The problem with using such a large tile is that if there are any irregularities in the wall it could possibly cause cracking of the tile over time. I think the largest you could use would be 12 x 12".

All the installation specifics will be worked out with the tile setter. I'm only focused on lay-out at this time. Thank you.

This tile also comes in 17x17. Would it make sense to cut the tiles in half?

I was just looking at an old thread and saw a comment by you and went to look at your profile to see if you had any recent activity. Your activity showed that you had just answered my question! I was so excited!!

I do realize that it won't be an exact measurement once cut. After I started the drawing I realized I should have started with a full tile at the ceiling. I learned that here just recently.

So I shouldn't be concerned about the large format of this tile? What do you think about cutting the square tile in half? You might have cross-posted with me and missed that question.

Your lay out is fine. Fabricating tile into smaller sizes is done regularly. The only concerns you have with the larger format tile are not concerns if you have a qualified tile contractor. A novice, however, may not be skilled with larger format and the biggest concern would be lippage if not installed correctly. You sound like you do your research and planning so I would assume that you've vetted the experience and skill of your installer. Make sure you have multiple samples of the tile for him/her to inspect when you meet with them. Pay attention to how they assess it for flatness (as the tile itself can be more challenging if it is bowed and not rectified). Ask them if they are concerned about lippage or have any other concerns with the tile. Ask them what size grout joints they would use. And of course, ask what their water-proofing methods are. If they are real pros these will be very easy questions to respond to. Their response should either reassure you or concern you.

We have a general contractor and are meeting with his tile setter. The GC will demo and prep the shower. His tiler uses "backerboard" and RedGard but I'm going to talk to them in more detail. I know you're supposed to use cement board and don't know if backerboard is the same thing. We're using a Kohler shower pan.

The tile is rectified Porcelanosa. Is that tile one we should be concerned about for lippage? We can't get an actual tile as far as I know so how would we go about checking for flatness?

That would give me 8.5, 17, 9, 17, 8.5. I'd have to fill in the 9" center vertical row with an accent tile.

why on earth would you pick such a large tile if you're going to be cutting it to fit the outside portion? All you'll have is a full tile in the middle. Doesn't make sense to buy a large tile, and then spend all that time cutting it to fit.

here are showers using the large tiles, and not cutting them to death

Why not just use a thinner tile to start with? Maybe a 12x24? or 8x24?

I have a 60" wall. Vertically, the size is 17". Three tiles stacked vertically is 51".

Horizontally, the size is 26". Two tiles is 52".

I'm picking it because it goes great with my granite and floor and I've been looking at tile for a year and it's the best I've found.

mayflowers, we would call your design "custom". Creating something that is pleasing to your eye and very commonly done by actual Pros. And if that is your vision, go with it. Porcelanosa is a good product. Ask your contractor to get a sample as that is standard. Now, another piece of advice, if you want it done to your specs, make sure that your GC gets you with the tile contractor for direct answers. When homeowners have the ability to talk with the actual craftsmen/women, you will get the information you need (be it affirmative or questionable). Hate to get into the products used for prep work as there are multiple right answers and our prep and materials will vary based on multiple factors, including the tile (in spite of what you will hear on some of these forums). Personally, we don't use Redguard but if it is done correctly, no problem. The skill and qualifications of the installer are paramount.

Thank you very much. I'll update as we make some decisions.

The shower is in direct line-of-sight. If we go with the accent, I'll probably keep it in a similar color family as the field tile. I don't really want a contrasting accent. I'm actually fine with the shower barre being the only accent.

Is there another way to lay it without an accent tile while avoiding too many cuts? Since this tile doesn't have any trim pieces, would a 12" quarter round look okay for edging? I'm not a big fan of the Schluter edges.

why on earth would you pick such a large tile if you're going to be cutting it to fit the outside portion? All you'll have is a full tile in the middle. Doesn't make sense to buy a large tile, and then spend all that time cutting it to fit.

She’ll only be cutting eight tiles, Beth, which is considerably fewer than what your examples show.

Quarter round is great...better than bullnose or Schluter for an edge. And yes, very subtle shade difference for your accent (you are now working toward a texture effect - no hard contrast). You're on the right track.

Yes, texture is my idea. The tile has a very subtle silvery over-glaze which just gives it a little shine in some areas. Our sample is here and I'll be picking it up tomorrow so I'll post it.

Sammy, my examples show full tiles, no cuts (except around the niche and at the edging). Otherwise, the entire shower is using full tiles.

She is the one that asked about the math. all I said was rather than pay good money for that tile and cut almost every single one, use a thinner tile so you won't have as many cuts.

If it's only 8 tiles and it makes her design, then go for it. She said she's been looking for a year and this is the only tile she has found that she likes and works w/the granite. If that's the case, then I'm sure an experienced tile guy can make it work.

Mayflowers, just make sure you have explicit instructions and diagrams on how you want it cut and installed. Can't tell you how many homeowners have come back on here to gripe because it wasn't done correctly.

can you post a picture of the tile, your flooring (if it's different) and the granite? and perhaps the accent tile you're considering?

I can post photos of the floor tile with the sample tomorrow. The granite is White Galaxy. I would appreciate suggestions for an accent.

I know all about the gripes. I've been on the Gardenweb Bathroom forum for over six years.

When you cut the tiles, the edges are extremely sharp. It is hard to imagine from your drawing how many cut edges you would have. Perhaps your tile setter can bevel the edges?

I would meet with your tile installer and see if he has any photos of the what are you are asking for and if he has done this in the past.Below are photos on what we have done in the past with larger tile.

Custom Showers & Whirlpools · More Info

Custom Showers & Whirlpools · More Info

Custom Showers & Whirlpools · More Info

Custom Showers & Whirlpools · More Info

Do any of those photos relate to my specific shower? If I center a tile on the back wall, what do I do with the 34" side walls?

Nothing. You keep them as your original design drawing. It's a simple pattern.

is this the layout you're thinking of?

Should I be concerned about cut edges?

I was able to find a quarter round today. She wasn't sure if it would cover the edge of the tile though. The tile is 3/8" thick.

Talk to your tile setter about that. It'll work if he knows how to do it.

Thank you for all your help. :)