Porcelain installer

[Sevillian]

After researching options here and elsewhere, I've decided to go with porcelain on my garage renovation. I'm sure my contractor has a very good "tile guy" who no doubt does beautiful kitchens and baths, but I'm wondering if I need to find someone who has specific experience with garages.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

All I can tell you if there is different hardnesses with garage porcelain. The harder the better, the better the more expensive. Imagine any installer is capable. But if he doesn’t know about hardness, move on. Guess your not worried about chipping.
Good Luck. We like pictures.

 

[ace10]

I'm a home gamer, but have done a decent amount of tiling projects.

The garage is an entirely different beast than a kitchen, bathroom or backsplash. In terms of sq footage (obviously) but also just working with large format tiles. It ain't easy if you care about how close to perfect you get.

I think you're not going to find many installers who have done a "garage." But this work, IMO, is a lot closer to commercial jobs. Car dealer, store, commercial kitchen, etc.

Find the right tile. It's absolutely critical. Hardness and slip resistance.

 

[duneslider]

Just to be clear here, pretty much every floor tile has the same hardness. Some caveats there but you have two general types of floor tile, glazed and unglazed. The surface of all glazed tile will have a glass like glaze that is your wear surface. Unglazed tiles are generally a through body porcelain which means the color goes all the way through, if I remember right, that is what Dakota put in his garage. Through body will generally be more expensive and its the "premium" product for this sort of space.

If you are in a freeze thaw area where it could freeze in the garage you need a tile rated for that which is almost exclusively going to be porcelain.

Looking for the slip resistance in a porcelain tile is going to be critical. Lots of options now days and I see a lot less of the ceramic floor tile that isn't rated for freezing, more and more is porcelain now days.

A garage install is no different than any other install over concrete. Honoring control joints is generally the only difference, most house floors don't have control joints or saw cuts put in, just have to deal with cracking.

 

[TXBonedaddy]

Back buttering every tile makes the job take twice as long, but its still just lining up squares. Porcelain pei 4 or 5 only. I got mine on clearance for $0.39 a ft2 so it aint gotta be that expensive...

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[duneslider]

Back buttering every tile makes the job take twice as long, but its still just lining up squares. Porcelain pei 4 or 5 only. I got mine on clearance for $0.39 a ft2 so it aint gotta be that expensive...

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Anyone that isn't back buttering every tile isn't doing it right, so you don't want them anyway. Unless, you are using a "full-contact" mortar such as Mapei Ultracontact Thinset Mortar which doesn't require back buttering yet when used properly will still net "full coverage". It is good stuff but it is more expensive. Back buttering doesn't add a ton of time for an experienced installer, I would not say it takes me twice as long but still, what are you comparing it to? Does it take twice as long as WRONG? Heck, spreading thinset takes up time too, so maybe we should just not spread thinset since that takes longer? I could definitely be done in half the time or less if I didn't have to spread thinset, save a ton of money too.

Good deals can be had on tile if you aren't super picky and have time to search. As with everything, sometimes you get what you pay for.

 

[drmarkr]

I highly recommend that you not just delegate your general contractor to ride herd on the tile guy regarding back buttering....spend some time watching him yourself. And do it later in the day when he gets tired.

My 12x24 PEI4 was 59 cents/ft on closeout at Lowe's.

 

[engineer2]

Tile properties vary quite a bit depending on chemical composition and how high a temperature it was fired at.

Porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tile allowing the silica to fuse together to achieve a harder glass-like state. You may notice it often rings like a bell when you strike it and broken edges are as sharp as glass. It is also less porous than ceramic tile.

Look for PEI grade 5 for the hardest and most durable. Also consider slip resistance. You probably don't want glossy tile in a garage. Keep some spares for when you drop a hammer on it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I don't think hardness is the OP concern. What size tile are you going with. The only issue I would say is is the garage floor flat or pitched. Is it large format tile. Some large format tile out of the box is quite bad in quality and is not flat but bowed. Bowed tile/large format....tough struggle. That would be my only concern

 

[Sevillian]

Thanks all for the input. Lots to think about. Also appears that my slab is not flat; the first two "segments" (as divided by control joints) are pretty flat in relation to each other, but rearmost segment (ending at the back wall) slopes down quite a bit (haven't measured carefully, but its at least 1/4"in 6 feet), which is making me rethink going with porcelain. Seems like leveling it out would get pricey fast.

 

[Jeff95TA]

If you decide to level the floor and want to keep the tiles flat, I highly recommend a tile leveling system. It made this job go a lot quicker and there's almost no lippage.

 

[Kobuck]

Flat and level are two different things! Don’t be so concerned about level. If it is a true plane out of level, it can be tiled. This assumes you aren’t that concerned about level

 

[drmarkr]

Thanks all for the input. Lots to think about. Also appears that my slab is not flat; the first two "segments" (as divided by control joints) are pretty flat in relation to each other, but rearmost segment (ending at the back wall) slopes down quite a bit (haven't measured carefully, but its at least 1/4"in 6 feet), which is making me rethink going with porcelain. Seems like leveling it out would get pricey fast.

It's worth noting that good back buttering is going to give you some leeway with slight variation in "flat and level"....

 

[ace10]

Just to be clear here, pretty much every floor tile has the same hardness.

Untrue.

Here's a 24X24 floor tile. PEI 3
https://www.flooranddecor.com/porcelain-tile/concept-gray-ii-polished-porcelain-tile-100698877.html

PEI 5
https://www.flooranddecor.com/porce...g&prefv1=5&prefn2=size&prefv2=24+x+24&start=5


I tested many samples rated at 4 and 5. My rudimentary scratch test showed that some 4s were harder than some 5s, but as a whole, the 5s were harder. A PEI 3 tile is surely going to be softer than a 5.

 

[Shea]

DO NOT use anything less than PEI 4 rated tile for a garage floor - period.

 

[mobiledynamics]

? for those speaking about tile pei rating. With the current -designerish- tiles out there with porcelin, unless the OP goes with a solid MONO color tile, versus something that will have a print/pattern, IMO, the weak spot is literally the top face of the tile. When it dings from a dropped tool at 4 feet up, etc - it's the printed -face- that will show the scars...

 

[merim123]

DO NOT use anything less than PEI 4 rated tile for a garage floor - period.

This looks like it would fit the bill.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Corso-I...l-Tile-15-5-sq-ft-Case-610010002399/308736405

 

[Cairo94507]

I went PEI 5 on my garage porcelain tile and though not cheap, it has been a beautiful floor with no problems at all. Lots to consider when laying a garage floor. I went with 12x12 tiles on a straight lay pattern.

 

[Sevillian]

I appreciate all the input, but unfortunately it looks like I'm going to be priced out of the porcelain floor club. I'm unqualified to install myself, and its coming out to be over twice the cost of epoxy.

 

[gerryw]

Amateur tiler here,( my own home only)laid 400sq ft porcelain, followed advice from members on GJ, on pei, cof(member Dakota00)
4 yrs ago, 2 cracked tiles in that time ( dropped a record #6vise, dropped a 10ton bottle jack)

$1200 all in,
The most important thing i learned about porcelain tile on a garage floor; only listen to people who have done it!!!
Gerry

 

[benlam826]

Quick question does thickness of the Porcelain tile matter ? Also do i need to do a Schluter Uncoupling membrane on the concrete floor?

 

[mike93lx]

I appreciate all the input, but unfortunately it looks like I'm going to be priced out of the porcelain floor club. I'm unqualified to install myself, and its coming out to be over twice the cost of epoxy.

Tile is easy, especially in a garage that usually has simple walls

If you can physically handle the work, give it a go. Lots of resources online

 

[pl_silverado]

Quick question does thickness of the Porcelain tile matter ? Also do i need to do a Schluter Uncoupling membrane on the concrete floor?

Most will be 1/4” or better. Thickness won’t really matter, you just want to make sure there’s no hollow spots in the thinset. You do not need uncoupling membrane over a concrete floor.

I just bought two pallets of this pei 5 porcelain tile fromHome Depot to do my garage. At $1.79 a sq ft, it seemed like a good price.

Corso Italia Ray Gray 12 in. x 24 in. Concrete Look Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (15.50 sq. ft./Case) 610010002821 - The Home Depot

Give a great look to your dwelling by selecting this Corso Italia Ray Gray Porcelain Floor Tile.

www.homedepot.com

 

[drmarkr]

Most will be 1/4” or better. Thickness won’t really matter, you just want to make sure there’s no hollow spots in the thinset. You do not need uncoupling membrane over a concrete floor.

I just bought two pallets of this pei 5 porcelain tile fromHome Depot to do my garage. At $1.79 a sq ft, it seemed like a good price.

Corso Italia Ray Gray 12 in. x 24 in. Concrete Look Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (15.50 sq. ft./Case) 610010002821 - The Home Depot

Give a great look to your dwelling by selecting this Corso Italia Ray Gray Porcelain Floor Tile.

www.homedepot.com

Post pics when finished!

 

[benlam826]

Most will be 1/4” or better. Thickness won’t really matter, you just want to make sure there’s no hollow spots in the thinset. You do not need uncoupling membrane over a concrete floor.

I just bought two pallets of this pei 5 porcelain tile fromHome Depot to do my garage. At $1.79 a sq ft, it seemed like a good price.

Corso Italia Ray Gray 12 in. x 24 in. Concrete Look Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (15.50 sq. ft./Case) 610010002821 - The Home Depot

Give a great look to your dwelling by selecting this Corso Italia Ray Gray Porcelain Floor Tile.

www.homedepot.com

Please show pictures when you get the chance

 

[benlam826]

Any thoughts on this tile from Home depot? It's 18x18

EMSER TILE Potenza Gray 17.72 in. x 17.72 in. Matte Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile (15.26 sq. ft./Case) 1809717 - The Home Depot

Potenza embodies the earthy aesthetic of travertine in a durable porcelain tile. The linear brushed look creates a harmonious flow in a variety of soft neutral colors. Available in 4 colors and 3 sizes

www.homedepot.com

 

[mike93lx]

Any thoughts on this tile from Home depot? It's 18x18

EMSER TILE Potenza Gray 17.72 in. x 17.72 in. Matte Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile (15.26 sq. ft./Case) 1809717 - The Home Depot

Potenza embodies the earthy aesthetic of travertine in a durable porcelain tile. The linear brushed look creates a harmonious flow in a variety of soft neutral colors. Available in 4 colors and 3 sizes

www.homedepot.com

Pei IV is good. Should be pretty slip resistant.

A problem with cheap tile is flatness and defects. I'd get my hands on a few to check for flat and buy lots of extra. Home depot will take back the unused stuff, no problem.

 

[benlam826]

Pei IV is good. Should be pretty slip resistant.

A problem with cheap tile is flatness and defects. I'd get my hands on a few to check for flat and buy lots of extra. Home depot will take back the unused stuff, no problem.

Thank you for you input. I understand homedepot can be cheap stuff. Where do you suggest for a little higher quality tile?

 

[mike93lx]

Thank you for you input. I understand homedepot can be cheap stuff. Where do you suggest for a little higher quality tile?

Local tile shops. That said, do you really want to buy $5-8/ft tile for your garage?

I had my kitchen done with some large format tiles and the installer didn't inspect them carefully. He ended up installing several that had a bump from what looked like a rock under them. I know look at every tile I install, which is easily done in the initial layout planning. Also allows you to check for color and pattern.

I am no tile pro, but have done a few rooms. Any stress that I can take out of the actual laying process is a win in my book. The last one that I did was a 6'x8' landing with 2"x10" tile in a herringbone. I cut almost all of the tile in advance and laid it out with spacers, then carefully broke it down into organized piles. Came out pretty good

 

[duneslider]

So, they list this as a Grade 1 tile but that is completely meaningless.

Generally, the highest grade of tile will be sold at the pro stores. Stuff that is just below that grade is sold to other places. However, everything a place produces may be pretty much the same so what you get at the big box stores may or may not be just the same. Generally, it is stuff that is no longer being sold at the pro places so it gets sold to box stores cheaper cause its not the HOT new item. You usually will not find the same tile on the shelf at HD as you would at the Emser store.

You will find the occasional bad tile in the stuff from the pro stores too.

 

[engineer2]

Around here Floor and Décor has put some of the smaller stores out of business.