FAQ | Published on 21st May 2021

Where can I get large format porcelain sheets from?

Large format porcelain sheets are a smart way to achieve clean, minimal surfaces with fewer joints. They bring a premium look to interiors and make day-to-day cleaning easier thanks to reduced grout lines.

Large format porcelain sheets are increasingly popular with homeowners, architects, and designers who want a clean, modern finish without the visual interruption of grout lines. They create a sleek look on walls and floors, are easy to maintain, and can replicate the appearance of natural stone or marble at a fraction of the upkeep.

View our large format porcelain products

Dark Geostone Large Format Porcelain Tiles
From £161.82/
Calacatta Oro Delight Large Format Porcelain Sheets
From £170.93/
Venato Bianco Delight Large Format Porcelain Sheets
From £170.91/

What counts as “large format” porcelain?

In the tile industry, “large format” refers to porcelain sheets that are much bigger than standard tiles. Typical sizes include 3000 × 1000 mm and 2600 × 1200 mm, often produced in a slim 6 mm thickness for lightweight uses such as cladding and wall applications. These oversized sheets make it possible to cover entire walls or large surfaces in a single span, creating a sleek, seamless look with minimal joints.

Different thicknesses are also available depending on the application — thinner sheets are ideal for vertical cladding, while thicker formats are better suited to flooring, steps, and outdoor projects where additional strength is required. This versatility allows large-format porcelain to work in almost any setting, whether it’s a private home or a demanding commercial space.

At-a-glance Large format sheets can reach 3000×1000 mm or more, in thicknesses from 6 mm for cladding to 20 mm for outdoor use.

Where can I use large format porcelain sheets?

Large porcelain sheets are incredibly versatile. Inside the home, they’re perfect for bathrooms, wet rooms, splashbacks, kitchen walls, and fireplace surrounds. The continuous surface makes cleaning easier and brings a luxury feel to everyday spaces.

They’re also well suited to commercial interiors, such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, and retail displays, where durability and visual impact are both important. For those looking to extend the same look outdoors, porcelain sheets can be combined with thicker porcelain tiles for patios, terraces, and pool surrounds, creating a flowing connection between inside and outside spaces.

Porcelain large format sheets can be used to create luxury shower enclosures, or striking kitchen walls for example. By fitting these sheets, it is possible to dispense with the need to maintain metres and metres of grout between tiles!  Use porcelain sheets for interior decoration to create virtually maintenance free living. The sheer size of these sheets creates a luxurious ambience wherever they are placed in a home.

Design note

Use large sheets on feature walls, kitchens, and bathrooms — then extend the same finish outdoors with thicker matching tiles.

Why choose large format over standard tiles?

The main reason homeowners and designers turn to large-format porcelain is the minimal use of grout. With fewer joints, surfaces look calmer, more spacious, and much easier to keep clean. This seamless effect works especially well in kitchens, bathrooms, and open-plan living spaces where clean lines and simplicity are key.

The impressive scale of these slabs also unlocks new creative opportunities. Oversized sheets can be used to achieve striking wall and floor finishes that emulate quarried stone, polished marble, or even raw industrial concrete — but without the natural flaws or inconsistencies that stone sometimes carries. For anyone seeking a sleek, continuous aesthetic, large-format porcelain delivers exceptional results.

Porcelain also brings practical benefits. Unlike natural stone, it does not need sealing and provides a consistent finish across every sheet. It’s resistant to water, stains, and day-to-day wear, making it an excellent option for busy family homes, hospitality interiors, and commercial spaces where strength and low maintenance are essential. This combination of durability and style is why large-format porcelain is such a versatile material in contemporary design

Benefits Cleaner lines, fewer joints, realistic stone effects, and long-term ease of maintenance.

Porcelain tiles for interior and exterior projects

Furthermore, it is possible to match interior floor tiles and exterior patio slabs. Use Thicker 20mm formats outside.  Think about the threshold of a bi-fold door where the same material can bridge the interior and exterior floor surfaces- stunning!

Cutting, shaping and detailing

Large-format porcelain slabs need expert cutting and careful handling. In our workshop, we use advanced water-jet technology and specialist porcelain machinery to achieve flawless precision. This allows us to produce socket apertures, mitred corners, shower niches, splashback cut-outs, step nosings, and a wide range of bespoke details.

By preparing the slabs in our workshop, each piece arrives on site ready for installation, minimising the need for risky on-site cutting. For projects where accuracy is critical — like aligning book-matched porcelain or maintaining sharp mitres — workshop fabrication provides the most reliable and efficient solution.

Fabrication tip

Factory cutting ensures accuracy for mitres, cut-outs, and niches, saving time and risk during installation.

Handling and installation

Because the sheets are large and slim, careful planning is essential. Substrates must be flat and stable, adhesives chosen for full coverage, and movement joints included to avoid stress over time.

Specialist handling frames, suction lifters, and appropriate transport are strongly recommended to protect the edges and faces of the sheets. Installers should be confident working with large format products; where they aren’t, pre-cut pieces make the process easier and safer.

Installer check Flat backgrounds, correct adhesives, and the right handling equipment are essential for safe, successful installation.

Is it expensive to install large-format porcelain sheets?

Installing large-format porcelain sheets usually costs more than regular tiles, because the size, weight and precision required introduce more challenges. Here’s what tends to push the price up, and some rough ideas of what a homeowner might expect to pay in the UK:

Is it expensive to install large-format porcelain sheets?

Installation costs are typically higher than standard tiles due to handling, precision cutting, and substrate preparation. Use this guide to understand the main cost drivers and typical UK price ranges.

Labour and skill

Larger sheets demand careful handling, accurate setting out and specialist installers to avoid lippage (uneven edges) and visible joints.

Substrate preparation

The base must be very flat and stable. Levelling compounds, reinforcement or boarding may be required to meet tolerances for large-format sheets.

Adhesive and fixings

High-performance flexible adhesives and, in some cases, mechanical fixings increase material cost but ensure long-term bond strength.

Cutting

Precision cuts often need advanced tooling (water-jet, bridge saws). Complex layouts, corners and apertures add time and setup.

Transport and handling

Oversized sheets are heavier and more fragile in transit. Specialist frames, suction lifters and two-person (or more) teams reduce risk but raise cost.

Typical UK installation cost ranges (materials + labour)

Scenario Guide price per m² Notes
Basic surface, small/medium sheets £50–£70 Good substrate, simple layout, minimal cuts
Large slabs on prepared substrate £80–£120 Standard finishes, accurate setting out, moderate cutting
Premium install / complex features £120–£180+ Difficult access, feature walls, niches, extensive precision cuts
Note: Prices vary by region, access, layout complexity and installer rates. A site survey will confirm exact costs.

Planning tip: Budget for substrate levelling and allow time for dry runs with lifting frames. Accurate prep reduces waste and helps keep installation on programme.

Care and maintenance

Porcelain is among the easiest surfaces to maintain. Being non-porous, it resists stains and can be cleaned effortlessly with a mild pH-neutral cleaner. This makes it a perfect choice for high-traffic kitchens and bathrooms where spills happen frequently.

For textured porcelain finishes, it’s best to avoid abrasive pads and instead use soft cloths or gentle brushes to protect the surface. With simple, routine cleaning, porcelain slabs stay looking fresh and require no sealing or specialist treatments.

Cleaning note No sealing required — just regular pH-neutral cleaning to maintain the surface.

Do I Need a Specialist Installer?

Large-format porcelain slabs can’t be treated like standard tiles. Their size, weight, and rigidity mean they require specialist equipment and experienced handling to cut, move, and fit safely. While some skilled tilers may attempt the work, it’s always best to choose an installer who regularly works with large-format porcelain. This ensures a precise finish and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

This expertise is especially critical for projects that demand accuracy — such as book-matched patterns, seamless wall cladding, or ultra-tight joints where even the smallest misalignment becomes noticeable. Professional installers know how to manage weight distribution, plan support, and handle sheets without damage, ensuring every slab is set securely.

At Stoneworld, we prepare sheets in advance using advanced water-jet cutting and specialist porcelain machinery. Mitred edges, socket cut-outs, and apertures are completed in our workshop so the slabs arrive ready to install. By reducing the need for on-site cutting, the installation process becomes cleaner, quicker, and far more reliable.

Why use a specialist?

  • Knowledge of handling oversized slabs
  • Precision fitting with minimal joints
  • Reduced risk of breakage or damage
  • Professional finish that lasts

Are there size limits to how wide or tall large-format porcelain sheets can be?

Yes, although “large format” typically refers to porcelain slabs measuring up to 3000 × 1200 mm, manufacturers can often produce bespoke dimensions to suit particular projects. The main limitations are handling and substrate support.

Very large or tall panels may require additional structural backing or support framing, especially when installed vertically. Your installer or designer should assess whether the wall or structure can safely bear the weight. At Stoneworld, our precision workshop cutting ensures that even oversized panels arrive ready to fit, with any necessary reinforcements planned.

Natural Stone Step Treads — Thickness, Finish & Slip Resistance

Choosing the right thickness, edge profile and slip resistance helps steps feel secure, wear well, and meet UK use requirements. Use this guide to plan durable, comfortable treads for indoor and outdoor settings.

Recommended Thickness

20–30 mm Typical domestic steps, indoor or sheltered external
30–40 mm Outdoor steps, higher traffic and exposed locations
40 mm+ Public or heavy-use areas, wider spans, cantilevers
Note: Support, span and fixing method influence the thickness you need.

Slip Resistance & Finish

  • Outdoor: Choose textured finishes (flamed, sandblasted, bush-hammered, riven)
  • Indoor: Honed for a smoother feel; add anti-slip grooves if near entrances
  • Wet areas: Aim for higher pendulum values (PTV) and use nosing details for grip
  • Keep a consistent finish across the flight for predictable footing
Tip: Request PTV test data where available and consider drainage and cleaning regime.

Edge Profiles

  • Square with 2–3 mm arris: Crisp look, reduces chipping risk
  • Pencil round (5 mm): Softer touch underfoot, family-friendly
  • Bullnose: Traditional profile, comfortable leading edge
  • Chamfered: Clean, modern line that sheds water
Consider: Nosing projection of around 20–25 mm for grip and water run-off.

Sizing & Proportions

  • Typical domestic riser 150–170 mm; going ≥ 280–300 mm
  • Use 2R + G ≈ 630–660 mm to balance comfort and rhythm
  • Keep dimensions consistent across the flight to reduce trip risk
  • Allow 20–25 mm overhang; avoid sharp projections near walls

Stoneworld Workshop Services

  • Precision cutting, templating and pre-drilled fixing holes
  • Edge profiling: pencil round, bullnose, chamfer and bespoke
  • Anti-slip grooves and matched risers/landing pieces
  • Sealant application and labelled sets ready to install

Planning Checklist

  1. Confirm use (indoor/outdoor), expected traffic and exposure to water/frost
  2. Select thickness and stone type appropriate to support and span
  3. Choose finish for slip resistance; specify grooves if required
  4. Agree edge profile and nosing detail across all treads
  5. Provide exact tread, riser and landing measurements for fabrication

Best practice: For exposed external steps, pair a textured finish with drainage falls and regular cleaning. Pre-templated, pre-sealed treads reduce on-site time and help deliver a consistent result.

How Stoneworld Can Help

Large-format porcelain sheets require the right supply, preparation, and handling to achieve the best results. At Stoneworld, we support you through every stage — from selecting the ideal format to precision fabrication and safe delivery. With advanced cutting equipment and expert advice, we ensure your project runs efficiently and achieves the seamless finish you’re aiming for.

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