Tile spacers and levelling system: how to avoid lippage on large-format tiles

With small-format tile, a step between two pieces is barely noticeable. With large format, any difference in level between neighbouring tiles is visible and felt when you run a hand over it — and that is where ordinary spacers are no longer enough.

Spacers: the size by type of tile

Spacers are plastic pieces that keep the joint width constant while the tile is laid, before grouting:

• 1 mm: almost only with large-format rectified porcelain.
• 1.5–2 mm: the standard for most tiles.
• 3 mm or more: on rustic tiles or ones of uneven size, where a wider joint hides those differences.

Levelling system: to avoid lippage

The levelling system (clips + wedges) holds two neighbouring tiles at the same level while the adhesive cures, avoiding steps between them — what the trade calls lippage.

It is strongly recommended from 45×45 cm or on rectified tiles, where any step is visible and felt when you run a hand over it. The clips are snapped off and removed once the adhesive has cured, before grouting — it's not a piece that stays permanently in the installation.

Why wall flatness matters more in large format

Check flatness before starting: a wall that is out of square or level shows up far more with large format than with small tile. Small tile "absorbs" small irregularities in the wall more easily than a piece of 60×60 cm or larger — regularise the wall first if needed, and don't rely only on the levelling system to compensate.

Frequently asked questions

From what tile size do I need a levelling system? From about 45×45 cm, or on any rectified tile where the slightest step can be felt by touch.

What size of spacer do I use for rectified porcelain? 1 mm, the finest, almost exclusive to this type of tile to achieve the minimal-joint look.

Does the levelling system stay installed for ever? No: the clips are snapped off and removed once the adhesive has cured, before grouting.

Conclusion

On large format, the combination of fine spacer and levelling system is not an aesthetic whim: it's what stops steps between tiles being felt as you run a hand over them. Checking wall flatness before starting is the prior step that decides whether those systems will be enough or whether the wall needs regularising first.