Porcelain tile and a 2 post lift

[Dizzyj]

Will be moving my 2 post bed pack into a new shop. This go round I’m planning on doing tile vs epoxy as the epoxy didn’t hold up well. Can I install a lift over the tile? Or should I install the lift and then fit the tile around the base?

 

[astroracer]

I would tile around the base. No particular reason other then point load on the tiles may cause issues. Any dirt that gets swept under it will cause point loads.
Mark

 

[Shea]

Yep, tile around it. Drilling through porcelain is not the easiest either.

 

[Dizzyj]

The only concern I have is that the arms on the lift automatically unlock when the arms are all the way down. I’m concerned that the thickness of the tile might keep them from unlocking

 

[kapnk]

You should check out this thread. It looks like the two best options are big steel shims or to use spacers/washers to lift up the posts and then backfill with grout which is rated for the purpose. I would probably do this even if you don't have the unlatching problem so that the tile doesn't create a crevice next to the base of the post for grime to accumulate.

I cannot post links due to my post count of 4, but check out thread number 224282. If you have any trouble, I can get you a link in my next post.

 

[rsanter]

If the lift is still in operation, you can put spacers (tile or pieces of plywood) down underneath the arms.
Lower the lift and see how much will effect the arms not unlocking.
You can also see if this is an adjustable feature.

I would prefer putting the tile around the lift, if not then I would used spacers under the lift

 

[kapnk]

Okay, I will try again. Here is that thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224282

Also, I ran across this article on leveling the lift.
https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/two-post-lifts/leveling/

You have to read until the end when they get into "The correct leveling procedure would be as follows..." I know you're not specifically facing a leveling issue now, but I thought this was interesting and might play into your overall plan.

 

[mike93lx]

I would tile under it. Well adhered tile is as strong as the concrete and in the grand scheme of things, drilling it won't be that difficult. Should you ever remove the lift, you just have a few holes to deal with.

The concern over point loads doesn't make any sense to me

 

[Dakota00]

Tile under the lift.

 

[Dizzyj]

Good to know there are options. I like the spacer idea. I probably will have the lift installed long before I get a chance to tile so that might work well.

Now to find some good tile

 

[1rahamay]

Please don’t listen to these people that tell you to tile under a two post lift. It’s idiotic.

 

[mike93lx]

Please don’t listen to these people that tell you to tile under a two post lift. It’s idiotic.

In what way? The tile is stronger than the concrete.

Information would be more useful than an insult