Before You Buy Wood Look Tile Or Large Format Tile

If you are currently shopping for large plank format tiles and you haven't dealt with the installation process of these products before, then this video should give you some valuable insight into what you need to look for in selecting material and the right contractor for installing these floors.
Wood look tiles and large format tiles have become increasingly popular but they are a more difficult install and require more attention to detail to make sure the final outcome is desirable.
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[@993mike]

For the wood look products, it's hard to beat a nice rectified-edge Italian made porcelain. Non-rectified tiles will have a slightly rounded edge and will never be as precise as a machined (rectified) edge that's perfectly square and will allow a 1/16" joint and look the closest to real wood. He's 100% correct on using spacer clips that will lock the tiles flat into place, using the offset recommended by the manufacturer, and also about the use of top-quality cement or epoxy grouts by Laticrete or Mapei. I've owned a tile & stone supply company for many, many years, and it's refreshing to hear correct information given to the public like this on KZbin.

[@isaaclarson]

Any specific brands, and what's the typical price range for cash and carry?

[@ghassanco1]

You absolutely covered everything. I have two 200 SM close to 1800 SF to install next week and it's funny your video popped up. Great work

[@dianedo8314]

Great info! Yes, the tiles are great but the grout are always issues but these big tiles will reduce the grout due to the size! Interesting stuff! Thanks!!

[@amirisperez-guntin8962]

Loved your video! Made me aware of the importance using mortar that is appropriate (TL) and differences in grout and color.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidsauls9542]

Your use of the English language is always excellent. In a short time, with few words, you convey so mush needed information. I wish you had been one of my teachers in medical school!! As always, Thank You !!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you so much for that wonderful compliment. I very much appreciate the kind words and am glad to hear you found the content helpful in some way!

[@lindagillooly5273]

This video by Robert is very informative and worth taking the time to watch. Thank you Robert!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@camellia8625]

Thankyou for such a helpful and comprehensive video on this topic. It would be great to know about how to level and reinforce the timber floors to prevent tiles cracking, tiles being too heavy for the structure.

[@mariallableu8388]

Congrats on 1,000 followers and many many more to come!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you so much!

[@psfgtech]

You're the best professional explanation I've heard yet

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you so much, appreciate the support!

[@Ewerb7]

Robert does an incredible job describing the tile and issues involved. He should become a professional announcer.

[@suek.3448]

Agree! This is the most informative video that II've seen.

[@lesliestopp5371]

I appreciate your time and effort in making this video. I am currently trying decide between wood look porcelain tile plank or vinyl plank. I'm really leaning towards the tile because of it's longevity. I'm old and don't want to have to fuss and worry over a floor. Once again thank you for the great information.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful!

[@yungwildcxrd7935]

vinyl will last long enough for you if you select a quality product

[@pinktiptoes7491]

We are building a home and really appreciate your videos!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Best of luck on your build!

[@teresasantiago5466]

Thank you so much for the great information!

[@debbieheim3694]

You’re welcome! I think you’re great! You’ll soon be at a million👏👏

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Wouldn't that be something?! 🤞😂

[@yvonnesimmons4692]

GREAT job, Robert ! Definitely will discuss with the installer.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@tonycalhoun2653]

Great information found here!

[@elinorrodriguez9886]

The wood tile example in your video is very pretty. Could you share the brand/description of that specific tile? Thank you!

[@britneyaddams3153]

Thanks for showing this

[@suek.3448]

Great information! Thanks so much! Just thought I would mention, it still looks like a tile floor when the white/light type of grout is used. When I do it, I plan to get grout that matches the shade of tile as best I can. I've seen it done and it looks more like a real wood floor.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

We always recommend a grout color close to the dominant tone of the tile to minimize the attention drawn to the grout. Great point!

[@josenegrete3694]

This looks like the store I went to today “ The Floor Store” in Gilbert, AZ.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Correct sir!

[@FrankdTank-oh4ji]

@6:42 you're absolutely right! Your materials can be expensive but installing it incorrectly would make it look cheap.

[@atefehshojaee7453]

It was very informative, thanks 😊

[@RemodelWithRobert]

My pleasure 😊

[@kelly5427]

Thank you for the info. Doing another remodel. Im interested in radiant floor heat. Have you ever done an install over either electric tape or copper pipe? If so how does the grout hold up?

[@leonardhedlund5134]

Great video. I’m considering a 24”x24” format and found this very informative. Thanks

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Awesome! Glad it helped

[@elainepadilla5666]

What an informative video. Thank you

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craftsmanshomesllc8219]

Good explanation,thanks,

[@gstathis]

Thank you for this video Robert. Super helpful. I tried to see where you are located. We are looking for installers like you that know about large format tiles in Massachusetts. If you operate there or know someone you trust, please reach out. Thank you again!

[@janellegoedge3512]

Robert, What size tile is best for a small bathroom? I like the wood look. Thanks!

[@Maplecook]

Awesome, man!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks so much!

[@fionacc886]

You are awesome !

[@solafred]

Great information. I’m building a house and really like the porcelain wood planks. Do you have video comparing pros and cons of porcelain plank vs vinyl plank flooring including cost?

[@tamarawebb7931]

Hi thanks for this info Robert! I’m currently doing my research but I’m so undecided on either laminate or LVP. Can you give some advice please

[@LDhusky]

Very good

[@spanitaliangirl]

Very well done video, Robert. Thank you. My only complaint is how upset I get every time I watch you because I’m in the Northeast and you’re not. 😭 I have no idea how to find a good “you” here! And I’ve been badly burned by almost everyone I’ve hired ... for building my deck (MAJOR catastrophe), even for painting, you name it! Maybe do a video on that?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Well thanks so much for the compliment and I'm glad these videos are helping. Could you specify a bit more what your video request is?

[@taimoorshaikh5699]

Is there any solution to remove the grout material off the tiles as my installer didnt clean it properly at the time of installing and now its just stuck and doest come off, please share some technique to clean it

[@Ducati_Grandpa]

How much should we expect to pay for a wide light wood plank tile? And average/sq ft install?

[@ayalsfh1651]

What would be considered a good quality v for a wood look tile? Also what is the smallest grout/ joint line?

[@swingwhistle]

I'm installing 6x24 Wood look ceramic... I'm doing random length. There's a arrow on one side on the underside.... Is that just to go all the same direction?

[@dmarti47]

“A bad installer will become defensive.” SO TRUE! It’s a red flag 🚩 we learned about recently.

[@Chris_L034]

it kills me when the wood look tile is laid with wide grout lines and some off color grout. wth?

[@flyby8049]

Any idea where I can find this wall tile by a Spanish company called Ceramica Ribesalbes and the tile is Calacatta 10x30

[@jezebelrebel250]

We are going to renovate an apartment that has large white high gloss porcelaine tiles. The owner said she paid a fortune. I HATE IT. The shiny white floor makes me cringe and is impossible to keep clean. We don't want to rip it out, so what can we do? I would love to sand the entire floor (it's in every room except bathroom) and then paint it the way they do with acid wash concrete in neutral tones. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.

[@muskanaggarwal1990]

Please suggest some big container for soaking porcelain tile

[@jhlfsc]

I wanted to use the large format tiles in our foyer floor but was talked out of it because I was told the larger they are, the bigger chance they could crack after installation.

[@camilladrab8185]

Hey. Very helpful video. I have one question about the cement board. Would you use 1/4” or 1/2” cement board for a 30”x60” tile?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

That could depend on a few factors. 1/4" is most common for floors but if you dont have height issues at transitions and want more support then 1/2" is a great option. You may even want to look at some of the Schluter ditra subfloor options. Hope that helps!

[@suselew]

My tile guy installed 12x24 with Laticrete epoxy grout. He did a great job but there's some lippage and the grout lines aren't all the same width. He did lay it at thirds. Would a rectified tile have fixed some of these issues ?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

A true rectified tile would help achieve more consistency in grout lines, but installation would still be a major factor for the issues you are discussing. And just like no product is without some imperfections, no install is ever 100% perfect but there are standards for what is deemed within tolerance or not.

[@natesilvestre9782]

Is ok to tile over existing thin set? My floor guy says they do it all the time. They just add more thin set at the low areas. I’ve been reading that ideally you should remove the thin set so surface is smooth. I know there is gold standard and what is practical.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would make sure you remove the thinset so that you are bonding to the subfloor and not to the existing thinset. I've seen a lot of corner cutting that installers "do all the time". Most often these guys are not around to fix a failure later. A guy who is going to stand by his work will spend the extra time to make sure he doesnt have to come back for a repair later. It may cost more, but youll have a better floor and peace of mind that it was done correctly.

[@monicasterenchak510]

Hello Robert, We are considering installing large (2' x 4') format porcelain tile on a ceiling of a steam shower. What concerns would you have about that?

[@akilfahd]

@monicasterenchak510 how did the steam shower turn out? How did you deal with the ceiling slope with such a large tile?

[@amirisperez-guntin8962]

Would it matter if we use 1/16 or 1/8 separators for wood looking porcelain tiles whether 6/36 or 8/36

[@RemodelWithRobert]

It really depends on the specific tile that you use. Both sizes can be used depending on the overall characteristics of the tile. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturers and installers recommendations.

[@user-rd6jm6fn6d]

Is one brand of Mortar better than another?

[@user-ep7sk8yc7y]

What are the best selling wood tiles and colors?

[@reid1boys]

yea, the grout install is a PIA. Products may be great, but they absoliutely require you to clean and clean right away or as he said, it is a PIA to clean.

[@wthomas7955]

Hi Robert, I'd like to use 12"x24" porcelain tiles for siding on the exterior of a house I'm building out of concrete block. I'm thinking of using Laticrete's hydro ban product over the block and then use a product they make for thinset. Can porcelain tiles be installed with no grout or will they pop off due to expansion and contraction? Otherwise, I appreciate the information you've provided here. Also, I really want to do a 50/50 split on the tiles. Is this going to be a noticeable problem with 12x24 on vertical surfaces? What's the best quality tile with regard to the bowing thing and square?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would say generally you will always need grout between the tiles. As far as the 50/50 split, you are probably not as concerned with lippage on a exterior vertical surface but it isnstill worth using a levelling spacer system if you want to reduce as much of it as possible as well as buying a tile with as little crowning as you can find. But I would say if you really want the 50/50 you can make it work!

[@wthomas7955]

@@RemodelWithRobert Yeah, I really want the 50/50 look. Do you have a recommendation as to tile quality? Thanks.

[@atefehshojaee7453]

Could you please make a video for barn doors, especially for closets. Thanks

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Definitely, anything you want to know in particular?

[@atefehshojaee7453]

@@RemodelWithRobert the quality and material of the wood and then what are some good questions to ask about the doors? In terms of installation, picking the door and choosing which one to buy? Thank you so much!

[@lenoraeverett9200]

Every video that mentions barn doors says that they are “out”, if that matters to you.

[@atefehshojaee7453]

@@lenoraeverett9200 do you mean out as in out of style and lame now? Or like it hangs outside the closet?

[@lenoraeverett9200]

@@atefehshojaee7453 Out of style

[@arncj18]

every box of my wood planks has 3 tiles, with 3 different signs, a number 1, an arrow pointing lengthwise, and one with an arrow pointing perpendicalarly.

[@tanishazoa138]

Can I get a quote on a 80k square foot home installation. Cheapest tiles and cheapest installation.

[@kieshabhaggan1456]

Hi good day I hv a quick question.. Been shopping for dark,wood look tile 8×48 and I noticed the side of the dark plank has a white edge which is also visible to the top.. My question is,will it show if I put a dark grout? Or will I still see the white edge?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Some tiles get a slight white frame on the edges because the glazing/printing technology doesn't go all the way over the edge. This tends to be hard to see from a standing position on most tiles but I would not expect for the grout to completely cover that as the grout is not designed to go onto the surface of the tile at all, only between the tiles.

[@kieshabhaggan1456]

Thank you soo much fr responding... greatly appreciated 😊

[@tamarawebb7931]

And just for this info, I think I want to redo my floor, the installer advices me wrong 😢 and now I’m hating the look of my tile

[@auctionmusic]

crowning doesn't matter if you use DEP lash levelers. THat worked for me, but you need to be generous with them.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Absolutely! Crowning is inherent in most larger tiles these days and installed with the proper mortar, trowel size, and levelling system, a flat floor can be achieved. The warning I am trying to give people is to make sure they get an installer that appreciates this and uses the proper materials and installation practices. Glad you saw the benefit of these types of installation tools, and thanks for providing that testimony that they really do work!

[@poepflater]

large tiles scare the crap out of me as a diyer and seems to make up the bulk of tiles available now.

[@peteradebi9548]

Hi Robert, do you install tiles in Pennsylvania?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I'm sorry to say we do not but thank you for tuning in!

[@NyquillaGorillaKilla]

I much rather set 24x24s over large wood look any day! Seems to be a lot more wear on your body. Especially if you have to back a room out, wood look is just was more grueling

[@msmarsi009]

Does anybody have personal experience with porcelain tile. I'm considering it for my house.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Did you have a specific question about porcelain tile?

[@msmarsi009]

@@RemodelWithRobert it's more because I can't decide between porcelain wood like title or laminate. I like the look of laminate but the durability of porcelain. Everyone tells me that because I have kids laminate is not a good choice for me.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I put laminate throughout entire homes with kids and pets and dont have issues but there are definitely products that will hold up better than others. Tile is a pretty easy floor to live with but for me it is a bit harder on my back than a floating floor and I put laminate in my own home.

[@msmarsi009]

@@RemodelWithRobert thank you. You have every been very helpful 🙂

[@kayakgirl1372]

@@RemodelWithRobert is there a particular laminate brand(s) you would recommend?

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Unfortunately you don't know the quality of the tile layers work until it's too late. Every trade person will tell you they know what they are doing blah blah blah but not everyone is skilled as they should be. My layer did a super job in the house (under contract with my builder) however, when he did the patio as a side job for me (it wasn't covered under the build) he did a lousy job, he rushed and it shows. When a layer saw it recently he said wait a while and re-do it. It looked good new and clean but with rain and dirt the flaws started showing up, luckily where it counts is very good. I tried to contact him but couldn't find his whereabouts.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Absolutely. This is why I recommend hiring a licensed and bonded contractor that can be held accountable to stand behind the work if not done to applicable workmanship standards.

[@steffiniez]

❤️

[@amberslilrose3954]

You just scared me out of going with tile.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Oh no, this video was not designed to scare anyone out of tile, but to give you the critical info to pick the right product and installer.

[@Misajoejoe1]

Where are you located?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Arizona!

[@Misajoejoe1]

@@RemodelWithRobert UGH! To far!

[@prestonbeck7642]

I will tell you. You don't need the spacer and wedges. They say that but it's they that sells them yall need to figure out how fix the bowing problem instead of pushing it on us installers.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Unfortunately the manufacturers of the tile don't have a solution to the crowning that happens during production, with no sign of it disappearing anytime soon, so until then it is left up to us to make it work when we are installing it. The wedges and spacers are great tools along with using the proper mortar for large format tiles.

[@monasajid7368]

@@RemodelWithRobert Dear bro ,Tiles for Kitchen Wall Laminate or porcelain

[@erichutchinson4831]

Defensive installers have brought nothing but trouble every single time. If they get defensive I falt out dont hire them anymore. Not worth it.

[@woodworkingmachineLenn]

Good job!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks!

[@TheBearsEmoji]

You look like you're Jon Favreau's son

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I've never got that one before haha