Working with large format tiles is a challenging but rewarding job. They are heavier and bigger than traditional tiles, but they come with a variety of benefits when used at home or office from making the room look bigger to reducing the number of grout lines needed. With the size and weight of these slabs, it is important to follow these large format tile handling tips to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are the benefits of large format tiles, plus some large format tile tools from Rubi and Raimondi to make your project run smoother.

What Are Large Format Tiles?

Large format tiles have exploded in popularity over the last few years. While traditional tiles are approximately 8” x 8” for flooring and 4” x 4” for wall tile, large format tiles can be as large as 16” by 16” or more. Like traditional tiles, large format tiles come in a variety of materials including natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain. There are many large format tile benefits for your residential or commercial application and here are a few to consider.

What Are the Benefits of Using Large Format Tiles?

There are many reasons why people choose large format tiles for their residential or commercial applications. Large format tiles are aesthetically pleasing and come in a variety of colours and designs. They are often used to make smaller rooms appear bigger because of the way they expand the appearance of surfaces.

They offer more coverage per tile than traditional tile sizes, which means there are fewer grout lines for easier maintenance. It is much easier to clean a large tile face then a grout line, and even sealed or epoxy-based grout can be a challenge to keep looking its best. With large format tiles, this issue is reduced significantly.

Thin porcelain tiles are even better. Many of the options available today are easy to clean, scratch resistant, fire resistant, and waterproof. These tiles use less raw material during the manufacturing process and have incredible durability and sustainability.

By using thin large porcelain tiles, you get the best of both worlds. You get the lightness that makes transportation easier and greener, with the practicality and aesthetic qualities of large format tiles.

Large Format Tile Handling and Carrying Tips

When working with large format tiles, it is not recommended to use the same tools you would use for traditional tile sizes. Use devices and tools that are especially designed for large sizes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a system made of parallel and transverse guides for manual handling of slabs 63” x 126”.
• Clean the tile slab and the suction pads with a damp sponge to ensure perfect adhesion before carrying.
• Ensure a vacuum seal between any device or suction pad and the tile surface before lifting or moving. A single guide device can be used for large format tiles 60” maximum.
• For large slabs 63” x 126”, ensure you have four operators are each corner for handling.
• Lift the slab along the longest sides and hang it vertically to the frame handles.
• Set the trolley guide to match the slab.

Essential Handling Tools and Accessories from Raimondi and Rubi

Raimondi CAM ADV Modular Trolley for Slabs

This cart is designed to store and transport large format tiles and handling devices up to 551 lbs. An adhesive is safely and easily applied to the back of the tile to ensure proper control and grip as the slab is rolled. Two of the four wheels have brakes to prevent accidental sliding of the cart.

Raimondi Modular Working Bench with Folding Legs

This working bench is the ideal surface for working with large format tiles, whether you are cutting the tiles or processing them for installation.

Raimondi Corner Protector for Slabs

These reusable corner protectors for slabs are ideal for thickness of 1/8” to 1/2". They are suitable for all tile sizes, so you can repurpose them for traditional tiling projects. These tools are vital when handling large tiles to prevent damage to the corners and edges.

Rubi Suction Pad

This suction pad from Rubi is incredibly resistant and designed to improve comfort when handling large format tiles. It is designed for a maximum load of 309 lbs.

Rubi Double Suction Pad

The double suction cup is ideal for handling heavy large format tiles. With two suction cups, it increases comfort when handling tiles and the ergonomic design prevents fatigue and effort.

Rubi Triple Suction Pad

For additional ergonomic benefits and ease when handling extra-large format tiles, the triple suction pad has three cups.

Visit Centura Tools for Large Format Tile Tools

Looking for the right tools and advice for your upcoming large format tile project? Look no further than Centura Tools. We supply large format tiling equipment from the best brands around the world, and our selection is unmatched. If you’re searching for an item you don’t see in our store, let us know and we can source the specific items you need.

Contact us at (416) 785-3311 or visit our store to see our amazing products. Our professionals will be available to help you make the right decisions about your tiling project and provide you with the information you need to choose the best tools for the job.