Tiles to the edge?

First post--thanks to everyone for all the information here.

Am planning on installing interlocking tiles on a garage floor, not sure of the tile brand yet. But in my reading of the manufacturer's web sites, they always suggest leaving a half-inch next to the wall for expansion.

How necessary is that? It seems to me that would be an area that would collect bugs and dirt; I would rather have the tiles fit flush to the wall and then be able to sweep debris out of the garage.

I live in the Southeast, so we get some warm summers but winters are moderate. The flooring should not see any heavy-duty activity other than parking the cars.


Thanks in advance.

you need it for expansion and contraction due to temp

Leaving the gap is absolutely necessary. We learned a cool trick a few years back that works incredibly well. We use it with cove base, but you could use it with any base molding.

Purchase the base molding of your choice. Measure the height.

Rip some 1/2" plywood the same height as your base molding. Temporarily tack it at floor level against the all and install your tile up to it.

Remove the plywood and you have your 1/2" gap. now raise it up just to the top of the tile and fasten to the wall and fasten glue the cove base to it. Your gaps are 100% covered and you have room for expansion and contraction.

We used caulk at the top or quarter round. Another option is find molding that is 7/16th - 1/2" thick and just it as your guide. Saves a step. We like the kick on the cove base.

Justin's tip above about cove base molding works great. We also have several options of covebase where there is a 1/2" lip that kick out and the floor can go under it, hiding any gap. This is not a typical request in garage flooring but is for commercial application in retail and sports. If you drop us a line we can get you the information.
Good luck with your new garage

thanks so much to all for their advice and expertise.

My next question is about edges. Naturally I'll add edges to those floor tiles next to the garage driveway entrance. Do you recommend using edges on the tiles next to the garage walls, or just trim to fit?

Please see the reply I posted here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192356