1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles are fast becoming the go-to format for those seeking flooring that is contemporary, sleek, elegant and long lasting. Tile sizes have continually increased over the past few years. So much so, that larger tile formats that were once the preserve of the interior designer, are making their way into our homes. Among them, 1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles lead the way. These statement-making, giant tiles are transforming floors and walls delivering a near seamless, flush finish and turning homes into design statements. With a whole host of styles and hues available, these tiles are mimicking pretty much any material you can think of so you can create interiors with a modern edge, in marble, micro cement, terrazzo, stone and more.
Porcelain tiles are manufactured from a mix of refined clays and then fired at high temperatures. It is this mix of raw materials and heat that make these large, square, porcelain tiles dense and non-porous. That means they are not only incredibly durable, making them perfect for busy ground floors, they are also perfect for areas with high humidity eg the bathroom, or where water is present eg kitchens and even outside – in the right slip ratings.
The reasons porcelain tiles are a top pick for homeowners are many. Frost resistant, fade resistant, water resistant, scratch resistant, stain resistant, no sealing required, no ongoing maintenance, easy clean – the list is long. Add to this the huge variety of styles porcelain tiles are available in and a whole world of design opportunities opens up – you can choose from marble effect, stone effect, limestone effect, travertine effect, concrete effect, cement effect, terrazzo effect, metallic effect, slate effect, micro cement effect and more.
These larger-than-life tiles deliver a “more tile, less grout” look because of their rectified ie straight tile edges. These pin sharp edges allow for grout lines of a few mm which adds to the seamless feel they bring. And when grout colours co-ordinate closely with tile colour, you really can achieve a near flawless floor.
Can you use 1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles on walls?
Absolutely. These tiles are not just for floors. In fact, they create a beautifully sleek, contemporary look for walls and can be used across the home.
Can you match inside and outside tiles in the same size?
Yes you can. Many of our collections include indoor and outdoor tiles in 1200 x 1200mm format allowing you to run the same flooring across your inside space and outside space. This enables you to connect home and garden in contemporary style. You will need to look out for an antislip tile for external areas and a matt finish for internal areas.
Are large format tiles expensive?
Tile sqm prices tend to increase with the size of the tile so yes, these larger formats will likely be more expensive than a smaller tile in say a 600 x 600 or 800 x 800 format. They are also larger to transport and install costs can be slightly higher, however, if you want that modern aesthetic, they are hard to beat.
Where can you use 1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles?
Across the home. They are ideal for living rooms, ground floors, bathrooms and outdoor patios. And they can be installed on walls aswell as floors. As these tiles are super large, always check with your tiler to make sure they are suitable for your installation. We would always recommend a professional installer as these tiles require precision installation and they are whilst the larger the format, the thinner the tile, they are heavy and can require specialist lifting tools.
Laying patterns: As we have discovered the real beauty of this tile size is the minimal grout lines and seamless, flush appearance they bring. Tiles can be laid in a “stacked format” to form a grid or they can be offset a bit like a brick design. For these larger formats simplicity is key so a more straightforward approach ie stacked, will elevate their contemporary appearance and keep lines simple and clean.
Design options: There are many designs in porcelain tiles so thinking about the overall look and feel you are trying to create is key. Cement and concrete effect tiles can bring a modern, minimalist vibe in cooler greys and sough after warmer palettes. Marbles can bring a timeless aesthetic – pick silk or matt finishes for a more modern twist or iconic polished for the wow factor. Metallics are great if you are seeking an industrial or urban vibe – think dark and moody burnished metal effects for loft living. Stone effects can be stunning in larger formats because the size of tile allows the tile design or veining to flow across a larger area.
Seamless indoor and outdoor living: co-ordinating inside and outside tiles brings a cohesiveness across living spaces. Porcelain outdoor tiles are specifically designed to bring a flush, modern aesthetic to outdoor areas, and differ considerably from the look you achieve with a more rustic slate or limestone. This is about creating an indoor room, outside – one in which you might entertain, relax, eat or cook. 1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles undoubtedly enhance this.
Tile colour and finish: neutral palettes in matt and natural finishes dominate in the interior design world. These earthy, muted, textured tones are a brilliant canvas for any space with warm greys, taupes, sands and whites the go-to for todays interiors.
1200 x 1200 porcelain tiles are perfect for anyone looking for a modern flooring with long lasting performance. These oversized tiles create a feeling of spaciousness, even in smaller rooms because of their minimal grout lines. As tile format continue to increase, they are making their way into our homes like never before, becoming the go-to for luxurious interiors.
Aspect porcelain tile that looks like slate – Charcoal
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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
