A Couple (Dumb) Installation Questions!

[Dan in Pasadena]

My True Lock HD tiles are coming soon so I'm in process on a re-paint, stem wall repair & paint, etc. As I'm working I'm thinking about the upcoming installation. I've done tile countertops before but not sure the same thought process does/should apply? Garage is 21x21 with a 2ft plus x 8 ft plus alcove in the lower right corner as seen in plan view.

QUESTIONS:

- Should I center the tiles on the garage door opening?

- OR, should I begin with a full tile (for certain) on the right side wall - the one with a personnel door so that entering/exiting you will see a full tile at your foot?

Translating to ceramic tile work: Full cuts all around or laid so full tiles where most visible?

PS: I plan to install black vinyl cove between tile and stem wall, then probably white baseboard between drywall where it sits on stem walls.

EDIT: Thought of one more. There are 4-5 inches of garage slab extending beyond the garage door. Should the tiles extend out there or stay behind the garage door?

 

[Shea]

Didn't see a plan view. Generally you start with a row across the front by the garage door with another row going up one side of the wall and you build it out from there. However, there is nothing wrong with adjusting that slightly to factor in cuts and etc.

For example, if you know that one side of the garage will require cuts leaving only 2" of tile showing, then it can be more aesthetically pleasing to lay the floor where you do cuts on both sides. That is how porcelain tile is generally laid out anyways. Don't try to find the center of the floor and start there like is typically done when laying tile.

Keep the tiles behind the garage door. Ideally when you close the door, the ramp should be about 1/4-1/2 inch behind it.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

A row across front, then up the side where the personnel door is sounds right. From there I can measure across to the opposite wall to see the size cuts I'll have.

I bought the female finishing strips so you're saying those should "end" 1/4 to 1/2" from the inside face of garage door, right?

My garage door tracks end touching the floor. I assume I should cut those off so the tiles can slide underneath. I plan to use a cut off wheel on my angle grinder to do that.

Thanks a lot, Shea!

Oh, PS: I will have nearly one full wall covered in those melamine white (for now) cabinets. Yeah, I know! But 3 new ones were in the garage when we moved in last month and I have 2 more at the other house I will bring in. In time I'll think of something nicer but for now I'll use these. Should I cut tiles around them (easier) or just lay the full floor and set cabinets back on top? These tiles aren't likely to fade over time are they?

 

[Shea]

If you are calling the ramp edges finishing strips, then yes, keep them 1/4-1/2 inch from the inside of the door.

It's up to you how you want to handle the cabinets. The tiles should not color fade. Regardless, if you pull up the cabinets and decided to add tiles where they once were, you will still have the same issue.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Shea. Yes, the finishing strips are the same as the rams - as far as I know. 2" or 3" wide black strips.

If the cabinets are easy to move, I'll tile underneath. If not....well, we'll see how ambitious I feel! Thanks again for your input, Shea. Nice to have the opinion of a flooring expert

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just realized my pattern will have to go AROUND my cabinets because I only made the dark outer color band and the red band a single tile width. They would disappear under the cabinets if I don't. Hmm, wondering if that will look ok?

Here are some pic's of someone else's very nice garages where their outer color bands are several tiles wide...which in hindsight I should probably do too.

 

[Garage Flooring]

My True Lock HD tiles are coming soon so I'm in process on a re-paint, stem wall repair & paint, etc. As I'm working I'm thinking about the upcoming installation. I've done tile countertops before but not sure the same thought process does/should apply? Garage is 21x21 with a 2ft plus x 8 ft plus alcove in the lower right corner as seen in plan view.

QUESTIONS:

- Should I center the tiles on the garage door opening?

- OR, should I begin with a full tile (for certain) on the right side wall - the one with a personnel door so that entering/exiting you will see a full tile at your foot?

Translating to ceramic tile work: Full cuts all around or laid so full tiles where most visible?

PS: I plan to install black vinyl cove between tile and stem wall, then probably white baseboard between drywall where it sits on stem walls.

EDIT: Thought of one more. There are 4-5 inches of garage slab extending beyond the garage door. Should the tiles extend out there or stay behind the garage door?

Install instructions are here https://www.garageflooringllc.com/2018/03/23/install-garage-floor-tiles/

Long story short. Either way is acceptable. When I did my garage I started with full tile and cut at the right and the back of the garage (opposite garage door). If you want 'perfect' you will cut off left and right