12x12 vs. 16x16 Ceramic Tile

[Greggles]

I continue to look at ceramic tiles for the garage floor and have two questions for the group.
Assuming price is the same (or close enough) is there an advantage or disadvantage to using the larger 16"x16" tiles. My thought is fewer tiles means less grouting, fewer gaps to roll the jack and dollies over.

Also spacers - 1/16 is what I'm thinking. Is there are reason to go larger. Garage is insulated, but not heated.
A second/third opinion would be appreciated.

 

[Beaumont67]

Porcelane tile & Ceramic - +1/8" or 5/32" spacing is about minimum.
Polished granite tile usually has a beveled edge, and -1/8" works.

16"x16" tile will give you fewer joints, for your jack wheels to cross-over.
Sometimes the 12x12" will allow the pattern to work out better / fewer tiny cut tiles, against wall.
- layout both pattern grids first, and go with the size that looks better

 

[slickgt1]

Both ceramic (Jacks garage) and Porcelain (my garage) will work. I prefer Porcelain as it is stronger.

You do not want to go with a 1/16th joint. It is too small for an effective fill. I recommend you go 1/8".

I also suggest you go with the epoxy grout, usually found at lowes. It doesn't stain, and is epoxy. So you can expect a lot of durability out of it.

12" x 12" might be a better way. Reason being is that you can adjust, and set each tile to line up with the next, tilt and level. This is especially helpful when your floor is not perfectly level.

If you floor is straight, no level changes, then just snap chalk-lines to figure out which size you like better.

 

[smschriefer]

I agree with slickgt. I have 12"x12" and 1/8" joints. In my instance the floor wasn't level, so a smaller tile worked better. The other thing I notice is the tiles make the space seem larger. I know it is an optical illusion, but I don't think it would be as pronounced with the larger tiles. I went with ceramic as the finish wasn't as shiny as porcelain and I was concerned about slipping. Remember to use a dark grout if you are in the least bit concerned about stains. I chose black for that reason.

 

[Greggles]

thanks all for the advice....

 

[slickgt1]

Everyone else must be in agreement with us.

 

[Jack Olsen]

12x12 is more forgiving. 1/4" grout is more forgiving. Rolling a jack over the gaps between tiles is not an issue at all.

I'm cheap, so I got ceramic tiles. But like slickgt1 says, porcelain is stronger.

I don't think epoxy grout is worth the effort and expense, though. Just go with dark grout. There is no way to stain dark brown or black grout. (But then, like I said, I'm cheap.)

 

[slickgt1]

Right, epoxy grout is expensive. But I wanted to make sure I get a clean wipe when something does spill. Epoxy just gives me more comfort. But it's friggen expensive. Each kit is like $20-$30, and only covers about 50sq ft. You can also do regular grout, and use grout sealer on it. Would work similar I think.

 

[rlfort]

I am sure glad I found this thread... I was about to order up a mess '0 Race Deck tiles, but I think I would probably prefer the ceramic or porcelain tiles instead, just for the durability. I really would like to have the black and white checkerboard look though, with red borders. Does anyone know if black and red cerramic tiles are available? Where do i find 12X12 cerramic tiles? Are they carried at any of the big box stores, and if so is it generally cheaper than the typical avg $3.00 per plastic snap tile?
Thanks!

 

[Greggles]

There are usually a few options for less the $1 SF at your local big box harware store.
For $3 SF you have many many options, but you need to consider tools, grout & mud
If you go to the tile warehouses (not the high end store near the mall) there are many other options. Use the search and you'll find every pro & con on tile.

 

[PeterT]

I did 1500 sqft of tile, 12x12 porcelin 1/4" grout lines. I did the whole job for around $1500. I bought the tiles on sale at .79/ea. I then went into Lowes and in there flooring section I found multiple 'damaged' bags of mortar AND grout (various colors) sitting on a flatbed cart. I offered the guy $10 for the whole thing. I got home and found 12 bags of mortar, and 10+ bags of various grout. I went to another Lowes a week later and there were several bags taped and leaking, I found the flooring guy and offered him a lowball price for the 6 broken bags of mortar and he accepted it.

This was inside the house, I don't think I would be comfortable putting it in a shop or garage - the corners could easily get dinged up and I would think the tiles would crack with too much weight on them...

 

[tcianci]

You definitely want to go with a minimum 3/16 grout joint and use "floor" or what they call sanded grout. It will chip it whether its porcelain or ceramic. It's just a matter of time and an "oops" so you have to be willing to deal with that. I guess my feeling is that tile for a floor covering doesn't age well and doesn't develop an even patina over time.
It's doubtful that you will crack a properly installed tile from weight though. And If you have never used epoxy grout, a project the size of a garage floor may not be the place to take your first test flight.

 

[slickgt1]

For those that are scared, click on the link below. I have black and white by the way.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95966

Yea check the big box stores. I keep seeing crazy deals. I will take pics of item numbers next time I go to lowes. For some reason they have tile deals that HD can't match at all.