Before You Buy Wood Look Tile Or Large Format Tile

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.

I’ve included affiliate links to tile levelling spacers for large tile installs. I’ve also include a great product for sealing grout and natural stone products. This is a made in the U.S. aerosol spray that you can apply yourself and it will work on new floors and existing floors alike.

Tile Levelling Spacers: https://amzn.to/2Ng4PYP
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Best Grout Sealer DIY Application: https://amzn.to/3Wk5PtC

50 Comments

  1. spanitaliangirl on February 17, 2023 at 8:03 am

    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?

  2. Atefeh Shojaee on February 17, 2023 at 8:05 am

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

  3. 993mike on February 17, 2023 at 8:05 am

    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 YouTube.

  4. 匚卄尺丨丂 ㄥ. on February 17, 2023 at 8:06 am

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

  5. FlyBy804 on February 17, 2023 at 8:08 am

    Any idea where I can find this wall tile by a Spanish company called Ceramica Ribesalbes and the tile is Calacatta 10×30

  6. Teresa Santiago on February 17, 2023 at 8:09 am

    Thank you so much for the great information!

  7. G Omar on February 17, 2023 at 8:09 am

    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

  8. auctionmusic on February 17, 2023 at 8:10 am

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

  9. MostlyWeed on February 17, 2023 at 8:13 am

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

  10. Amiris Perez-Guntin on February 17, 2023 at 8:15 am

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

  11. Preston Beck on February 17, 2023 at 8:16 am

    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.

  12. Tanisha Zoa on February 17, 2023 at 8:16 am

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

  13. Kiesha Bhaggan on February 17, 2023 at 8:17 am

    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?

  14. Ewerb7 on February 17, 2023 at 8:18 am

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

  15. Marialla Bleu on February 17, 2023 at 8:18 am

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

  16. Atefeh Shojaee on February 17, 2023 at 8:19 am

    It was very informative, thanks 😊

  17. Nate Silvestre on February 17, 2023 at 8:20 am

    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.

  18. Susan Lewis on February 17, 2023 at 8:22 am

    My tile guy installed 12×24 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 ?

  19. Peter Adebi on February 17, 2023 at 8:24 am

    Hi Robert, do you install tiles in Pennsylvania?

  20. Diane Do on February 17, 2023 at 8:25 am

    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!!

  21. Craftsman's Homes LLC on February 17, 2023 at 8:25 am

    Good explanation,thanks,

  22. David Sauls on February 17, 2023 at 8:26 am

    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 !!

  23. britney addams on February 17, 2023 at 8:29 am

    Thanks for showing this

  24. Elaine Padilla on February 17, 2023 at 8:32 am

    What an informative video. Thank you

  25. Mikey on February 17, 2023 at 8:34 am

    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

  26. Janelle Goedge on February 17, 2023 at 8:37 am

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

  27. Kelly on February 17, 2023 at 8:37 am

    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?

  28. wthomas on February 17, 2023 at 8:38 am

    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 12×24 on vertical surfaces? What’s the best quality tile with regard to the bowing thing and square?

  29. George Stathis on February 17, 2023 at 8:38 am

    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!

  30. Steve Davis on February 17, 2023 at 8:38 am

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

  31. Leonard Hedlund on February 17, 2023 at 8:40 am

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

  32. Maplecook on February 17, 2023 at 8:40 am

    Awesome, man!

  33. Daniel Martínez on February 17, 2023 at 8:40 am

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

  34. Amiris Perez-Guntin on February 17, 2023 at 8:42 am

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

  35. Fiona CC on February 17, 2023 at 8:42 am

    You are awesome !

  36. Steffi Niez 🇵🇭 on February 17, 2023 at 8:45 am

    ❤️

  37. Leslie Stopp on February 17, 2023 at 8:45 am

    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.

  38. Tony Calhoun on February 17, 2023 at 8:48 am

    Great information found here!

  39. Casey McMullin on February 17, 2023 at 8:48 am

    I’m installing 6×24 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?

  40. Aaron C. on February 17, 2023 at 8:49 am

    You look like you’re Jon Favreau’s son

  41. msmarsi009 on February 17, 2023 at 8:50 am

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

  42. Debbie Heim on February 17, 2023 at 8:51 am

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

  43. Monica Sterenchak on February 17, 2023 at 8:52 am

    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?

  44. Jose Negrete on February 17, 2023 at 8:54 am

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

  45. Camellia on February 17, 2023 at 8:55 am

    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.

  46. L.D. husky on February 17, 2023 at 8:57 am

    Very good

  47. Elinor Rodriguez on February 17, 2023 at 8:58 am

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

  48. Pinktip Toes on February 17, 2023 at 8:59 am

    We are building a home and really appreciate your videos!

  49. Camilla Drab on February 17, 2023 at 8:59 am

    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?

  50. Linda Gillooly on February 17, 2023 at 9:01 am

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

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