Walk into almost any newly remodeled home in the East Valley and there is a good chance you will see bigger tile than you remember from a decade ago. Large format tile has moved from luxury showrooms into everyday living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. For Mesa homeowners planning an update, it offers a clean, modern look that suits desert living beautifully.
At Manufacturers Floor Covering Outlet, our team has helped East Valley families transform their homes since 1982. In this guide, we look at the large format tile trends we are seeing right now and how to make them work in your Mesa home.
What Counts as Large Format Tile?
Large format tile generally refers to any tile with at least one side measuring 15 inches or more. Today, the most talked-about sizes go much bigger:
24x24 squares for a balanced, classic layout
12x24 and 24x48 rectangles for a sleek, linear feel
Oversized slabs that cover walls or floors with very few seams
The 24x48 size in particular has surged in popularity because it creates a wide, open look without feeling overwhelming in an average-sized room.
Why Large Format Tile Suits Mesa Homes
Fewer Grout Lines, Easier Cleaning
Bigger tiles mean fewer grout joints. With fine desert dust settling on every surface, less grout translates to quicker cleanups and a floor that stays looking fresh.
A Cooler Surface in the Heat
Porcelain and ceramic tile stay cool underfoot, which is a welcome relief during long Mesa summers. Large format tile spreads that cool, smooth surface across the whole room with a seamless finish.
A Bigger, Brighter Feel
Fewer lines help the eye move across the floor, which makes rooms look larger. This works especially well in open-concept homes, a common layout across the city.
Durable and Water Resistant
Porcelain is dense and highly water resistant, making it a strong option for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways, especially when monsoon storms bring sudden rain and muddy shoes.
Top Large Format Tile Trends for 2026
Stone-Look Porcelain
Porcelain that mimics marble, travertine and limestone is one of the biggest trends. You get the elegance of natural stone with lower maintenance. Soft, veined marble looks and warm travertine tones both pair well with desert interiors.
Concrete and Cement Looks
Modern, minimal spaces often feature concrete-look tile in warm grays and soft taupes. These finishes feel relaxed and contemporary, and they hide dust well.
Wood-Look Planks in Larger Sizes
Wood-look porcelain now comes in long, wide planks that closely resemble real timber. Families get the warmth of wood with the durability and cool feel of tile.
Warm, Earthy Neutrals
Cool grays are giving way to warmer tones. Sand, cream, clay and soft beige reflect the colors of the Sonoran landscape and make homes feel welcoming.
Matte and Textured Finishes
Matte surfaces are leading the way. They offer better slip resistance than high-gloss tile, show fewer smudges and give a natural, understated look.
You can browse a wide range of tile flooring options to see these trends in colors and sizes that fit your space.
Where to Use Large Format Tile
Living Areas
Running the same large format tile through the living room, dining area and kitchen creates a seamless flow that feels spacious and modern.
Kitchens
Large tiles hold up well to foot traffic, dropped utensils and spills, and they pair nicely with today's popular countertop styles. A stone-look floor beneath a quartz or solid surface counter creates a calm, cohesive kitchen that feels both modern and welcoming for everyday family life.
Bathrooms and Showers
Oversized tiles on shower walls reduce grout lines, which helps limit mildew and makes cleaning easier.
Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
Many Mesa homes open onto covered patios. Using a matching or similar tile inside and out blurs the line between spaces and celebrates the Arizona outdoor lifestyle.
Installation Tips for Large Format Tile
Large format tile looks stunning when installed correctly, and it requires extra care from an experienced crew.
Flat subfloors: Bigger tiles show any dips or humps, so the slab needs proper preparation.
Proper mortar coverage: Full coverage under each tile prevents hollow spots and cracking.
Leveling systems: These tools keep edges aligned and reduce lippage between tiles.
Movement joints: Planned joints allow for the expansion and contraction that comes with Arizona temperature swings.
Our installers bring 10 to 25+ years of experience to every job, and many projects qualify for same-day or next-day installation.
Caring for Large Format Tile
Keeping your tile beautiful is simple.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and grit
Mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner
Seal grout lines as recommended to resist staining
Use entry mats to catch sand at the door
Planning Your Mesa Tile Project
Choosing tile is easier when you can see and touch samples. Our Tempe showroom features more than 2,000 samples, from budget-friendly to luxury options, and our knowledgeable team can help you compare sizes, colors and finishes. Prefer to shop from home? Book a free in-home measure and estimate and we will bring samples to you. Financing programs are also available.
Bring Modern Style to Your Mesa Home
Large format tile offers a fresh, spacious look, cooler floors in the summer heat and easier cleaning in a dusty climate. Whether you love stone-look porcelain, warm neutrals or long wood-look planks, there is a style to suit your Mesa home.
Visit our showroom at 316 S 52nd St, Tempe, AZ 85281, or call (480) 968-7900 to get started. Questions about sizes, layouts or installation? We are here to help you plan a floor you will love.
