Start below the finish
Tile is a finish, not a structural correction. Flatness, stiffness, underlayment, movement joints and waterproofing details matter. Large-format tile can make substrate irregularities more obvious, not less.
Flooring questions
- How slippery is the surface when wet?
- Is it compatible with the substrate and any floor heating?
- How will transitions to adjacent rooms be handled?
- What cleaning products can be used?
- Will grout colour and joint width be easy to maintain?
Tile size and layout
Tile size changes the number of grout joints, the ability to follow shower slopes, the appearance of wall edges and the amount of cutting. Dry-layout critical areas before installation so niches, fixtures and corners do not end up with distracting slivers.
Buy enough material
Allow for cuts, breakage, pattern matching and future repairs. The appropriate waste factor depends on tile size, layout complexity, room shape and installer method. Keep a small quantity of matching material after the renovation because future production batches may differ.