We're retiling a bathroom and have a functional (not aesthetic) question. We had been planning on using 12" tiles on both the floor and walls. However, one installer advised against using larger tiles on walls, saying they tend to slip/move, or otherwise cause problems. He said he does many retiling jobs replacing larger tiles with the smaller 4" or so tiles. Anyone have any experience or advice on using larger tiles on walls?

It shouldn't be a problem... maybe you should talk to a different installer.

We install 12x12 marble tile on walls all the time. I think the only reason people don't install 12x12 ceramic is an aesthetic one... it just doesn't look right sometimes.

The problem that he is describing comes from inexperienced installers most likely... when installing 12x12's on a wall you have to use 4 points of contact with the adhering material rather than the trowel on approach typically used.

Hope that helps.

And if you are going to grout between them, use plastic spacers untill the mastic sets. This will keep them evenly space and from sliding down untill set.

Only put on one or two courses at a time so in does not get to heavy and push the lower tiles out. Like- >

This takes more time. May be that's why he stays away from it.

As Animator Said.

Also it depends on the house, the material and structure of the wall(s).

Today there are elastic grouts and cements which make it possible to put tiles of any-size on some of the most unstable surfaces imaginable (within reason of course). These will move as the tiles move, or as the wall moves.

In years past you had your basic concrete like cements and grouts which were far from flexible, thus the issue on walls was one of uneven expansion and contraction of the wall and tiles. This, over time, would cause tiles to 'pop' out or grout to fall out.

This may be the place he is coming from.

Cheers

David

I had 12x12 ceramic tile on the wall in my old house and never had a problem with mine. My friend bought her house and it came with 12x18 granite shower walls. Now that is heavy but she still has had no problem! (She has lived there 10 years)

It sounds beautiful.

I retiled and used the following; it came out beautiful. The floor is 12 x 12, the lower 3 courses on the wall are 12 x 12; and then a rope border; the next 4 courses are 6 x 6; another rope border; and the remaining courses 4 x 4. With a decorative border tile spaced every 6 tiles around the top of the wall and the course just below it. It really looks great; and graduated like that makes the room appear wider than it really is. it takes a little longer but am really proud of the effect. Good luck to you.