Large Format Tile · Showers · Wet Rooms · Fireplace Walls

Large Format Tile

Modern · Seamless · Durable · Perfect for Wet Rooms & Luxury Spaces

Upgrade your bathroom, shower, fireplace, walls, floor, living & commercial space with large format tile and slab style porcelain panels. Fewer grout lines, a cleaner, modern look, and professional waterproofing designed to perform.

Contact us today to schedule a quote ➜ Learn about large format tile
Serving Jackson, Ann Arbor, North-DET and surrounding areas in Michigan.
Large-format porcelain wall cladding in a modern bathroom
Showers & Wet Rooms Curbless layouts, full height porcelain panels, easy clean, less grout.
Large-format tile fireplace wall
Fireplace & Feature Walls Bold, seamless look, high-end visual impact, & modern finish.
Large-format floor tile in a living room
Large-Format Floors Bigger tile = fewer grout joints, faster install and a seamless look.
Commercial modern welcome desk & large format tile floor
Commercial & Exterior Exceptional durability, weather resistant, in heavy use & changing conditions.
Large Format Tile · Expanded view
Click Through Use-Cases

Explore XL Tile by Application

Large format tile (XL) and slab-style panels create a modern, cleaner look with fewer grout lines ideal for showers, fireplaces, floors, and commercial spaces across Michigan.

Showers & Wet Rooms

Cleaner lines & fewer grout joints! for a more durable wet-area finish

Large panels deliver a modern, nearly groutless look—great for curbless showers, wet rooms, and full-height wall cladding. Less grout means easier cleaning and fewer places for moisture issues to start.

  • Full-height shower walls with minimal seams for a slab-style look.
  • Curbless wet rooms with clean transitions and better visual flow.
  • Niches & benches laid out for a crisp, built-in aesthetic.
  • Less maintenance because there’s simply less grout to scrub.
Armstrong focuses on flat substrates + proper waterproofing because large format tile demands precision.
Modern wet room with large format tile in Michigan
Wet Room Minimal grout, maximum clean.
Slab-style porcelain tile panels in a spa bathroom
Spa Finish A seamless slab look.
Large format tile shower walls with fewer grout lines
Full Height Walls Fewer seams, cleaner lines.
Bathroom wall cladding with large format porcelain panels
Wall Cladding Modern architectural feel.
Armstrong Building Services

How do you make sure tile doesn’t crack?

Large format tile (LFT or XL and porcelain panels look incredible, But they require precision. Our process focuses on flatness, waterproofing, layout planning, and the right setting systems to reduce lippage, cracking, and moisture-related issues in showers, wet rooms, floors, fireplaces, and commercial spaces.

The Armstrong Installation Standard

Clean lines, fewer grout joints, and long-term performance—built around proper prep and professional installation.

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  • Check walls/floors for flatness and correct deviations before tile.
  • Reinforce/repair subfloor so tiles stay stable long-term.
  • Prep transitions, corners, and edges so the layout starts & ends clean.
  • Use professional waterproofing systems appropriate for showers/wet rooms.
  • Seal corners, penetrations, niches, and transitions correctly.
  • Add crack-prevention where movement or risk areas exist (exterior walls & inside corners).
  • Plan grout lines, focal points, and centerlines before setting tile.
  • Match veining and reduce “awkward slivers” near edges.
  • Align plumbing, niches, and transitions for a built-in look.
  • Use LFT-rated mortars and proper trowel techniques.
  • Back-butter panels and confirm coverage where required.
  • Leveling systems help minimize lippage on large faces/edges.
  • Choose grout type/width based on the application and tile spec.
  • Use movement joints where needed to handle expansion and transitions.
  • Clean edges, crisp corners, and aligned reveals for a seamless look.
  • Inspect lines, transitions, and waterproofed areas before closeout.
  • Share best practices for cleaning and long-term maintenance.
  • Confirm any punch-list items and finish details.
Tip: If you’re comparing installers, ask about substrate flatness standards, waterproofing approach, mortar coverage, and how they prevent lippage on large format tile.
Armstrong Building Services

Large Format Tile (LFT): what it is, & how it’s made?

Large format tile (LFT) is tile with at least one side 15 inches or larger. It’s popular for a modern, “slab-like” look with fewer grout lines—especially in bathrooms, showers, feature walls, fireplaces, floors, and commercial spaces.

Compact layout (tabs)

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What counts as large format tile (and why it’s popular)

Sizes + benefits

LFT commonly includes sizes like 12×24, 24×24, 24×48, and XL/panel formats like 36×72 (varies by brand). Many are porcelain, engineered for strength, low absorption, and consistent sizing.

  • Fewer grout lines for a cleaner look.
  • Modern “slab” aesthetic without natural stone porosity.
  • Durable porcelain works great in wet or high-traffic areas.
  • Huge design range: marble looks, concrete looks, stone looks.

Heads-up: bigger tile doesn’t hide dips—flatness and coverage matter.

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Diagram + photo
Large format tile size chart showing common sizes like 24x48, 36x72, and porcelain panels
Sizes

How porcelain large format tile is made (swipe)

1

Raw materials + refining

Minerals are blended for strength and consistency.

Dense porcelain starts with controlled blends (clay, feldspar, silica).
  • Consistency reduces defects and warping.
  • Helps achieve low absorption performance.
2

Pressing / forming

High pressure creates uniform density.

Large tiles rely on uniform density across the entire surface.
  • Better stability for big formats.
  • More consistent finished sizing.
3

Drying + stabilization

Moisture is controlled before firing.

Controlled drying helps prevent distortion.
  • Reduces stress in the tile body.
  • Supports flatter finished pieces.
4

Design + surface finish

Printing, glaze, texture, or slip resistance.

Stone looks, concrete looks, and textures are engineered here.
  • Matte, polished, textured finishes.
  • Visual depth without stone porosity.
5

Kiln firing (vitrification)

High heat densifies the tile.

Firing strengthens porcelain and improves performance.
  • Higher density + durability.
  • Great for wet areas when installed right.
6

Rectification + QC

Edges may be precision cut for clean lines.

Rectified edges help create straighter grout lines.
  • Supports a “panel / slab” aesthetic.
  • Better consistency tile-to-tile.
Q What sizes are considered “large format”?
Typically any tile with one side 15 inches or larger. Common sizes include 12×24, 24×48, and XL/panel formats like 36×72 (varies by brand).
Q Is large format tile always porcelain?
Most premium LFT is porcelain due to strength and low absorption, but some large tiles can be ceramic or stone.
Q Where is LFT used most?
Showers, wet rooms, bathroom walls, feature walls, floors, fireplaces, and commercial spaces—anywhere you want a cleaner “slab look.”
Q Why does LFT need special install methods?
Large tiles magnify flatness and coverage issues. Proper substrate prep, correct mortar coverage, and the right setting system reduce lippage and failure risk.
Large Format Tile FAQs

Common Questions About Large Format Tile

These are the most common questions homeowners and builders ask when considering large format tile installation for bathrooms, showers, fireplaces, floors, and commercial spaces.

Yes. Large format tile is excellent for showers and wet rooms because it uses fewer grout lines, which improves waterproofing, reduces maintenance, and creates a cleaner, more seamless look.
No—when installed correctly. Proper substrate preparation, leveling systems, and full mortar coverage are critical. When done professionally, large format tile is extremely durable.
Installation can cost more than standard tile due to prep and handling, but many clients find the reduced grout, faster cleaning, and premium appearance well worth the investment.
Yes. Large format tile works very well on floors when the subfloor is properly flattened and reinforced, creating a smooth, modern surface with fewer grout joints.
It doesn’t have to be. Matte and textured finishes are specifically designed for wet areas and provide excellent slip resistance when installed correctly.
Large format tile typically starts at 12”×24” and includes popular sizes like 24”×48”, 36”×36”, 48”×48”, and architectural slab panels.
Yes. Large format tile is ideal for fireplaces and feature walls because it creates a bold, seamless focal point with minimal visual interruption.
Absolutely. Commercial spaces benefit from its durability, reduced maintenance, and modern aesthetic—especially in restrooms, lobbies, and high-traffic areas.
Flatness. Large format tile requires a very flat surface. Professional prep work is essential to avoid lippage and ensure long-term performance.
Yes. Armstrong Building Services installs large format tile throughout Michigan for residential and commercial projects, including showers, wet rooms, floors, and feature walls.
Modern bathroom with large format tile walls and slab-style design
Visit Our Design Center

See Large Format Tile & Materials in Person

Our design center is where layouts come together. View full-size samples, compare finishes, and make confident decisions before your project ever starts.

  • View large format porcelain panels, slab-look tile, and grout options.
  • Compare shower systems, stone resin bases, and waterproofing assemblies.
  • Discuss layout direction, grout sizing, and transitions with our team.
  • Builders & designers are encouraged to bring clients for hands-on selection.
Schedule a design center visit → Trade partners & designers
Armstrong Building Services design center showroom
Large format tile displays in showroom
Tile and material samples at Armstrong design center
Large Format Tile Shower Pricing

How much does a XL tile (LFT) shower cost?

These are high-Mid end, price ranges for a large format tile shower using 2' × 4' tile panels, professional waterproofing, and precision installation. Pricing assumes a mid-priced tile per sq ft (not the cheapest builder tile, and not ultra-luxury slabs).

Important: Our pricing below reflects using a Stone Resin shower base in our tile showers (typically $500–$1,500 depending on size). That base is not required for every builder/homeowner, but it’s included here because it’s a common Armstrong spec for a cleaner finish and faster installs.

Smaller showers generally need less tile and can cost less in materials—however, labor, prep, and waterproofing still matter.

High-End Range
60" x 32" (Alcove)
Large Format Tile Alcove Shower (2'×4' panels)

A premium, modern shower with fewer grout lines, mid-priced 2'×4' tile, professional waterproofing, and a Stone Resin base included in this range.

$10,000 – $28,000
Turnkey estimate range — demo, prep, waterproofing, tile installation, and typical finish items.
  • Includes Stone Resin base (approx. $500–$1,500 depending on size).
  • Mid-priced tile per sq ft assumed for 2'×4' porcelain panels (tile selection can raise/lower totals).
  • Smaller showers use less tile, but waterproofing + prep remain major cost drivers.
  • Glass, valves, and fixture upgrades vary by brand and scope (quoted separately if needed).
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Large Format Tile Estimate

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Tell us what you’re planning — floors, showers/bathrooms, or a fireplace feature — and we’ll follow up with realistic next steps and a budget range.

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