12" vs 18" Tiles

[breeves2245]

Initial research underway. Decided on tiles vs other flooring options, so got that done.

New construction 3 car garage 30'x36'. I'm thinking 12" tiles may give a busier look compared to 18". Don't care for the checkerboard design layouts, so the 12" has me thinking I need to avoid them if possible.

Selection on 18" seems to be very restricted and the pricing is much higher even when taking into account the reduced number of tiles needed.

Any advice? Just stick with the 12" and don't sweat it?

 

[drmarkr]

My Racedeck checker flag layout is 4x4. Not really busy at all.

 

[Firebrick43]

18" is harder and more time consuming to do as well. Floor imperfections can affect it as well

 

[a91syncro]

12” tile will follow the floor if there are any imperfections. 18” you need a really flat floor to start with. I’ve been installing tile for 21 years now

 

[mike93lx]

Larger tiles will often have a bow up in the center, requiring back buttering. More work and more likely that you will have problems if you aren't very careful.

 

[Firebrick43]

Larger tiles will often have a bow up in the center, requiring back buttering. More work and more likely that you will have problems if you aren't very careful.

even 12" tiles should be back buttered imho. Although many pro's will not. Its insane how many pros will just put a four or five dots on the back and then the customer is wonders why their floor is cracking all the time.

 

[mogandave]

even 12" tiles should be back buttered imho. Although many pro's will not. Its insane how many pros will just put a four or five dots on the back and then the customer is wonders why their floor is cracking all the time.

I saw a "pro" installing kitchen backsplash tiles with hot-glue.

 

[mike93lx]

even 12" tiles should be back buttered imho. Although many pro's will not. Its insane how many pros will just put a four or five dots on the back and then the customer is wonders why their floor is cracking all the time.

The tiles should be checked and back buttered if necessary. If they are flat, i don't see any need if you are doing things right

 

[Firebrick43]

The tiles should be checked and back buttered if necessary. If they are flat, i don't see any need if you are doing things right

I suppose your right, I just do it as a matter of fact on 10"+ tiles and I have never had a tile crack, even once dropping a 2 lbs drilling hammer on one.

 

[FJ4FUN]

but, a properly done 18" tile floor looks super ****...

 

[Spacep0d]

Note on the 12" tiles...go with these if you don't absolutely need 18". Why? The affordable cutters are 13". For 18" cutters the price shoots up dramatically. You can still cut 18" tiles with a 13" cutter, as explained to me by RaceDeck. Just make a cut at your measurement line, rotate 180°, cut on the same line. Done.

I had to Google 'back buttering'. I think that's a good idea to do after all of the tiles are in-place. Then lift, butter, replace.