Large Format Unpolished Tile – For Any Aesthetic

LARGE FORMAT UNPOLISHED TILES HAVE A NATURAL PRESENCE

Large format tiles are perfect for creating an almost unbroken vista of color in your rooms. Thanks to their large dimensions, fewer tiles are needed to cover the space. This results in fewer grout lines between the tiles which could otherwise make a space look busy or crowded, especially if standard sized tiles are used across a large surface area.

Our range of large format unpolished tiles are available in contemporary, solid, stone and terrazzo looks giving you all the freedom to pick a tile that ties in with your chosen aesthetic. They boast speckles, and misty stone effects as well as solid block color finishes in rich neutrals such as dusky taupe, brown, sand and ivory.

With their gently monochromatic colorways they add just enough texture to boost your scheme, while remaining discreet, quiet, and a perfect supporting tile for other elements in your design scheme.

ROUGH AND NATURAL LARGE FORMAT TILES – NATURE AT ITS FINEST

These rough and natural large format tiles bring an uncomplicated earthiness that creates a calming atmosphere wherever they are used. With their monochrome blooms of neutral hues this is a range of tile that doesn’t shout for your attention but provides a soothing blanket with a rounded contemporary style.

They are ideal for busy rooms in the home, where their understated presence quietly accentuates surrounding soft furnishings and furniture without overwhelming the space. Sometimes we want something understated that doesn’t stand out from the crowd. Unpolished tile makes an interesting dining or living room floor, with a rug for extra color and texture, allowing you to layer elements for an overall satisfying design.

HONED SURFACE LARGE FORMAT TILES – CALM AND COLLECTED COLORWAYS

Matte, honed and unpolished tiles fall amicably into a similar category with their natural appearance and understated charms. Honed surface large format tiles, however, have benefited from some buffing that leaves the surface with a satin-like texture. 

To make the most of their wood and stone hues, try using pavers to build a terrace, creating an earthy, Zen-like space in your garden. Keep it ultra-modern with clean lines and crisp trimmed lawn edges or stagger the tile to enable creative planting in the gaps, allowing greenery and flowers to grow in around the borders for a greater symbiosis between design and nature.

One significant benefit of honed, matte, and unpolished porcelain tiles in the garden is that they are slip resistant, meaning you can enjoy your outdoor spaces any time of year and whatever the weather.

WHAT DOES LARGE FORMAT UNPOLISHED MEAN WHEN TALKING ABOUT TILE? 

Sometimes referred to as slab tiles, large format tiles have at least one side measuring 12” or more. Unpolished large format tiles are simply those which have not been polished or buffed. They retain their original finish from firing, leaving a more raw, rustic feel to the tile.

WHY ARE LARGE FORMAT UNPOLISHED OK FOR OUTDOORS?

You are free to use your favorite unpolished tile outdoors. As porcelain is a dense tile and enjoys low porosity and does not absorb water, it means they are less prone to moss and algae growth in wet conditions. Thanks to an unpolished finish, they do not become slippery when wet, making them ideal for outdoors and high traffic areas.

HOW DO YOU INSTALL LARGE FORMAT UNPOLISHED TILES? 

Large format unpolished tiles are installed using standard techniques. Wherever you are placing them must have a smooth, level surface without dips and holes. It is important to prepare the surface well as large format tiles are heavy and need solid points of contact for the adhesive mortar to work effectively. A tile with gaps behind is a tile with weak spots which leaves it vulnerable to cracking with movement, or pulling away. If the surface is too uneven, panel with underlayment to provide a rigid backing. 

When you have your surface prepared, spread adhesive mortar with the flat side of the  notched-edged trowel, before combing over with the notched edge to form ridges. Do the same on the back of the tile you are applying. This buttering of both surfaces and creation of ridges, enables a strong bond. Lift the tile into place using suction cups and press firmly so that mortar squeezes out lightly at the edges. Add spacers before continuing the process until all tiles are installed. Wipe away excess mortar as you go and leave tile to set before grouting.