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Ceramic/Porcelain floor tile??

16 years ago

I would like to install 12" tiles on my screened porch which has a concrete floor.Looking at the ones at Home Depot and Lowes has me confused.Which type and price range should I use? What's the difference in the quality? This area gets all of the traffic going into the house.

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Comments (3)

oruboris
16 years ago
Depending on where you live, you may need a tile that's 'frost rated'. These are generally going to be porcelain, since it is less porous.

I wouldn't trust the salespeople at either store to know [or care] if the tile you are looking at is frost rated. Best bet is to stick with 'name brand' product, and check the manufacturer's website.
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metro_58
Original Author
16 years ago
I am in Richmond Va. We don't have a lot of bad freezing weather here. What concerns me the most is cracking. Is there some that are more prone to cracking in this environment? I don't want to spend more than I have to for tile on the porch but I don't want to waste my time installing something inferior.
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A copper soaking tub might interest you. Ceramic isn't nearly as durable as porcelain. I'd keep looking to find both wall and floor tile that is all porcelain for such a heavily-used area as a bathroom. You don't need contrast with your floor in such a small space. Keep it all the same pattern. We just redid our master bath with Happy Floors porcelain tile in a marble-look pattern and are thrilled with it. You can't just move plumbing like that. The whole shower drain through your foundation would need to be re-routed not to mention that wall being gutted to the studs and likely other foundation work for tubing additions. You might as well build on a new bathroom for what that hassle and expense would cost you.
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sweeby
16 years ago
Oruboris was right on target. A common cause of exterior tile cracking is when small amounts of water seep into the tiles and then the tiles freeze. It doesn't have to happen often to cause problems -- it can happen once.

So look for a tile with a low water permeability rating and a high slip resistence or co-efficient of friction. Most tiles that meet your needs will be Porcelain, and most will say on the box that they're approved for exterior use and for flooring.

While the very cheapest tiles at the big boxes probably won't be suitable, there are lots of inexpensive high-quality porcelains out there if you're flexible with your design.
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