Technological Excellence: Secrets of Installing Large-Format Porcelain Stoneware

Large format is a trend that never fades. Slabs of 1200×600, 1200×2400 or even 3000×1000 mm create the effect of a monolithic surface with a minimum of joints. Behind the flawless look, however, stands a complex technological process.

• Substrate preparation: the basis of success

For standard tile, a difference of 2-3 mm per metre is acceptable, but for large format it is a verdict. The substrate must be perfectly flat.

Tolerances: no more than 1 mm per 2 linear metres.

Materials: use only high-strength self-levelling compounds and adhesion mixtures.

Cleanliness: any dust reduces adhesion. An industrial vacuum cleaner and a quality deep-penetration primer are mandatory.

• Equipment: why you cannot work “on your knee”

Installing large-format tile is impossible without specialised tools:

Carrying systems: frames with vacuum suction cups prevent the slab from bending and cracking under its own weight.

Electric tile cutters (cutting systems): for a perfectly straight cut 2-3 metres long.

Vibrating suction cups: needed to push the air out from under the slab. Voids under porcelain stoneware are the main reason it cracks in use.

• Adhesive application technique (double application)

The main rule of expert installation: adhesive is applied both to the substrate and to the slab itself. The direction of the trowel ridges on both surfaces must be parallel, so that the air easily escapes when the slab is pressed down.

Important: use an adhesive of class C2TE S1 or S2 at least (highly flexible mixtures) that can compensate for thermal and mechanical deformation of the slab.

Want your interior to look like a magazine cover? Do not risk an expensive material: entrust the installation to professionals with a full set of equipment!