Knowing how to tile large format tiles without lippage is one of the most valuable skills any tiler — professional or DIY — can have. Large format tiles look stunning when laid correctly, but they’re far less forgiving than smaller tiles when something goes wrong. One slightly uneven tile edge and the whole floor can look off. This guide walks you through every key step to get a perfectly flat, lippage-free finish every time.
What Is Lippage and Why Does It Happen?
Lippage is the term used when one tile sits higher than the tile next to it, creating a visible and feelable ridge at the grout joint. It’s most common with large format tiles — anything with at least one edge over 60 cm — because the larger the tile, the more surface area there is for minor imperfections to become a problem.
The main causes of lippage on large format tiles are:
- Uneven subfloor — even small dips or humps are magnified under a large tile
- Insufficient adhesive coverage — hollow spots under the tile cause edges to flex and drop
- Natural tile warpage — most tiles have a slight bow from the manufacturing process; the centre sits marginally higher than the edges
- 50% brick offset pattern — this aligns the high centre of one tile directly against the low edge of the next, maximising the lippage risk
- No leveling system used — without mechanical support, tiles can shift and settle unevenly as the adhesive cures
The good news is that every single one of these causes is preventable with the right preparation and the right tools.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Subfloor Properly
Subfloor preparation is the most important step in any large format tile installation. A leveling system will correct minor surface variation, but it cannot fix structural problems. Your subfloor must be:
- Structurally sound — no flex, bounce, or movement underfoot
- Clean and dry — free from dust, grease, old adhesive, and moisture
- Flat to within 3 mm over a 2-metre straight edge — the industry standard for large format tile installations
Use a long spirit level or straight edge to check the floor before you start. Any dips or high points greater than 3 mm need to be addressed with a self-levelling compound or by grinding down high spots. Skipping this step is the single most common reason large format tile jobs end up with lippage.
Step 2 — Choose the Right Adhesive and Apply It Correctly
Standard wall tile adhesive is not suitable for large format porcelain. You need a large format tile adhesive — a flexible, polymer-modified mortar that provides full coverage and adequate support across the entire tile back.
Application technique matters just as much as adhesive choice:
- Use a large-format notched trowel — a 10 mm or 12 mm notched trowel is typical for tiles over 60×60 cm
- Back-butter every tile — apply a thin skim coat of adhesive to the back of each tile before laying. This eliminates hollow spots and dramatically improves bond coverage
- Aim for at least 95% adhesive coverage on large format tiles — compared to 80% which is acceptable for standard tiles
- Comb adhesive in one direction only — this helps air escape as the tile is pressed down and reduces the chance of voids forming
Step 3 — Watch Your Tile Layout Pattern
This is a step that catches a lot of tilers out — even experienced ones. When laying large rectangular tiles in a 50% brick (running bond) pattern, the natural bow of the tile means the high centre of one tile lines up directly with the low edge of the adjacent tile. The result is increased lippage that no amount of leveling will fully correct.
The industry-recommended maximum offset for tiles where any side exceeds 45 cm (roughly 18 inches) is 33% or less. In practical terms:
- For a 60×120 cm tile — offset by no more than 40 cm along the long edge
- For a 90×90 cm tile — a straight stack or 25% offset is safest
- For a rectified porcelain tile — tighter joint widths (1–1.5 mm) are possible and help reduce the visual effect of any minor variation
If you or your client want a 50% offset on large format tiles, always lay a test section first and inspect it before committing to the full floor.
Step 4 — Use a Tile Leveling System (Non-Negotiable)
This is the single most effective tool for eliminating lippage on large format tiles. A tile leveling system holds adjacent tiles at exactly the same height while the adhesive cures — removing the human error that comes from trying to manually tap and adjust large, heavy slabs by hand.
Fixplus® offers two systems, both ideal for large format tile work across Ireland. Browse the full range on the Fixplus® Tile Leveling System page.
Wedge Type — The Professional’s Choice for Large Format Work
The Wedge Type system is the preferred choice for professional tilers working with large format tiles on commercial or high-spec residential jobs. Spacer clips are slid under the tile edges, a wedge is inserted and then compressed firmly using an adjustable plier — locking both tiles flush in seconds.
- Suits tile thicknesses from 3 mm to 15 mm
- Joint widths from 1 mm up to 4 mm — maximum flexibility for any tile spec
- Fastest application on large floor areas with high clip volumes
- Wedges are fully reusable — only clips are single-use
See the full installation process in the Wedge Type Application Guide.
Twist Type — Great for DIY and Wall Applications
The Twist Type system uses a screw cap tightened by hand — no plier required. It’s particularly useful for large format wall tiles where one hand needs to support the tile while the other applies the cap.
- Suits tile thicknesses from 3 mm to 17 mm — broader range than the Wedge Type
- Joint widths of 1.5 mm and 2 mm
- Tool-free application — ideal for solo tilers and DIY homeowners
- Caps have an open design — grout joint stays visible throughout installation
Follow the step-by-step walkthrough in the Twist Type Application Guide.
How Many Clips Do You Need?
For large format tiles, clips should be placed at regular intervals along all four edges — not just at the corners. As a general guide, 60×120 cm tiles need approximately 8 clips per m². Use the free Fixplus® Clips Calculator to get an exact quantity for your specific tile size and floor area before you order.
Step 5 — Allow Full Adhesive Cure Time Before Removing Clips
One of the most common mistakes — especially on large jobs where there’s pressure to get grouting done quickly — is removing clips too early. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended drying time. As a general rule, clips should not be removed until the next day at the earliest.
When you’re ready, knock the clips off firmly in the direction of the grout joint using a rubber mallet or your foot. They snap cleanly at the base, leaving no residue in the joint. Collect your wedges or caps immediately — they’re reusable on the next section or the next job.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re about to take on a large format tile job — whether it’s a kitchen floor in Wicklow, a commercial space in Dublin, or a bathroom renovation in Cork — the right preparation and the right leveling system make all the difference. Browse the full range of Fixplus® Starter Kits to find the right option for your project, or head to the Fixplus® shop to stock up on clips, wedges, and accessories.
Orders over €99 ship free across Ireland, with next-day delivery via DPD on orders placed before 12:00 PM. Need advice before ordering? The team at Fixplus® Customer Services is available 24/7 — call or email any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes lippage on large format tiles?
Lippage on large format tiles is most commonly caused by an uneven subfloor, insufficient adhesive coverage, natural tile warpage, a 50% brick offset pattern, or the absence of a mechanical tile leveling system. The larger the tile, the more critical each of these factors becomes. Addressing all five before you start is the most reliable way to guarantee a flat finish.
What is the maximum offset for large format tiles to avoid lippage?
Industry guidance recommends a maximum offset of 33% or less for any tile where a single side exceeds 45 cm. A 50% brick pattern aligns the natural high centre of one tile with the low edge of the next, significantly increasing the risk of lippage. For very large slabs (90×90 cm or bigger), a straight stack or 25% offset is the safest choice.
Do I need a tile leveling system for large format tiles?
Yes — a tile leveling system is strongly recommended for any tile with a side over 60 cm. Large format tiles are heavy, difficult to adjust by hand, and highly sensitive to even minor subfloor variation. A leveling system like the Fixplus® Wedge Type or Twist Type holds both tiles flush while the adhesive cures, eliminating the guesswork and manual adjustment that leads to lippage.
How many tile leveling clips do I need for large format tiles?
For large format tiles such as 60×120 cm slabs, you need approximately 8 clips per m². Clips should be placed along all four edges of each tile at regular intervals — not just at the corners. Use the free Fixplus® Clips Calculator to calculate the exact quantity for your tile size and floor area.
Should I back-butter large format tiles?
Yes — back-buttering (applying a thin skim of adhesive to the back of the tile before laying) is strongly recommended for any tile over 60×60 cm. It eliminates hollow spots beneath the tile, improves bond strength, and ensures the tile sits evenly in the adhesive bed — all of which directly reduce the risk of lippage.
Which Fixplus® system is best for large format floor tiles in Ireland?
The Wedge Type system is the preferred choice for professional tilers working with large format floor tiles. It offers the widest range of joint widths (1 mm to 4 mm), suits tiles up to 15 mm thick, and allows fast high-volume application with the adjustable plier. The Wedge Type Starter Kit PRO at €49.69 is the recommended starting point for trade use.