Large Format Honed Tile – Style With Versatility

LARGE FORMAT HONED TILE – UNDERSTATED REFINEMENT

Large format tiles make an instant impact on a space with their broad sweep of color and texture. Thanks to their subtle sheen they diffuse light softly but are not highly reflective, giving a soothing feel to any space they are used. 

To achieve their subdued luster, they go through a similar process as polished and satin finish tiles, only with fewer wheels paring down the surface. The result is a smooth surface but with a more open texture and lower shine. This same attribute is what gives it extra non-slip properties, making it a wise choice for rooms that may get wet such as bathrooms, kitchens, and terraces.

Large format honed tile has a relaxed air that keeps the look casual, but with an undeniable contemporary aesthetic. With golden sandstone and buttery granite to add warmth, and pale limestone and marble to cool, there is a tile to suit every aesthetic. Honed tiles are extremely versatile, and can be used for walls, floors, backsplashes, and countertops. Many can be used outdoors and can withstand freezing temperatures too. 

LARGE FORMAT HONED TILE AROUND THE HOME

A kitchen is a room that sees a lot of action: meals, visitors, conversations, and school projects, it is possibly the room of the home that has the highest amount of traffic. With large format honed tiles, the finish helps to camouflage scuffs and smears meaning you don’t need to clean the floors as often as you would with a highly reflective tile like glossy and polished options.

Large format honed tile is a welcome finish in the bathroom. Unlike a polished finish, honed has a non-slip, subdued luster, that makes the surface less slippery when wet. Its soft diffusion of light curates a cozy feel perfect for relaxing. As if that isn’t enough, the honed surface makes dried up water droplets less visible, creating an elegant yet lower maintenance tile for a busy room.

Large format honed tiles make a beautiful entryway or mudroom. With a soft, gentle, hush of a welcome, warm stone colorways pair so well with on-trend chalky paints, enduringly popular for a country cottage inspired theme where traditional meets contemporary.

Honed stone works well for patios, as the finish is closer to its original appearance, but with a structured look to it. They look stunning as an outdoor terrace, reflecting the natural feel of the garden, with their warm tones aglow, mirroring early evening sun. They create a perfect place to unwind and socialize. 

WHAT IS A LARGE FORMAT HONED TILE? 

Large format tiles commonly have at least one edge longer than 15”, and those that are honed have an even surface with a smooth texture. They are more porous than polished tile so extra care needs to be taken with spills to avoid absorption and staining.

HOW DO YOU INSTALL A LARGE FORMAT HONED TILE?

Large format tiles in general need to be handled with care. Because of their size and shape they can be heavy and difficult to maneuver. Get help from another person and use suction cups to lift the tile into place. Firstly, prepare the surface to ensure it is smooth and level. 

Then, using the straight edge of a notch trowel, spread adhesive mortar onto the surface, then smooth with the notched edge of the trowel to create ridges that aid good bonding. Repeat this process on the back of the tile. This is known as back-buttering and ensures strong adhesion. Lift the tile into place and add spacers before preparing and installing the next tile. When complete, leave to dry before grouting.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN A LARGE FORMAT HONED TILE? 

As the surface of honed marble is lightly textured, it is prone to retaining dirt. For honed porcelain you can use a steam cleaner to lift dirt from the tiny pits in the tile which can then be wiped away. For honed stones such as marble, a simple solution of mild dish soap and water is enough to leave your tiles bright and clean.