriors. Large format tiles create a more uniform and cleaner appearance in spaces, with fewer visible joints, contributing to a sense of spaciousness and visual continuity. In addition, their use on floors and walls reduces the number of cuts and joints, making them easier to clean and maintain.

Advances in the production of larger tiles have led to more homogeneous and durable surfaces, with a variety of finishes ranging from matte to glossy. This manufacturing technology has transformed the aesthetics of modern spaces, and it is increasingly common to find bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial areas adorned with large format tiles, creating a sophisticated ambience.

Difficulties in laying large-format porcelain tiles

The installation of large format porcelain tiles presents a number of technical and logistical challenges for installers and designers. One of the main problems is the handling of large tiles, which can be heavy and difficult to transport and handle during installation. This requires specialised equipment and a careful approach to avoid damage during the laying process. In addition, due to their size, large format tiles may require specially prepared and levelled supporting surfaces to ensure a proper and durable installation.

Another significant challenge when working with large format tiles is the risk of tiles cracking or breaking due to stresses during handling or installation. Careful layout planning and the choice of appropriate adhesives and installation techniques are important to minimise this risk. In addition, expansion joints and precise cuts are more difficult to make in large format tiles, requiring advanced skills and experience on the part of professionals to achieve results.

Steps to follow for the laying of large format tiles

The proper installation of large format tiles requires a series of simple steps to ensure a successful installation, regardless of their size and porosity (tile type), allowing for a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing finish in any space.

#Surface preparation:

• Make sure the base is level, clean and dry.
• Remove any residues, such as dust, grease or previous adhesive residues.
• Check that the surface is strong enough to support the weight of the large tiles.

#Application of adhesive:

• It uses a high quality adhesive specifically for large format tiles.
• Apply the adhesive evenly to the surface.
• Work in manageable areas to prevent the adhesive from drying out before laying the tiles.

#Laying of the tiles:

• Place each tile carefully and accurately on the fresh adhesive.
• Use measuring tools to ensure that the tiles are aligned and levelled correctly, maintaining even spacing.

#Application of gasket material:

• Once the tiles are in place and the adhesive is dry, apply jointing material, grout or grout.
• Make sure to completely fill the joints between the tiles to obtain a solid surface.
• Carefully wipe off any excess jointing material to avoid staining and to achieve a clean finish.

Molins Construction Solutions recommendations for large-format ceramic tile installation

The ceramic industry has evolved over time with solutions such as large format ceramics. Offering impeccable aesthetics and contemporary design, as we mentioned, however, their size and weight present particular challenges in their placement.

In this sense, the Spanish standard UNE 138002 has been established to provide specific guidelines on the correct installation of ceramic tiles. This technical document is a response to the sector’s need to establish quality criteria and good practices in tile installation. The standards established in this standard guarantee correct adhesion, levelling and alignment of the pieces, which translates into long-lasting installations.

Molins Construction Solutions, a renowned manufacturer of construction materials, shares this vision of how large format ceramics require special attention due to their characteristics. On the one hand, it is essential that the substrates are well levelled and free of residues before laying. And on the other hand, it is crucial to use high-performance adhesives to ensure proper adhesion.

The double bonding technique, in which the adhesive is applied to both the substrate and the tile, is another element to take into account if the consistency is not fluid, as it is essential and must be complied with in order to guarantee a correct tile installation and achieve optimum results.

The grouting process is the final aesthetic step of great importance for the durability of the ceramic tile installation. Correct grouting protects the edges of the ceramic tiles and prevents the infiltration of water and other liquids. In addition, its technical function is to act as an element that absorbs tensions between pieces, thus reducing the risk of breakage or detachment.

A badly laid tile or poor grouting can lead to problems such as detachments, leaks or the appearance of pathologies on the tile surface.

The best adhesives and floats from Molins Construction Solutions

The range of adhesives and ceramic tile installation by Molins Constructions Solutions has a wide variety of solutions and products for indoor and outdoor use, allowing ceramic tile installation with or without absorption, on all types of surfaces and coatings: cement or concrete floors, underfloor heating, natural and artificial stone, cement block, brick, fresh mortar or even gypsum, plasterboard and anhydrite substrates, among many other applications. In addition, there is an innovative ecological line with no dust and maximum workability, ideal for large format ceramics.

Among the outstanding adhesives are PAM® ECOGEL FLEX and PAM® ECOGEL SUPERFLEX, highly flexible cementitious adhesives in gel consistency, dust-free, fibre-free, with high resin content, long open time and slip-resistant, applicable in flowable or thixotropic consistency, for fixing all types of tiles, including large format tiles and ceramic sheets, absorbent and non-absorbent, on interior and exterior walls and floors.

In addition, Molins Construction Solutions has a variety of grouts for joints, such as BORADA® CHROMA, which with a 3 kg format can make fewer joints when laying large format ceramics, has greater durability and is a grout mortar specially formulated with special cements, aggregates of selected granulometry, organic and inorganic additives and stable mineral pigments of great workability, durability and resistance. Or BORADA® EPOLUXE which is a two-component product based on selected silica sands, special additives and reactive resins, which hardens by chemical reaction without loss of volume. It can be used as an adhesive for watertight or anti-acid joints.

Likewise, BORADA® PORCELÁNICA, which is a special mortar based on cement, aggregates of selected granulometry, resins, organic additives and stable mineral pigments for any type of flooring or cladding, both interior and exterior.

Featured Products:

Would you like to receive more information?

Complete this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible 🙂