Large format tiles — generally anything 600mm × 600mm or bigger — have become hugely popular in New Zealand homes, and it's easy to see why. They create a sleek, seamless look with fewer grout lines. But if you're considering laying them yourself, it's worth understanding upfront that they are significantly more demanding than standard tiles. Here's an honest breakdown of what's involved.
What Counts as a Large Format Tile?
In the tiling trade, large format tiles (LFT) typically refers to tiles where at least one edge is 600mm or longer. Formats like 600×1200mm, 800×800mm, and 1000×1000mm are now widely available at NZ retailers. Rectified tiles (precision-cut to exact dimensions) are common in these sizes and require very tight, consistent grout joints — often as narrow as 1.5–2mm — which leaves zero room for error in your substrate.
Why Large Format Tiles Are More Challenging
The Substrate Must Be Near-Perfect
This is the biggest hurdle for DIYers. Large tiles bridge imperfections rather than following them, so any dip or hump in your floor or wall will cause lippage — where tile edges sit at different heights. BRANZ guidelines and NZS 4243 both emphasise that substrate flatness is critical. As a general rule, the substrate should not deviate more than about 3mm under a 3-metre straightedge for large format work. Achieving this often requires grinding high spots or applying a self-levelling compound, which is a skill in itself.
Weight and Handling
A single 600×1200mm porcelain tile can weigh 15kg or more. Manoeuvring these safely — especially on walls or in tight bathrooms — is physically demanding and can be a safety risk. You'll likely need a second pair of hands and proper tile lifters or suction cups to handle them without cracking or injury.
Adhesive Coverage and Back-Buttering
With standard tiles, partial adhesive coverage is often acceptable. With large format tiles, you need full adhesive coverage (95% or more in wet areas, per NZ Building Code clause E3 requirements for wet areas). This means using a large-notch trowel and back-buttering every tile — applying adhesive to both the substrate and the back of the tile. Using the wrong adhesive or technique leads to hollow spots, cracked tiles, and costly failures. Products from Ardex or Mapei are well-regarded in the NZ trade for large format work.
Cutting Is Trickier
Cutting a 600×1200mm tile with a basic score-and-snap cutter is not realistic — you'll need a quality wet saw (tile saw) with a large enough bed. Hiring one is possible, but operating it safely and accurately takes practice. Diagonal cuts and notches around pipes add further complexity.
Layout and Planning
With fewer tiles covering more area, a planning mistake is more expensive to fix. You need to carefully calculate your starting point to avoid ending up with slivers of tile at doorways or in prominent sight lines. This requires accurate room measurement and a solid understanding of tile layout principles.
Tools You'll Need
| Tool | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Large-notch trowel (10–12mm) | Proper adhesive coverage for heavy tiles |
| Wet tile saw (large bed) | Clean, accurate cuts |
| Suction cup lifters | Safe handling of heavy tiles |
| Long spirit level / straightedge | Checking substrate flatness |
| Self-levelling compound | Correcting substrate imperfections |
| Tile spacers (narrow) | Maintaining consistent grout joints |
| Rubber mallet | Bedding tiles without cracking |
You can hire or purchase many of these tools from Bunnings or Mitre 10.
Wet Areas: Extra Rules Apply
If you're tiling a bathroom, shower, or laundry, NZ Building Code clause E3 (Internal Moisture) sets requirements for waterproofing that must be met before tiling. Waterproofing membranes must be correctly applied and, in some cases, the work needs to be done or certified by a licensed professional. Always check with your local council if you're unsure whether your project requires a building consent.
When to Call a Professional
Be honest with yourself about your skill level. Consider hiring a qualified tiler if:
- Your substrate is uneven or requires significant preparation
- You're tiling a wet area like a shower or bathroom floor
- The tiles are 600mm or larger, especially on walls
- You're working with expensive or imported tiles where mistakes are costly
- The area is large or has complex cuts around cabinetry, drains, or architraves
A professional tiler will have the right tools, know how to prep the substrate correctly, and can guarantee their workmanship. You can find qualified local tilers on tradedirectory.co.nz — it's always worth getting two or three quotes.
What a Confident DIYer Can Tackle
If you have solid tiling experience with standard tiles, a flat and well-prepared substrate, and the right tools, laying large format tiles on a straightforward floor (not a wet area) is achievable. Start with a smaller project to build confidence before committing to a full open-plan floor.