By Elyment Group | October 7, 2025
Are you dreaming of that flawless, seamless aesthetic that only large format porcelain can deliver? It’s the pinnacle of modern flooring, offering fewer grout lines and a truly luxurious feel. But here’s the sticky wicket: How do the best tilers in the country manage to lay these massive, highly bonded tiles without a single drama?
The truth is, working with large format porcelain isn’t just about strength—it’s about precision tools and strategic speed. This quick guide breaks down the methods our professionals rely on to ensure every job is a ripper, saving you time and money.
Why Large Format Porcelain Demands a Pro Approach
Large format tiles (often exceeding 600mm x 600mm or even porcelain slabs) are inherently more fragile before installation. Their size makes them susceptible to cracking under uneven pressure, and their ultra-low porosity means achieving a highly bonded connection to the substrate is absolutely critical. This is where professional flooring service strategies come into play.
The Right Kit: Non-Negotiable Tools for a Flawless Finish
You can’t do a commercial magazine-worthy job with a budget kit, mate. The secret to cutting and handling this material lies in using the right, high-quality professional tiling tools.
- Wet Saw with Premium Diamond Blade: A continuous-rim diamond blade, specifically designed for porcelain, is non-negotiable. It ensures a clean cut without chipping (or ‘blowing out’) the edge.
- Tile Levelling System: Essential for preventing ‘lippage’—where one tile edge is higher than the next. This is a game-changer for a perfectly flat surface.
- Vibration Suction Cups: These are vital for moving and placing large, heavy sheets. The vibration feature helps settle the tile into the adhesive, ensuring maximum transfer and a highly bonded result.
- Aluminium Rail Cutting System: For long, straight cuts on-site, a manual scoring and snapping system with a sturdy aluminium guide rail offers unmatched precision and speed.
Our team at @ElymentGroup always carries the absolute best gear to guarantee a premium install.
Speed is Everything: Dialling in Your Cutting Strategy
One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make is cutting too fast. Speed adjustments are the fine-tuning process that separates a good tiler from a great one.
- The RPM Sweet Spot: While a powerful wet saw might run at high RPMs, the actual feed rate (how quickly you push the tile through) must be slow and steady. A measured, even pace reduces friction, heat, and the risk of fracturing the porcelain.
- Constant, Clean Water Flow: Water is your friend. It cools the blade, prevents the porcelain from burning (which weakens the cut), and flushes away slurry. Ensure a consistent, high-volume flow.
- Relief Cuts for Curves: When tackling internal curves or corner cut-outs, the smart move is to use a slow-speed grinder with a quality diamond wheel, making tiny relief cuts first. It’s an expert technique that prevents massive cracking.
This attention to detail in our tiling strategies is what ensures a long-lasting and beautiful floor.
Achieving the Highly Bonded Finish: It’s All in the Prep
The term highly bonded tiles refers to achieving near-100% adhesive coverage between the tile and the substrate. Without it, the floor will fail prematurely.
We practise meticulous substrate preparation—cleaning, levelling, and priming. Then, we use a technique called “back-buttering,” applying a thin layer of adhesive directly to the back of the tile as well as the floor. We also use premium polymer-modified adhesives designed specifically for the minimal absorption rate of porcelain sheets.
Key Takeaways for Your Seamless Flooring Project
Achieving stunning seamless flooring with large format porcelain is highly achievable with the right strategy:
- Strategy: Slow down the feed rate when cutting, regardless of the saw’s speed.
- Tools: Invest in or hire professionals who use vibration suction cups and levelling systems.
- Bonding: Demand a tiler who uses the back-buttering technique to guarantee a highly bonded fix.
You deserve a beautiful, long-lasting floor. To explore more about quality tile installation and get your project started, visit us at elyment.com.au. We utilise innovative techniques, taking inspiration from leading global industry standards.