The landscape of tile installations has seen significant shifts over the past few years. A major contributor to this change has been the rising popularity of large format tiles, now often exceeding 15 inches in any direction. Their aesthetic appeal and vast surface coverage make them a favored choice. But this trend has also ushered in stricter demands on substrate preparation and flatness. The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) emphasize that the substrate for these expansive tiles must deviate no more than 1/8” over a span of 10 feet. Such precision is no longer just an ideal; it's a requirement.
Taking it a step further, the NTCA discourages the traditional practice of using tile adhesive to adjust for height differences, a testament to how integral flatness has become. Now, imagine the challenges introduced by tile panels that span 10 feet by 10 feet. The substrate preparation for such tiles isn't just about laying a base; it's about ensuring a flawless canvas for a masterpiece.