How To Install Large Format Porcelain Tiles

Larger formats porcelain tiles can measure a whopping 3m in length and require specialist skills, equipment and products to ensure that the installation is carried out to the highest quality. This guide shares with you our expert tips to install large format porcelain tiles onto wall and floor space.

Products required:

• Mapei Ultralite adhesive
• Mapei Kerapoxy Design CG2 grout
• Mapesil AC

Tools & accessories required:

• 4mm notched trowel & larger notched trowel
• Straight edge
• Plumb line
• Lifting frame
• Mixing bucket
• Mechanical stirrer
• Hard rubber float
• Tile wedges
• Clean cloth

Why use Mapei?

Mapei is a global leader in innovation and technology within the construction industry, who work closely with the manufacturers of tile to move swiftly with trends. Mapei’s Ultralite range of adhesives work in unison with large format porcelain tiles, giving an expert finish and unrivaled staying power once installed.

The Ultralite S2, which we use in our how-to video, has a built in handle at the top of the packaging and weighs only 15kg, making transportation from vehicle to room fuss-free and comfortable.

The pot life of 8hrs allows for full bag mixes to be carried out without waste and boasts a 30 minute open time, allowing ample time for application to the reverse of the tile and substrate without the product skinning over.

While lightweight adhesives may be more expensive standard adhesives, they contain a higher volume of product. In the photo above, we can see that the scales show the same weight, but the volume of powder is far greater in the lightweight material than that of a standard adhesive. What’s more, lightweight adhesives can give up to 80% higher yield than its standard counterpart.

Preparing to install large format porcelain tiles

Preparing the tiles

When the tiles are ordered, careful consideration must be given to the delivery of the materials and how these are transferred from vehicle to install. The 2.4m x 1.2m tiles only measure 6mm in thickness, and therefore, until they are firmly embedded into the Mapei adhesive, they remain fragile materials. A lifting frame system should be used when moving these tiles to ensure that they remain stable and flat.

Before applying the lifting frame system, the tile’s surface must be cleaned of any dust and temporary protective layers should be removed. Any contamination to the surface of the tile can impair the suction action of the lifting frame. When applying the frame, ensure that all suction cups are stuck to the tile surface before lifting.

Cutting your porcelain tile

The tiles should be transferred from the palette or crate they are transported on to a stable base for cutting. Transfer the measurements to the tile surface; straight cuts can be carried out using score and snap tools and techniques.

It is important to ensure that equal pressure is used throughout the score from one end of the tile to the other. When installing the cut, the same method of application should be used for the combing of the adhesive on the substrate and the reverse of the tile.

The key to success with the installation of large format porcelain tiles is in the preparation. The background must be stable, clean, dry and not deviate from plumb, level or flatness. This can be checked with a straight edge; at no point should the straight edge deviate from the substrate by more than 3mm over a 2m span.

Once the straightening out has been completed, a plumb line should be established. Using a plumb line is useful when installing any type or size of tile, but is imperative when installing a tile of this size.

Preparing the adhesive

When mixing the Ultralite adhesives, water volumes used are always greater than when using standard adhesives. It is important to refer to the instructions on the packaging to ensure the correct level of water is achieved.

Pour the adhesive into the bucket containing the correct water level and mix with a mechanical stirrer. A smooth, lump-free paste consistency should be achieved.

The adhesive should be mixed over a 2-3 minute period, left to slake for 2 minutes, and then remixed. This will allow the high level of polymer to wet out and achieve the ideal blend.

Installing large format porcelain tiles

The Ultralite adhesive should be backcombed onto the reverse of the tile using a 4mm notched trowel. All ribs of the adhesive should run in the same direction and be parallel with the shortest length.

A larger notch size trowel should be used to apply the adhesive to the substrate. The adhesive should be applied with the ribs running in the same direction as those running on the reverse of the tile.

Once the adhesive has been applied to both surfaces, the tile can be lifted into place with the lifting frame. Tile wedges can be used at the bottom edge of the tile, leaving a gap to allow the movement in substrates.

Once the tile is pushed back to a secure point, the tile should be checked for plumb. The lifting frame can then be released from the tile surface, and the tile fully compacted into place, removing air and collapsing ribs to achieve a solid bed using a hard rubber float. Level wedges can be used and placed every 300mm down the edge of the tile.

When the tiles have been compacted onto the adhesive, the tile levelers can be used to ensure the tiles are flush at the joints. When the adhesive is set, the tile levelers can be snapped off using a rubber mallet, but care must be taken to ensure there is no damage to the tile.

When fitting the floor tile, it is imperative that 100% contact is made between adhesive on the substrate and the reverse of the tile. The lifting frame assists on keeping the tile flat when lowering into place. The adhesive should be applied to the reverse of the tile using a 4mm notch and to the substrate using a larger notch trowel. Slide the tile in the adhesive to ensure the ribs are compact, remove the lifting frame, clean the surface of the tile and the joints, removing any adhesive.

Grouting

Once tiled, the grout can be applied. Check with the supplier for sealing requirements before grouting - a minimum CG2 grout should be used.

In this instance, we have used Mapei Kerapoxy Design to fill the grout joints. Any movement joints should be finished with a flexible product, such as Mapesil AC. Mapesil AC is available in over 40 colours and as such, will match your contrast with the shade of tile or grout as required. Mapei Ultralite adhesives, grout and silicones give the perfect finish to your tile install.

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The key to install large format porcelain tiles is precision; ensuring that tiles and surfaces are straight is vital, whilst expert products from the Mapei range provide expert strength and a perfect finish. Head over to our YouTube channel to browse more how-to videos, or contact our team for expert advice.