Whether you’re giving your bathroom a glow-up, reimagining your kitchen, or laying down new floors throughout your home, one of the big design decisions is choosing between large format tiles and standard tiles. Both bring something unique to the table—visually, practically, and financially. But which is best for your Melbourne renovation?
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each tile type. You’ll learn when large format tiles shine, where standard tiles still hold their ground, and what will work best for your space, budget, and style.
What Are Large Format and Standard Tiles?
Before we dive in, let’s define the basics.
Large Format Tiles
Large format tiles are typically defined as any tile with at least one side longer than 400mm. Common dimensions include 600x600mm, 600x1200mm, or even larger slabs like 1000x3000mm. They’re popular for modern and minimalist interiors because they create sleek, expansive surfaces with fewer grout lines.
Standard Tiles
Standard tiles generally range between 200mm and 400mm per side—such as the well-known 300x300mm or subway tiles. They offer more pattern flexibility and are easier to install in compact or irregular spaces.
Large Format Tiles: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
1. Seamless Look, Spacious Feel
One of the biggest perks of large format tiles is the illusion of space. Fewer grout lines mean cleaner visuals and a more open, luxurious feel. This is perfect for open-plan homes or anyone wanting that “magazine” finish.
Real-world example: Many of our Melbourne clients choose large format porcelain tiles for their bathroom walls to give a spa-like, continuous stone effect.
2. Easier Maintenance
Less grout = less scrubbing. Large tiles are ideal for wet areas like showers and splashbacks where grime can build up quickly.
3. On-Trend and Timeless
Design trends show no signs of moving away from large format tiles. They’re highly sought-after in modern Melbourne homes, especially in neutral colours or stone-look finishes.
❌ Cons
1. Installation Can Be Tricky
Because they’re bigger, large tiles need a flatter substrate and more precision during installation. Uneven surfaces can result in lippage (uneven edges).
Tip: Make sure your tiler is experienced with large format installations. At ChumzTiling, we often use self-levelling systems and laser guides to ensure perfect placement.
2. More Waste in Small Areas
Cutting large tiles to fit around awkward corners or fixtures can generate more waste, especially in small or irregular rooms.
3. Higher Upfront Costs
The tiles themselves and the installation labour may cost more. However, fewer grout joints could mean savings on cleaning and maintenance long-term.
Standard Tiles: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
1. Flexible and Easy to Install
Standard tiles are more forgiving on uneven surfaces. They’re lighter, easier to cut, and more suitable for DIYers or budget-conscious renovators.
2. Perfect for Patterns
Want to create a herringbone splashback or checkerboard bathroom floor? Standard tiles allow for far more creative layouts.
In one Carlton renovation, we used 300x300mm encaustic-look ceramic tiles to form a patterned entrance that turned heads.
3. Cost-Effective
Tile pricing varies, but standard tiles are generally more affordable per square metre and require less prep work during installation.
❌ Cons
1. More Grout Lines
More tiles = more joints = more grout. This can disrupt the visual flow and requires more upkeep.
2. Can Make Small Spaces Feel Busier
In tight spaces, standard tiles may visually “chop up” the room, making it feel smaller or more cluttered.
3. Not Always Trend-Aligned
While still functional and stylish, some standard sizes can look outdated in ultra-modern homes—especially if the colour or finish is also outdated.
Which Tile Is Right for Your Space?
Let’s look at how both tile types perform based on the room and your renovation goals.
🛁 Bathrooms
- Large Format: Ideal for walls and floors—minimises grout and makes cleaning easier.
- Standard: Great for shower niches, floors with falls, or vintage-style patterns.
🍽️ Kitchens
- Large Format: Perfect for splashbacks with minimal joins or continuous benchtop-look tiles.
- Standard: Easier to work around cabinetry and fixtures. Subway tiles are a timeless choice.
🛋️ Living Areas
- Large Format: Enhances space and light; pairs beautifully with underfloor heating.
- Standard: Useful in older homes with uneven foundations, saving on prep costs.
Maintenance: Grout Joints Matter
Whether you’re using porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles, grout plays a huge role in long-term maintenance.
- Large tiles need fewer grout joints, which can reduce the risk of staining or mildew.
- Standard tiles need more grout sealing and cleaning, especially in wet areas.
Learn more about grout sealing and maintenance in our full service guide.
Environmental Impact: A Quick Note
Fewer tiles mean fewer materials. Large format tiles can reduce packaging waste, shipping volume, and adhesives used—especially when planned well. That said, cutting them can produce more breakage or offcuts if not done carefully.
For sustainability-minded renovators, look for certified green products like those from GreenTag or locally sourced tiles to reduce transport emissions.
FAQs: Large Format vs Standard Tiles
Final Thoughts: Balancing Style, Function, and Budget
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between large format and standard tiles for your Melbourne renovation. Think about the size of your space, the overall look you’re going for, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
Large format tiles offer that bold, contemporary finish with practical ease—but they demand precise installation. Standard tiles give you design flexibility and cost savings, especially in complex or detailed areas.
The good news? Whether you go big or stay classic, Chumz Tiling is here to help bring your vision to life with expert advice and tile installation services across Melbourne.
