How to fit XL tiles

In this guide we talk you through the best method for fitting XL tiles to both wall and floor. If you’re yet to prep your substrate for tiling, read our useful preparation and cutting guides.

As with normal tiling, it is important that a solid bed of (appropriate) adhesive is used to ensure 80% adhesive contact is achieved with the tile. You should also back butter your XL tiles to ensure suitable contact. Due to the size of XL tiles, edges and corners can lift and move when pressure is applied to different areas of the tile as it embeds into the adhesive. To reduce the chance of lipping across the tiles and ensure an even finish, we’d recommend using a levelling system. Lastly, due the size of the tiles, a linear or staggered brick bond pattern is recommended to reduce the lippage across the tiles, even when using a levelling system.

Due to the size of XL tiles, there are a few fitting guidelines to follow when installing the tiles

• A full bed of adhesive should be applied to the substrate using a 10x20cm large format trowel
• When applying the adhesive, ensure all trowel lines run in the same direction and run in line with the tiles’ shortest edge where possible. This will ensure air can escape from behind the tile easily, maximising adhesive contact
• Using the serrated edge of a 4x4mm trowel, back butter the tiles with a layer of adhesive then, using a two-person lift, put the tile in position and firmly press the tile into the adhesive bed by twisting and sliding the tile to embed it correctly
• Once in position, gently tap the tile surface with a rubber mallet. This causes a slight vibration with the tile and aids the adhesive ridges to flatten allowing air to escape.

BAL’s Flex Fibre Plus is recommended for installing XL tiles on the floor, its fluid formulation and polymer modified consistency help ensure good adhesive contact is achieved.

BAL Rapid-Flex Fibre Plus is recommended for XL wall tiling as its fibre strand technology is formulated for excellent flexibility, strength and grab with an extended working time of 60 minutes.

For such large tiles, a 5mm grout width is recommended. This is because it helps alleviate substrate movement and stresses within the installation, helping protect the tiles.

For perimeter and movement joints, grout should not be used to fill these joints as it is not flexible enough. As larger tiles are more affected by movement you should use a movement joint where there is a joint in the sub-floor or change in the sub-floor type. You should also use them on heated floors where your tiled area exceeds 40m2 (with no one side exceeding 8m in length) and where your tiling exceeds 10x10m (with no side exceeding 10m in length).

Around the perimeter of the tiled area and internal corners and joints (where two adjoining walls meet or where a floor meets a wall) you should use a flexible joining material such as silicone sealant.