You could do that. You could also use conventional tile, either ceramic or porcelain (what you were talking about is what's called "rectified" porcelain, and will cost alot more, both to purchase, and for installation) use a normal sized grout joint, and then use a medium to darker colored grout so that staining and aging won't show up nearly as bad. Once it DOES begin to show up, then you clean the grout as best you can, and coat all the grout joints with a grout colorant (link below). The one I'm showing in the link is epoxy based, and is easy enough that anyone can apply it. It's just very time consuming, so it would also be caostly to have your installer do it. But I can show a link that tells you the easiest way to apply it and finish your grout, and once done, it'll last forever, and being that it's a coating on top of the grout, nothing, and I mean not a damn thing will stick to the grout. The joints will wash off just as easily as the face of the tile. Permanently.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aquamix Grout Colorants on line

Thanks Bill... what is the difference between rectified porcelain and non rectified porcelain? Is all porcelain what they call "through body" color? I'm not a fan of broad grout lines so could I have it done with 1/16th grout lines no matter what kind of tile I buy? Lastly, I've read on posts you've written that epoxy grout is harder to install and more costly... best handled by a professional but regardless of cost; would it give me the best quality result within the parameters I gave? I'm estimating my living area is about 900 sq. ft. so what kind of cost should I estimate? I'm hoping to keep it to about 8K.
Thanks so much,
Elyse

what is the difference between rectified porcelain and non rectified porcelain?

Conventional porcelain, like any other ceramic tile, is stamped out, and then baked in a kiln. The problem with that is that clay will shrink as it's baked, and unfortunately, that shrinkage is not consistant, which is why you get siing of the tiles, inlcuding porcelain. This is the reason you need to have the larger grout joints, so you can take that sizing into account when setting the tiles. Rectified porcelain, on the other hand, is baked in sheets, and then cut to size AFTER it's "cooked" so the tiles are MUCH more accurate in sizing, and can be set with a much tighter joint. However, they're made to be set like stone tiles, and therefore, are usually priced out like stone on the labor. in addition, the purchase price is usually more than conventional porcelain.

Is all porcelain what they call "through body" color?

All UNGLAZED porcelain is through body color. However, there are many porcelains that are glazed, and they're not.

I'm not a fan of broad grout lines so could I have it done with 1/16th grout lines no matter what kind of tile I buy?

No, for the reasons I explained above.

Lastly, I've read on posts you've written that epoxy grout is harder to install and more costly... best handled by a professional but regardless of cost; would it give me the best quality result within the parameters I gave?

yes.

I'm estimating my living area is about 900 sq. ft. so what kind of cost should I estimate? I'm hoping to keep it to about 8K

You might have a problem with that. I'll give you an idea based on my prices. My base price for stone install is 7.00 a foot. You want to use a large format tile. For that, you can add another 2.00 a foot, between the fact that it's more difficult to work with, and being that rectified porcelain (and stone) is very unforgiving, that subfloor needs to be just about dead pancake flat so there's going to be alot of prep, or extra time spent setting it. You also want to use epoxy grout. Depending on WHICH epoxy, my prices run from 1.50 a foot for Spectralock to 2.50 a foot for most others. Even figuring Spectralock grout, we're already up to 9450.00, and that's just for the labor. There's going to be alot more thinset used with large format tile, because the installer will need to use a heavier notched trowel to account for any slight imperfections in the floor, or "warpage" of the tile, to make sure the tile is fully supported. Epoxy grouts are also about 4-5 times more expensive than conventional grouts. And that's all IN ADDITION to the cost of the tiles.

Now, you live in South Florida, where prices are much lower. But once you get into custom work like this, you're still looking at a fair chunk of change. If you're anywhere near Homestead, shoot me an email, and I can send you the name and number of a top notch custom contractor down there.

Wow Bill... thanks for your thoughtful response. I'm not dead set on 20x20 tile. I ignorantly figured... larger tile... less grout lines. The area is rectangular ... the widest section maybe 25ft narrowing down to about 16ft. and the entire length of the house. The bedrooms are off down a small hallway. I'd entertain a 16x16 tile if the cost were that much less. I don't know that I'd like the idea of the 12x12. Would a smaller tile be a significant savings? And... for such a rectangular space (narrow and long) what size/shape or installation style would you suggest? I'm willing to spend for the rectified tile, the epoxy grout, and professional install even if it means making some concessions elsewhere. To me, flooring makes a huge statement and sets the tone for the home. We're going to do as much of the work on the renovation ourselves as we can and I have time on my side as we don't currently live there and will finish most of the work before we sell the house we live in now. Homestead is only about 40 minutes from where the house is (Hollywood, Florida) so when the time comes I'd love the name of the installer you recommend if he's willing to travel a little. I'd love if you could steer me toward a few brands of tile rectified porcelain to consider.
Thanks for all,
Elyse

I'd entertain a 16x16 tile if the cost were that much less.

16" is generally considered the line for what's considered large format tiles. However, you might be able to get away with not having to pay the large format up charge, or atleast not as much for it. In addition, the amount of thinset used would also save you some money, although the savings there wouldn't amount to too much.

And... for such a rectangular space (narrow and long) what size/shape or installation style would you suggest?

The best of both worlds (getting rid of the modular look a square set pattern gives, and not incurring an upcharge) would be what you originally suggested (the brick joint, or running bond). My optimum recommendation would be to go diagonal, especially if you have wide open areas, but that would bring an upcharge of usually about 1.00 a foot.

You talk about flooring setting the tone for the home, and I completely agree with that. But if you want to get into anything past a square straight layout, or maybe a running bond, it's going to cost you. Start thinking about borders, border stripes, "dots" where the corners of the tiles come together, diagonal, pinwheel patterns-- all this can be done, but for a price. Just to give you an idea, the front entry in the following picture is only about 50 square feet. But between the diagonal layout, the border stripe, and square set border, that granite tile entry came with a labor cost of 750.00:

I very much like diagonal and think it would look good for the semi contemporary informal tone I'd like to set for the home. Again... I'm not going to let $1000 difference dictate one choice over another if it gets me what I'll love and satisfy my husbands one and only request. I know Crossville's site has to ability to choose a room, tile, and pattern so I'll be able to visualize the difference in look. Now to find a tile I love... any suggestions where to start?... anyone?
Thanks again!

It's funny you should ask. I forget if it's in here, or in the bathrooms forum, but there's another thread going right now where the very same question was asked (looking for a quality rectified porcelain).

You have several choices. You can look into Daltile or Crossville, both of which offer good quality tile, but their selections are a little limited, with respect to rectified porcelain. However, if you're willing to look at some higher priced lines, there's Graniti Fiandre, Porcelanosa, Laufen, and Cerdomus, just to name a few. You'd do well with ANY of those lines.

The following two are Laufen's 12x12 rectified porcelains:

WOW... love the first one. I've looked at Datile and Crossville online. Some were nice but didn't scream too me. I'm going to check out the others.
Thanks Bill and have a great Sunday night!
Elyse