Start by fitting perimeter tiles last so you can adjust for exact spacing and movement around the room.

For large format floor tile projects first plan the layout to minimize tiny slivers at the edges by snapping reference lines from the room center and dry laying full tiles to see where cuts will fall. Use a high quality wet saw with a continuous rim blade rated for large porcelain to get straight, nonchipped cuts and support each tile fully while cutting to prevent breakage. When measuring for edge pieces measure from the last full tile including your grout joint and cut the perimeter tile slightly oversize then trim back for a perfect fit because this avoids errors from uneven walls. Leave a consistent one quarter inch gap between the tile edge and the wall to allow for movement and cover this with a suitable flexible trim or caulk after installation. Use a full bed of thinset mortar applied with a notched trowel appropriate to the tile size and back butter large tiles when installing on uneven substrates to ensure full contact and prevent hollow spots. Check each installed tile for level and alignment with a straightedge and adjust immediately with taps using a rubber mallet rather than relying on grout to hide unevenness.

Common mistakes include cutting perimeter tiles too tight causing buckling when the floor expands, so always leave the one quarter inch gap and use flexible caulk at walls. Another frequent issue is insufficient mortar coverage which leads to hollow spots and eventual cracking, so use back butter and the correct notch size for large format tiles to achieve full transfer. The third problem is uneven or sloped substrates that create lippage and stress, so shim or level the substrate before tiling and use leveling clips during installation to keep adjacent tiles flush.

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