Tile question ???

[r136dg]

Would or have any of you folks used a tile similar to this? We would like to use it in the front entry-way, sidewalk & garage apron. Basically across the front of the house. Even considering using it in the garage.  

It's lightly textured and somewhat soft (like a sandstone), and probably a little absorbent. Not as glossy as the pic shows. Obviously no slip when wet; however, I'm worried it may be a lot of work to clean and being in the garage & apron will be exposed to oil and tire traffic. I know I could probably seal it but would rather not go that route. 

Any feedback & suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!

[carlyai]

Nice looking tile.
One thing you should consider is that if you live in an area that has strong winds and farm soil and dust blowing around, it will get in all the cracks and be difficult to clean.

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[eyecatcher]

I tend to agree that a standard tile in a garage environment could be fraught with issues, some of which you have mentioned but go a step further and consider using a porcelain tile.

 

More and more residential garages are being tiled with porcelain tiles. It’s so durable that it is used quite frequently for such things as showroom floors for prestigious car dealerships, professional  mechanic garages,  drive-through hotel porticos and many other commercial applications that involve vehicles.

 

The reasons it is being used in these numerous applications are quite simple.  It looks luxurious, is extremely durable, and is easy to maintain and because of its extremely high density  it absorbs very little moisture which makes it almost impervious to any kind of stains. 

This also makes it scratch and chip resistant and resistant to impacts and heavy loads.

You’re liking this already……….  It is also very resilient to abrasion and they are not affected by chemicals or cleaning agents and best of all will not fade in 43 degree Thai sunshine..

 

Its similar to granite in that most porcelain is manufactured as a through-body tile meaning that the color and materials run through the thickness of the entire tile.  If it does chip the colour will not change and in the event that you have been really bloody careless and crack or break a tile, they can be removed and replaced with a new one.

 

You are concerned about non-slip and most people think porcelain tiles are slippery.  This actually isn’t true.  With the correct rating, porcelain will not be any more slippery than standard concrete when wet and sometimes even less so.  This is one reason why it is popular for entrances that are exposed to the weather.

 

I am not sure whether porcelain tiles are rated the same here as in the west, I would expect so and you can find it on an imported box somewhere. They are rated 1-5 in terms of durability, abrasive resistance and non slip; grade 3 or 4 is suitable for your application.

 

(above info researched and “pulled” I take no credit)

[Kwasaki]

Garage area block paving best IMO.

[r136dg]

10 hours ago, eyecatcher said:

You’re liking this already………. 

He!! yea!

Thanks guys. I sure like stone but feared it may be impractical. 

[steve187]

porcelain tiles come in polished finish ( may require sealing) or glazed finish which does not require sealing. and a wet diamond drill bit is required to drill any holes.

 

taken from wiki '' Porcelain is denser and therefore heavier to handle than other ceramic tiles. For this reason, it is generally more expensive.Being harder,it is more difficult to cut and drill, which can hamper fitting and increase costs. Polished porcelain may need sealing, where ordinary glazed tiles do not. The glazed surface is coated with less than two microns. porcelain attracts stubborn stains and becomes brittle when contact with chlorinated water and acids.''  

and something most tilers in Thailand do not know ''Specialised cements ( think adhesives) are necessary for installation of porcelain tiles ''

[Pacificperson]

I have something similar on my stoop. I just power wash it twice a year when I do the concrete.

[sappersrest]

we have those tiles on concrete pads as stepping stones on our lawn no problems.