Large-format tile installation across San Diego County
Large-format tile is the most demanding floor tile scope in the home. A 24-by-48 or 48-by-48 porcelain slab shows every subfloor imperfection as visible lippage at the tile edges, and once it is grouted you cannot fix it. We connect San Diego homeowners with insured local tile setters who do the subfloor work first, use lippage clips during setting, and produce minimum-joint finishes that look right.
What's included in this service?
- Check the subfloor or slab to the ANSI flatness standard for the tile size being set (1/8-inch variation in 10 feet for large-format tile)
- Apply self-leveling compound across low spots and let it cure before any tile is set
- Back-butter each large-format tile for 95% or better mortar coverage, which is required by ANSI A108 for tiles over 15 inches
- Use lippage control clips and wedges during setting to hold tile edges level while the mortar cures
- Set with medium-bed mortar formulated for large tile to prevent slumping of heavy porcelain slabs
- Apply epoxy grout at minimum-joint widths for a consistent finished surface with maximum stain resistance
When do you need this service?
- You want a 24-by-24 or larger format tile in a bathroom, living area, or open-plan kitchen and need a setter who handles these correctly
- A previous large-format tile installation has visible lippage at the edges that you want corrected by removing and resetting the tile
- Your existing floor has been prepared with leveling compound by a contractor and you need a tile setter to come in and set the tile
- You are installing continuous large-format tile from an indoor space out to a covered patio and need coordination on the transition
- You want the clean, minimal-grout-line look of large-format tile and want to know whether your existing subfloor can support it
What do homeowners ask about Large-Format Tile?
What makes large-format tile installation different from standard tile?
Large-format tile (24 inches and larger in any dimension) requires a flatter substrate than standard tile because a small dip in the floor creates a visible height difference between adjacent tile edges. The setter needs to level the slab first, apply medium-bed mortar with full back-buttering, and use lippage control clips during setting. It takes more prep time and more skill than setting standard 12-by-12 tile on the same floor.
What is lippage and how is it controlled?
Lippage is the height difference between the edges of two adjacent tiles. It shows as a visible ridge underfoot and is more noticeable with large-format tile because of the span between joints. Lippage is controlled by leveling the substrate before setting, using a flat mortar bed, and placing lippage control clips between tile edges during setting. The clips are removed after the mortar cures, leaving aligned edges.
Can large-format tile be installed over an existing floor?
Sometimes. Tile-over-tile works for large-format porcelain when the existing floor is flat, firmly bonded, and the added height clears doorways and transitions. But most existing tile floors in San Diego homes do not meet the flatness standard for large-format tile set on top, meaning the additional leveling compound would add too much height. Your setter checks and advises at the estimate.
Why does large-format tile installation cost more per square foot?
Large-format tile takes more time per square foot because of the flatness prep, the back-buttering requirement, and the lippage clip system. Medium-bed mortar costs more than standard thin-set. Epoxy grout at minimum-joint widths is more labor-intensive than cement grout at standard widths. And the tile itself is more expensive per square foot than standard ceramic or porcelain in smaller formats.
What grout is used for large-format tile?
Most large-format tile installations with minimum-joint widths (1/16 to 1/8 inch) use epoxy grout. Epoxy is harder, more stain-resistant, and does not require sealing, which makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas. For installations with slightly wider joints, a cement grout can also be used. Your setter recommends grout based on the joint width and the use of the space.
Where do we offer Large-Format Tile in San Diego County?
We provide large-format tile in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See large-format tile in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Our shower was leaking behind the wall for who knows how long. The crew they matched us with pulled everything, installed a proper membrane, and set the new tile perfectly. Looks incredible and no more moisture issues.
Had them redo our kitchen and entryway floors with large-format porcelain. The leveling work on our slab was done right and the lippage is basically zero. Very happy with the finished result.
Kitchen backsplash from counter to upper cabinets in a herringbone pattern. Clean cuts around the outlets and the grout lines are perfectly even. One day in and out.
Need large-format tile in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.