How to prepare your surfaces for XL tile installation

Extra-large tiles, otherwise known as XL tiles, are classed as tiles larger than 60cm on any side. Due to their size, they weigh a lot heavier than regular tiles and therefore require specific fixing advice.

The first step in ensuring your XL tile project goes to plan is the preparation of your substrate. Larger tiles are more susceptible to the effects of deflection (bowing) and vibration from the substrate therefore taking the time to ensure your substrate is properly prepared is essential.

Tiling XL tiles onto walls

Due to the weight of the tiles, consider the type of wall you are tiling XL tiles onto. The surface should be sufficiently flat and able to support the weight of not only the tiles, but also the adhesive and grout used.

Tiling XL tiles onto floors

For floors, the use of a decoupling or uncoupling matting system is highly recommended, this will help reduce the amount of lateral movement in the substrate, protecting the tiles from debonding or cracking from the stresses and movement from the substrate.

Ideal products to use

Durabase C++ – a waterproof and crack resistant membrane, ideal for areas subject to contact with water.

BAL Rapidmat – only 1mm thick, this lightweight and easy to install matting system reduces the amount of adhesive required (compared to other matting systems).

wedi Building Boards or Hardibacker Cement Boards – ideal substrates for XL tiles as they provide a robust and rigid substrate with a flat surface. Your surface must be structurally sound before fixing these boards.

Lifting XL tiles

As XL tiles are so big, they are awkward to lift safely. We’d therefore recommend investing in lifting apparatus when handling and moving these tiles.

Suction cup

Smooth surfaces can be slippery as well as heavy therefore a suction cup is recommended when handling XL tiles. Ensure you look at the max weight of the individual cup before purchasing.

The Raimondi suction cups feature a unique triple-lip rubber pad which enables them to lift both smooth and textured surfaces.

• DEX Suction Cup – max 25kg
• Raimondi Medusa Single Cup – max 30kg
• Raimondi Medusa Double Cup – max 57kg
• Raimondi Medusa Triple Cup – max 74kg

Transport systems

For rough or uneven surfaced tiles, a transport system offers a stable and rigid support for the tile, reducing the risk of damages during handling. We’d recommend the following transport systems:

• RUBI Slim Easy Trans Plus System
• Sigma Kera-Lift System

For advice on cutting and/or drilling XL tiles, read our handy cutting guide. Alternatively, if you’re ready to fit your tiles, read our fixing guide.