Installing Large-Format Tile in a Bathroom: A Complete Guide from Experts

A large-format tile bathroom: a space of luxury and comfort

A bathroom is a special place in every home. It is where we start and end the day, where we look for relaxation and recovery. That is why finishing a bathroom deserves special attention, and large-format tile is the ideal solution for creating a space that impresses with its beauty and functionality.

M-STONE specialises in installing large-format tile, porcelain stoneware and natural stone in bathrooms in Kyiv and Ukraine. Our craftsmen create real masterpieces: bathrooms that resemble luxurious spas and five-star hotels.

Why is large-format tile ideal for a bathroom?

Hygiene comes first

A bathroom is an area of high humidity where bacteria and fungus find a favourable environment to multiply. Traditional small tile with numerous joints creates tens of metres of grout that darkens over time, absorbs dirt and becomes a source of mould.

Large-format tile changes the situation radically

• A 120×240 cm slab covers almost 3 m² with a single surface
• Instead of hundreds of joints, only a few minimal ones
• Epoxy grout is completely waterproof
• A smooth surface does not hold dirt and bacteria

The result: the bathroom stays clean and hygienic much longer, and cleaning takes just minutes.

Visual enlargement of the space

Most bathrooms in apartment buildings have a limited area, from 3 to 8 m². Large-format tile visually enlarges the space thanks to:

A minimum of joints Joints visually “chop up” the surface, making the room smaller. Large slabs create a monolithic effect.

A continuous pattern The veins of marble or travertine are not interrupted by joints, imitating a solid stone surface.

Reflection of light The polished or lappato surface of large slabs reflects light better, making the room lighter and more spacious.

Vertical orientation Rectangular slabs laid vertically visually raise the ceiling.

Premium-class aesthetics

Large-format tile turns an ordinary bathroom into a real spa space:

Imitation of natural stone Modern porcelain stoneware reproduces the texture of Calacatta, Statuario and Carrara marble, travertine and onyx perfectly. Large format makes the imitation as realistic as possible.

The book-match effect Mirrored laying of two slabs creates a symmetrical pattern characteristic of luxurious interiors.

A single style The same tile on the floor and walls creates a whole harmonious space without unnecessary transitions.

Practicality and durability

Moisture resistance Porcelain stoneware has water absorption of less than 0.05%: moisture simply does not penetrate the material.

Resistance to chemicals Cleaning products, bleaches, descalers: porcelain stoneware withstands everything without damage.

Heat resistance Hot water, steam, temperature swings: the tile does not react to thermal loads.

Wear resistance With correct use the surface lasts for decades without losing its look.

Choosing large-format tile for a bathroom

By size

For walls

• 60×120 cm: the optimal balance for most bathrooms
• 80×160 cm: for spacious bathrooms
• 120×240 cm: for creating monolithic surfaces
• 120×278 cm: for floor-to-ceiling walls with a single slab

For floors

• 60×60 cm: the classic large format
• 60×120 cm: a rectangle for visual enlargement
• 80×80 cm: for spacious bathrooms
• 90×90 cm: a premium format
• 120×120 cm: the maximum format for a bathroom floor

By type of surface

For floors (it must be anti-slip!)

• Matt: slip-resistance class R10
• Structured (Strutturato): class R10-R11
• Lappato: class R9-R10 (with caution)

Categorically not recommended for a bathroom floor

• Polished (Lucido): slippery when wet, dangerous!

For walls

• Polished: maximum gloss and a sense of depth
• Lappato: a compromise between gloss and practicality
• Satin: a soft elegant gloss
• Matt: for calm interiors

By design

Marble-look (the most popular choice)

White marble:

• Calacatta: white with golden-grey veins, luxury and status
• Statuario: the whitest with contrasting grey veins
• Carrara: white with soft grey veins, a classic
• Volakas: white with grey and beige veins, a more affordable option

Grey marble:

• Bardiglio: from light grey to dark
• Pietra Grey: graphite with thin white lines

Beige marble:

• Crema Marfil: a warm cream, a classic
• Botticino: light beige with brown veins

Black marble:

• Nero Marquina: black with white veins, contrast
• Sahara Noir: black with golden inclusions

Travertine-look

• Classic Travertino: beige with a characteristic texture
• Noce Travertino: a rich brown
• Silver Travertino: a cool grey

Onyx-look

• White Onyx: for backlit walls
• Honey Onyx: warm golden tones
• Green Onyx: exotic and luxurious

Concrete-look

• Light concrete: for minimalist interiors
• Dark concrete: an industrial style
• Streaked concrete: a decorative option

Monochrome

• White: maximum space and cleanliness
• Black: a dramatic contrast
• Grey: a universal modern choice
• Beige: warmth and cosiness

By manufacturer

Premium segment (Italy)

• Atlas Concorde
• Marazzi
• Florim
• Fiandre
• Fondovalle
• Ariostea

Mid segment

• Porcelanosa (Spain)
• Peronda (Spain)
• Pamesa (Spain)
• Golden Tile (Ukraine)
• Cersanit (Poland)

Bathroom zones and the specifics of cladding them

The shower cubicle / walk-in shower zone

A walk-in shower of large-format tile is a trend in modern design.

Installation specifics

• A mandatory floor slope to the drain (1-2%)
• Reinforced waterproofing (coating + tape)
• Structured tile on the floor (R11 minimum)
• A threshold-free entry or a minimal curb

Design solutions

• The same tile on the floor and walls: monolithic
• A contrasting floor: visual zoning
• Niches for cosmetics with lighting
• A travertine-look tile bench

M-STONE recommendations

• Light marble-look on the walls, structured porcelain stoneware on the floor
• A linear drain along the wall for better water removal
• A frameless glass partition for visual lightness

The bathtub zone

The bath panel Large-format tile on the bath panel looks much more striking than standard sizes:

• One or two slabs instead of dozens of small ones
• A minimum of joints
• The possibility of an invisible hatch for access to utilities

The wall behind the bath An accent wall behind the bath is the focal point of the interior:

• Book-match laying for symmetry
• Backlit onyx for a magical effect
• Niches with LED lighting

Shelves and ledges Shelves for cosmetics and bath ledges clad with the same tile create a whole look.

The washbasin zone

The wall behind the washbasin A large slab behind the washbasin is a practical and aesthetic solution:

• Easy cleaning of splashes
• The possibility of integrating a mirror
• Storage niches

The countertop A countertop under the washbasin made of porcelain stoneware or natural stone:

• A whole look with the wall cladding
• Moisture resistance
• Hygiene

Lighting LED lighting of the mirror, niches and countertop adds functionality and aesthetics.

The toilet zone (a combined bathroom)

The installation Cladding the installation box with large-format tile:

• A minimum of joints
• An invisible hatch for access to utilities
• A single style with the rest of the room

The wall behind the toilet An accent wall or a calm continuation of the general cladding.

The ceiling

Large-format tile on a bathroom ceiling is an exclusive solution for premium interiors:

• Complete watertightness
• A single material on all surfaces
• An impressive effect

Installation specifics

• A reinforced frame
• Special adhesive mixes
• Careful fixing until it hardens

The technology of installing large-format tile in a bathroom

Preparatory work

1. Dismantling

• Removing old tile
• Dismantling the plumbing fixtures
• Removing old waterproofing
• Taking away the debris

2. Utilities

• Checking the condition of the pipes
• Replacing them if needed
• Moving connection points (according to the project)
• Running electrics for lighting

3. Levelling surfaces

• Plastering walls (differences up to 2 mm per 2 m)
• Making a screed with a slope to the drain
• Checking with a laser level

4. Waterproofing

Waterproofing a bathroom is a critically important stage!

Coating waterproofing

• Applying 2-3 coats of polymer mastic
• Reinforcing corners and junctions with tape
• Taking it up the walls by at least 20 cm
• In the shower zone: the full height of the walls

Zones needing extra attention

• The junction of the floor with the walls
• Corners
• Pipe penetrations
• The drain zone

5. Priming

• Applying the primer after the waterproofing has dried
• Improving the adhesion of the adhesive

Laying the tile

The sequence of work

• Laying tile on the floor
• Cladding the walls (from the bottom up)
• Installing decorative elements
• Grouting the joints

Features of installation on the floor

• Forming a slope to the drain
• A structured surface for safety
• Minimal joints (1.5-2 mm)

Features of installation on walls

• A temporary support batten for the first row
• Fixing the levelling system until the adhesive hardens
• Book-match laying (according to the project)

Features of installation in a shower

• A seamless floor-to-wall transition (the same tile)
• Or a contrasting floor with clear zoning
• A slope to the drain of at least 1%

Grouting the joints

Recommended type of grout: epoxy

Advantages of epoxy grout

• Zero water absorption
• Resistance to mould and fungus
• Does not change colour over time
• Easy to clean
• A wide palette of colours

The grouting process

• Cleaning adhesive residues out of the joints
• Mixing the grout components
• Filling the joints
• Forming the joint profile
• Cleaning the surface with a special product

Installing plumbing and accessories

After grouting:

• Installing the bath / shower cubicle
• Installing the washbasin and mixers
• Connecting the toilet
• Installing accessories (a towel rail, hooks, shelves)
• Installing the mirror and lighting
• Installing sockets and switches

Marble in a bathroom

Popular varieties

• Bianco Carrara: the classic of luxury
• Calacatta: premium with golden veins
• Crema Marfil: a warm cosy option
• Nero Marquina: a contrasting modern choice

Features

• A mandatory water-repellent treatment
• Regular renewal of the protective coating
• Avoiding acidic products
• The possibility of restoration (grinding, polishing)

Application

• Walls (full cladding or accents)
• Floors (with an anti-slip finish)
• Countertops
• Shelves and ledges

Travertine in a bathroom

Advantages

• A warm natural look
• A comfortable texture
• An antique character

Features

• Filling the pores with mastic or keeping the natural texture
• A water-repellent treatment is mandatory
• An antiqued finish for floors (slip resistance)

Application

• Walls in a Mediterranean style
• Floors (antiqued)
• Finishing niches

Onyx in a bathroom

Onyx is the most striking material for a bathroom thanks to the possibility of backlighting.

Options for use

• A backlit wall behind the bath: a magical effect
• A backlit wall behind the washbasin instead of a mirror
• Decorative niches with LED lighting
• A countertop with built-in lighting

Popular colours

• White onyx: maximum light transmission
• Honey onyx: a warm romantic atmosphere
• Green onyx: exotic and luxurious

Lighting systems in a bathroom

LED lighting of niches

Niches in the walls with LED lighting:

• Functional storage
• A decorative effect
• Night lighting

Technology

• Forming a niche when preparing the walls
• Running electrical wiring
• Cladding the niche with tile
• Installing an LED strip around the perimeter
• A glass shelf (optional)

Mirror lighting

A mirror with LED lighting:

• Even lighting of the face
• A decorative effect
• A night-light function

Countertop lighting

An LED strip under the countertop:

• A “floating” countertop
• Soft lighting
• A stylish accent

Lighting onyx panels

Full backlighting of onyx is the peak of luxury:

• Even distribution of light
• Brightness control
• The ability to change colour (RGB)
• Control from a remote or a smartphone

Typical mistakes when cladding a bathroom

Mistake 1: insufficient waterproofing

Consequences: leaks to the neighbours, mould, destruction of the surface The M-STONE solution: comprehensive waterproofing with reinforcement

The current cost of work for your project can be calculated in the online calculators or confirmed by the manager: it depends on the material, the slab format and the condition of the substrate. The consultation is free.