“Large format” generally refers to a tile with at least one edge measuring 15 inches or longer; the term is most commonly applied to sizes starting at 12x24. At Zia, large format tiles are available in terrazzo, Cantera, marble, classic and French limestone, and Belgian Bluestone.

Large format floor tile suits open, expansive surfaces where an uninterrupted visual field is the goal. Common applications include open-plan living area floors, primary bathroom floors, full-height feature walls, outdoor patios, commercial floors, and hotel lobbies or reception areas. Large format tiles reduce the number of grout lines across the surface, making them well-suited to full-height installations where fewer visual breaks are preferred. Each material requires sealing per the installation guide, with extra care around heavily trafficked floors, bathrooms, showers, and other areas exposed to moisture.

Yes, 12x24 tile is considered a large format tile, sitting at the entry point of the large format category. It is a common choice in residential and commercial projects because it balances scale with practical handling during installation. Zia's 12x24 tiles are available in classic and French limestone, Belgian Bluestone, Cantera stone, and marble.

Yes. Fewer grout lines reduce visual interruption, allowing floors or walls with large format tiles to read as a single, unbroken plane. In smaller spaces, material itself serves as the primary visual element rather than the grout grid.

A large format tile's suitability for exterior and freeze/thaw applications depends on the material, rather than its size.

• Terrazzo: suitable for exterior floors in non-freeze/thaw climates; not suitable for freeze/thaw climates.
• Marble: can be used outdoors in various applications, though not suitable for floors in freeze/thaw climates.
• Cantera stone: suitable for exterior use in non-freeze/thaw climates only.
• Limestone: suitability depends on finish: French and classic honed limestone are suitable for exterior use in non-freeze/thaw climates only, while Belgian Bluestone is suitable for exterior use including freeze/thaw climates.

Please confirm a specific tile's usage guidance before specifying for any outdoor application. Contact our team with any material or project-specific questions at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.

Our large format tile collection includes marble, terrazzo, Cantera stone, classic and French limestone, and Belgian Bluestone. Contact our team with any material or project-specific questions at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.

Please have your contractor, designer, or installer confirm the square footage needed for your tile order. A professional should measure the total surface area and then multiply length by width to get the square footage. Most large format tile projects need a minimum of 15% overage to account for curation and cuts. Consider additional overage with a material with higher natural variation, such as marble or Cantera stone, ordering up to 25% overage for a more uniform visual curation. Our team can advise on quantity for any specific project at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.

Large format tile will follow the same installation instructions as any format, with added attention to a flat, well-prepared substrate given the tile size. A professional installer experienced with the specific material should confirm substrate flatness before setting the tile. Protective face and eye coverings are recommended when working with thinset, sealants, and grout. Review the Proposition 65 warnings before starting. A member of our team can answer any questions or walk through installation specifics. Reach us at info@ziatile.com or by phone at 310‑844‑1170.

The distinction between 12x24 and 24x24 tile is the preference for a rectangular or square shape, plus the scale and pattern of grout lines. A 12x24 format produces a rectangular directional quality that guides the eye along the longer axis, similar to the effect of a rectangular floor plank. A 24x24 format is a square tile that distributes visual weight evenly across the surface, with fewer grout lines overall.