Porcelain tile specifics

[Rolls 912]

Went to the tile shop. I have a few questions pls...

Should I go for a shinny or Matt finish?
Some of the Matt finishes are slightly textured- would this be problematic with steel wheeled equipment etc?
And finally, should I go for the largest possible size?

 

[84944Redline]

Your questions are "for starters" - so I'd suggest searching and reading as many threads you can find about porcelain tile. There a lot...

You'll likely be blown away at what you find and it should help you get into the nitty gritty specifics of your floor and any special considerations to consider.

 

[bdamico]

Went to the tile shop. I have a few questions pls...

Should I go for a shinny or Matt finish?
Some of the Matt finishes are slightly textured- would this be problematic with steel wheeled equipment etc?
And finally, should I go for the largest possible size?

(1) i assume you're talking about glazed or not. this has been covered. not glazed is preferred

(2) good thread out there on any install with this. no problem

(3) up to you. pros and cons of each.

As I've said before, read up. You're doing yourself a disservice by not reading what's out there. There are really not that many threads with porcelain in the title. Lots of stuff you haven't even thought to ask yet.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I wouldn't be concerned with the look of the finish so much as the coefficient of friction rating for the tile. It's included in every box. Generally speaking, larger tiles are going to have more problems bridging uneven surfaces. A 12" tile is a very safe choice.

 

[Herb67SS]

On the other hand, large format ties provide a more uniform surface if laid correctly. I'm laying 1000sq ft of 18x18 matte glazed PEI 4 porcelain available from HD for $.95 or less right now depending on where you live. For that price, I opted to use this glazed tile. I have no concerns re steel wheels etc.. I don't roll them around that much to sacrifice the benefits of a nearly impervious floor finish.

Since you haven't included your location in you profile, many expert professional tile setters on this forum can't really help you specifically. It makes a difference if you are in Fla vs Canada. Help yourself and fill in your general location.

Not trying to be rude, just helpful.
/h

 

[Rolls 912]

I believe I have read the vast majority of porcelain threads. Thanks. Just doesn't appear to be one definitive consensus.

My slab is new. 50sqm. It's been reinforced to accommodate a hoist. No frost in OZ. large format is my preference - less grout.

Metalwork is my scene. Just hope porcelain is robust enough.

I've also visit john bridges site. Would be great to have a 'best of flooring' sticky ....

Btw - Jack - followed your thread on pelican - this is what inspired me for my garage build. I just recently finished a hot rod 912 project!

 

[SapesOfIndia]

I agree with Jack on 12" tile if you are planning to install yourself. I am speaking from my experience.

If you are hiring someone to install then go with whatever you like.