12 X 24 Floor Tiles – You are here: Home / Installation / Tile Installation / 12×24 Tile Installation Guide (And Other Large Format Tiles)
Popular large size tile format. However, working with them can be a little different than what you are used to.
12 X 24 Floor Tiles
To begin, we need to clear up a common misconception. 12×24 tiles are not twelve inches wide or 24 inches long.
Calacutta Bianco Gloss Porcelain Wall And Floor Tile
In fact, most “12×24” tiles are measured using the metric system, which is used by most of the rest of the world.
So the metric measurements are 30cm x 60cm. This changes to 11 13/16 x 23 5/8 inches. Most, but not all, 12×24 tiles on the market will be this size.
All large format tiles (large hexagon tiles are an exception) can be placed in a vertical pattern where all edges match.
Why? I have discussed before why 50% weight is a bad idea and why you want to install your 12×24 tiles with a 33% weight. It has to do with the warping of the shingles that many of the large 12×24 shingles have.
Msi Pietra Bernini 12
So check out the other post for more info, but here are two examples of a 33% off tile pattern.
You can also install tiles in a random tile pattern and have them respect the 33% maximum order rule.
So the right direction will depend on your site and the look you want to achieve.
If you understand the risks and pitfalls of why a 50% discount is not recommended, here’s what to do:
Carrara Venato Semi Polished Porcelain Tile
Create a small 50% tile mockup with your tile. Next, glue the mockup. If you, the end user, are fine with what you see, it’s fine to proceed with a 50% discount.
Remember, there are two ways to plan for 50% compensation, and most people only know one way.
There is a complex formula for calculating the correct amount of grout for your tile. But to keep things simple, your joint should be in the 1/8-1/4 inch range for many of the 12×24 tile locations. [2, 3]
Your choice of thinset is important for shingles 12 x 24. You want to make sure you choose a modified mortar that meets ANSI A118.4. [3]
Ivy Hill Tile Blizzard 12
Also look for words like half bed, LFT, LHT, or just “big plate” in the bag. Be sure to mix the mortar properly and follow my tips for mixing in small batches.
Larger tiles require flatter floors. Tile industry standards state that your floor should not move more than 1/8 inch in 10 feet for a large format tile. [3]
The fact that most floors are not that level means you will need to do a little extra work to get them level enough before you install your tile flooring.
Self-leveling a tile floor is one way to help level it. You can also watch my YouTube video with another way to smooth floors. This is best if you are patching.
The Tile Life Rocky 12
These types of cutters cut hard, thick porcelain tiles, but you have to buy one of the really expensive versions.
It doesn’t have access to the brand you see in box stores. Also, if you need to cut notches or cut a little, manual cutters will not perform these tasks.
Electric hand grinders with diamond blades work well for cutting porcelain tiles. Some cuts, such as round holes, cut much easier with this type of tool.
Although it is a great tool to want anyone who uses them with tools to have the ability. Then you have to evaluate your own skills. This is also why I think a tile saw is more predictable.
Creekside Almond 12
A wet tile saw will be the best choice to be able to consistently and predictably cut large format tiles. And they are also the most expensive.
To cut 12×24 tiles, you’ll want one that cuts 24 inches long. The Dewalt D-24000 is a Taylor favorite. Also, I reviewed the cheapest Delta saw in 2020. I still use this saw today. Finally, Harbor Freight has a 24-inch saw that gets good reviews.
Another option is to buy the cheaper table saws that are available at DIY stores. I don’t have much experience with these saws but they can be useful for more tiles, especially porcelain tiles.
Yes, there will definitely be more waste with larger tiles. You will generally want to ask for 10-20% more to have on hand.
Pulpis Perla 12×24 & 30×30 Mix Decor Wall Or Floor Tile
Yes, any tile that is 15 inches or more in at least one direction is considered a large format tile. This includes 12×24, 6×24, 16×16, 24×24, 24×48 and many other sizes. [3]
The large format tile can be used on shower floors, including shower heads. These are typically used in conjunction with a linear drain or are “envelope cut” to slope to a central drain.
One thing to keep in mind is that slip resistance is a key consideration. You want a dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) rating of 0.42 or higher. [4]
Larger tiles are more difficult to handle, take longer to cut and take longer to install. Therefore, they are a more expensive option than small format tiles.
Simply Modern 12
12 x 24 porcelain tiles, 24 x 24 vinyl floor tiles, 24 x 24 floor tiles, 18 x 24 floor tiles, 24 x 24 rubber floor tiles, 12 x 24 tile floor, 12 x 24 ceramic floor tiles, installing 12 x 24 tiles, 12 x 12 floor tiles, 24 x 24 foam floor tiles, 12 x 24 tiles, 12 x 24 vinyl floor tiles
