is large format tile difficult to install

5 years ago

I have a contractor who has done excellent work laying standard tile in a bathroom. I have 24x48 porcelain tile to be laid in two rooms. He says he’s never done it but thinks he can. I really like them. They are amazing to work with. But most tile people I talk to say they don’t do that kind of tile...too heavy, more specialized. I would love to give more work to these guys but I’m worried that it might be more difficult than they realize. Anyone have thoughts?

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PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

5 years ago

Even your plastic surgeon has a first customer. There's no reason a contientious contractor can't do a fine first job.

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Comments (6)

rwiegand
5 years ago
If you're going to be the first person on their learning curve you better get a really good price! Don't do it if you are a perfectionist, or close to it. There will probably be lippage issues. Big tiles are pretty hard to get right. I've done 18" square and they were 10X more difficult than 12" tiles. I will DIY almost anything, but 24x48 would scare me! Your floor prepration will have to be absolutely perfect.
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User
5 years ago
Your plastic surgeon serves a residency where he learns techniques under close supervision. He has assisted in many many procedures before being allowed to tackle a simple one as a surgeon of record. That’s a sound approach for any field. Learn theory from books and videos. Then start with the basics under direct supervision.
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
I would find out the installation options for the tile (tile companies now make 'installation guides' for different techniques) and then read them yourself. Once you have a 'bit' of a handle on the options out there, then take it to your tiler and say, "How would you feel about doing it this way? It will need to be a 1/3 off-set, the thinset must be 'xyz' from company 'abc'. The flatness rating must meet these requirements. How do you feel about that? Is that going to cause you to INCREASE your bid?"

A very nice conversation is probably worth it's weight in gold - for both of you. You also offer them the CHANCE to back-out of any bid they *might have made. And you offer them a way to step back and say, 'Thanks but no thanks'.
rwiegand
5 years ago
To be honest I've never seen anything home-related that wasn't a DIY job. Nothing in building or maintaining a house requires superhuman skills. Some things are impractical-- if you need a crane and a concrete pump, sure you can rent them, but it's easier to hire someone who has them (and the appropriate license to use them where required). Some things, like plastering, require a whole lot of practice to get really good at. Some have legal impediments in place to protect the trades, like plumbing in my state.

Big tile requires a big saw, great sub-floor prep, and ability to read and follow instructions. And, I'm sure a few tricks and hints that come with experience. None of that is unobtainable or undoable. I was just saying I wouldn't expect perfection on a first time job-- a competent tile setter who is willing to read up can, I'm sure, do an acceptable job for most folks.
Nev H1
5 years ago
Thanks everyone! Great advice!