I’ve driven occasionally and parked a motorcycle and other heavy stuff. Local Tesla dealer also used this same tile and their cars weigh a ton. Installation and good industrial tile are key.
6 years later, how is the tile holding up? Anything that you wish you did in hindsight? Also, I have no experience doing anything remotely like this but I want to try to DIY this myself. Any tips?
I have another video with some thoughts (at the 5 year mark) here: th-cam.com/video/Ziygz2ym3r8/w-d-xo.html). I'd never tiled a thing and survived this project, and then tiled the bathroom and shower upstairs from this room with the leftovers. I love the floor and haven't had any broken tiles or problems. I'm not dropping engine blocks on the floor, but I've dropped tools and weights without any problems and it's held up great. Cleanup is with a leaf blower and an occasional mopping and it still looks great. A few random thoughts: - Find a "real" tile place (where tile contractors go) near you. You can find them by looking up a commercial-grade thinset company (I used Laticrete) and look for their dealers. Go there at an off time (like 10-noon or 2-3) and the people are usually very helpful and actually know what they're talking about vs. a big box store. There are some nuances to a garage floor like respecting the expansion cuts in the floor, products that allow for some movement, etc. - Laticrete (and presumably similar companies) have lots of videos on their site that are probably better than random TH-cam videos that don't always show the best techniques, and yes, I realize I'm calling the kettle black 😎 - Use a "cheater" leveling system. I used the Raimondi system (here: amzn.to/3QjWoIz, there are also a bunch of knockoffs) with great results vs. manually leveling. Also use good tiles so you don't have little lips that create trip hazards. - Use commercial/industrial tile that's slip-resistant and appropriately hard (look for PEI 5 ratings and probably porcelain vs. ceramic). Get samples and make sure they don't turn into ice when wet. - Make sure you scrape out any thinnest "spooge" from between the tiles as you set, and clean up and spills on the tiles. This will save you dozens of hours grinding it out after it dries (ask me how I know) - I had good results with the epoxy grout, but you're "on the clock" to work it as it hardens quickly, so if you go that route make sure you understand the application procedure and start small. - Mix one bucket of thinset at a time. Get a harbor freight "hog" drill to mix. Work carefully but somewhat quickly as the thinset gets "stale" after about an hour if you're using the good stuff with polymers that you want for a garage floor. - The harbor freight "industrial" tile saw is great if you add a good diamond blade it will cut hard porcelain like butter. Just put the pump in an external bucket with clean water otherwise it will gunk up. I sold mine for like $50 less than I paid for it once done. Much better than renting. Good luck! It's a fun project.
@@TheBigHeavy holy crap thanks for this comprehensive reply. I'm still in the early research phase but this info has been tremendous. I'll update you in a year or so when I feel comfortable enough DIYing this.
Looks good. How practical is that in the garage ? Is it a specially durable tile? Just picturing all the projects taking place in garages, dropping hammers, large pieces of steel etc.
So far I’ve had zero chips or problems (knocking on wood). I got porcelain industrial tile with a 5 hardness rating that I’ve seen used in auto dealerships so it’s good stuff. I whacked a few scrap pieces with hammers and whatnot and it’s not impossible to break, but it’s not easy. If you were making cannonballs or doing lots of work with metal it might not be ideal but I’m mostly dealing with wood and mechanical stuff and haven’t had any problems.
Awesome. It was a good project and I enjoy the tile every time I use the garage. I just did a workout out there and it’s so much nicer than some of the other options.
Comsidering the same. Are you happy after living with it? I hate the pouros concrete. Epoxy floors get eaten by oils in tires. Race decks look bad soon. .. porcelain sounds like a great idea.
I'm very happy, and as a former Race deck (well, the Costco knock off version) I agree with you on all counts. I have another video with a 5-year review that may be worth watching. The install wasn't easy, but maintenance is pretty good (I mop every 6-12 months and otherwise just sweep/vac), it still looks great, and I get a little smile everytime I walk into the shop/gym!
Certainly a better job than anybody you would have hired. I am impressed with how many times you swept, vacuumed and washed the garage during the process. I was wondering if there a transition piece needed at the garage threshold and how did you decide how far to bring the tile out?
Yes, that's what I used. I think it's what's used in a lot of commercial installs so if your grocery store or similar has tile look where you walk in and you'll probably see one.
The product was called "Salerno Everest in Light Grey" (hence the title) and I got it from BuildDirect.com. It seems like it was discontinued but they've been great to deal with so they might have another option or source.
I don't believe there's a clear winner and there are pros and cons of each. I personally like the look and feel of the tile but the installation is probably more difficult and costly than the average epoxy install.
I thought about an uncoupling membrane but was worried about cracks and the complexity of an uncoupling system. I essentially installed 4 separate "floors" over the expansion cracks in the garage with color-matched caulk over the expansion cracks. 5 years later and no cracking or problems!
Sorry for the late reply (like, really late) but I used a product called Sikaflex at the recommendation of someone smarter than me (amzn.to/2Ww2Bcx). If you look for it at Lowes as I did, two key things: Despite it looking like caulk it's not in the Caulk section and is over by the ready-mix concrete. Secondly, it has an expiration date, and several tubes at lowes were expired.
That sounds like a great topic for a video: th-cam.com/video/Ziygz2ym3r8/w-d-xo.html. Perhaps the hype reel will put your lady over the edge towards the tile...
Also on the door upgrade, are you referring to the garage door or the man door? The man door is a bit janky and you're the second person to mention that so wondering if there's some option I'm not aware of.
Wow... interesting video. I would like to tile my shop but it is 30x32 ft almost twice your size. For my size shop it would run me about $2200 just in tile. I am amazed at the amount of work. I am jealous of your floor but I am not sure I could tackle a job that would take me longer than 28 days for a larger floor. But.. great video and great job!
It would probably only take you 3-5 days if you actually knew what you were doing, didn't suck at leveling things, and didn't have a 3 and 6 year old running around!
1/4” thick porcelain (my guess, as I recall seeing that tile at homedepo) probably wasn’t right choice for garage floor, due to cars weight. Porcelain of that thickness It is rated for foot traffic, otherwise great job!
I believe I used 1/2" tile if memory serves, and it's the same tile the local Tesla dealership used, and their cars way a ton. 5 years later and no cracks or problems.
Maybe if I actually new what the heck I was doing and had set tile at least once before in my life. My wittiness and charm are only exceeded by my lack of competence and slowness 😎
Yeah, if I actually knew what I was doing, didn’t have young kids, wasn’t training for a triathlon, and trying to find a new job I would have crushed it.
I tell my wife she can have 2 of 3: Cheap, Fast, or Quality!!! You can guess where I'm lacking. Also I'm the home owner and this was my first tile job, never done this before so was leaning as I went.
Most chaotic and longest tile install I’ve ever seen. But nice end product.
I tell my wife she can have any 2 out of cheap, good, and fast. Usually fast gets compromised!
it is great job. beautiful!!! question, did you drive the car on tile ? was it safe ? no breaking ?
I’ve driven occasionally and parked a motorcycle and other heavy stuff. Local Tesla dealer also used this same tile and their cars weigh a ton. Installation and good industrial tile are key.
6 years later, how is the tile holding up? Anything that you wish you did in hindsight?
Also, I have no experience doing anything remotely like this but I want to try to DIY this myself. Any tips?
I have another video with some thoughts (at the 5 year mark) here: th-cam.com/video/Ziygz2ym3r8/w-d-xo.html). I'd never tiled a thing and survived this project, and then tiled the bathroom and shower upstairs from this room with the leftovers.
I love the floor and haven't had any broken tiles or problems. I'm not dropping engine blocks on the floor, but I've dropped tools and weights without any problems and it's held up great. Cleanup is with a leaf blower and an occasional mopping and it still looks great.
A few random thoughts:
- Find a "real" tile place (where tile contractors go) near you. You can find them by looking up a commercial-grade thinset company (I used Laticrete) and look for their dealers. Go there at an off time (like 10-noon or 2-3) and the people are usually very helpful and actually know what they're talking about vs. a big box store. There are some nuances to a garage floor like respecting the expansion cuts in the floor, products that allow for some movement, etc.
- Laticrete (and presumably similar companies) have lots of videos on their site that are probably better than random TH-cam videos that don't always show the best techniques, and yes, I realize I'm calling the kettle black 😎
- Use a "cheater" leveling system. I used the Raimondi system (here: amzn.to/3QjWoIz, there are also a bunch of knockoffs) with great results vs. manually leveling. Also use good tiles so you don't have little lips that create trip hazards.
- Use commercial/industrial tile that's slip-resistant and appropriately hard (look for PEI 5 ratings and probably porcelain vs. ceramic). Get samples and make sure they don't turn into ice when wet.
- Make sure you scrape out any thinnest "spooge" from between the tiles as you set, and clean up and spills on the tiles. This will save you dozens of hours grinding it out after it dries (ask me how I know)
- I had good results with the epoxy grout, but you're "on the clock" to work it as it hardens quickly, so if you go that route make sure you understand the application procedure and start small.
- Mix one bucket of thinset at a time. Get a harbor freight "hog" drill to mix. Work carefully but somewhat quickly as the thinset gets "stale" after about an hour if you're using the good stuff with polymers that you want for a garage floor.
- The harbor freight "industrial" tile saw is great if you add a good diamond blade it will cut hard porcelain like butter. Just put the pump in an external bucket with clean water otherwise it will gunk up. I sold mine for like $50 less than I paid for it once done. Much better than renting.
Good luck! It's a fun project.
@@TheBigHeavy holy crap thanks for this comprehensive reply. I'm still in the early research phase but this info has been tremendous. I'll update you in a year or so when I feel comfortable enough DIYing this.
6years later and I found what I was gonna ask. Thank you for the thorough response 😊
hows it holding up so far?
5 years and still looks perfect. It's our "pandemic gym," bicycle workshop, and general man room.
Looks good. How practical is that in the garage ? Is it a specially durable tile? Just picturing all the projects taking place in garages, dropping hammers, large pieces of steel etc.
So far I’ve had zero chips or problems (knocking on wood). I got porcelain industrial tile with a 5 hardness rating that I’ve seen used in auto dealerships so it’s good stuff. I whacked a few scrap pieces with hammers and whatnot and it’s not impossible to break, but it’s not easy.
If you were making cannonballs or doing lots of work with metal it might not be ideal but I’m mostly dealing with wood and mechanical stuff and haven’t had any problems.
Hi did you use a sealer under the tile¿
No, just thinset on the floor and I also back buttered the tiles.
thanks for the video...im also thinking of tilting up my garage so this helped 🤛
Awesome. It was a good project and I enjoy the tile every time I use the garage. I just did a workout out there and it’s so much nicer than some of the other options.
Get percolein for garage. That's what I put.
Comsidering the same. Are you happy after living with it? I hate the pouros concrete. Epoxy floors get eaten by oils in tires. Race decks look bad soon. .. porcelain sounds like a great idea.
I'm very happy, and as a former Race deck (well, the Costco knock off version) I agree with you on all counts. I have another video with a 5-year review that may be worth watching. The install wasn't easy, but maintenance is pretty good (I mop every 6-12 months and otherwise just sweep/vac), it still looks great, and I get a little smile everytime I walk into the shop/gym!
Certainly a better job than anybody you would have hired. I am impressed with how many times you swept, vacuumed and washed the garage during the process. I was wondering if there a transition piece needed at the garage threshold and how did you decide how far to bring the tile out?
See note at 5:22 minutes -- Shultler Reno Ramp at threshold.
Yes, that's what I used. I think it's what's used in a lot of commercial installs so if your grocery store or similar has tile look where you walk in and you'll probably see one.
What is the minimum PEI rating we should use for any garage floor or driveway?
4 or 5
which precelain tile did you use. can you psot the brand and the details. I want to do similar thing, but not sure on which tile to use.
The product was called "Salerno Everest in Light Grey" (hence the title) and I got it from BuildDirect.com. It seems like it was discontinued but they've been great to deal with so they might have another option or source.
thank you for this video very inspirational.
Thanks! Good luck on your tile endeavors!
Is tile in the garage better than the epoxy floors
I don't believe there's a clear winner and there are pros and cons of each. I personally like the look and feel of the tile but the installation is probably more difficult and costly than the average epoxy install.
hello please dont take this as critizism but how come you didn't install an uncoupling membrane?
Probably because an uncoupling membrane wouldn't take the weight of a motor vehicle. Crack city!
I thought about an uncoupling membrane but was worried about cracks and the complexity of an uncoupling system. I essentially installed 4 separate "floors" over the expansion cracks in the garage with color-matched caulk over the expansion cracks. 5 years later and no cracking or problems!
Wow, that’s a lot of work for you. Looks good. I wonder if they can handle a motorcycle Jack being moved with a motorcycle on it?
I don’t see why it wouldn’t. I’ve rolled around workbenches, weights, pallets and stuff like that.
what was the transition strip you used between the tile and the driveway?
See answer above.
Shultler Reno Ramp. They (Schultler) have all kinds of cool tile transitions.
Thanks for all the footage. Great job. Getting me closer to doing it to my garage. There are so many deals on tiles these days it's hard to pass up.
What did you use to seal the expansion joints? Thanks. Good video
Joe you just need a silicone sealant
Sorry for the late reply (like, really late) but I used a product called Sikaflex at the recommendation of someone smarter than me (amzn.to/2Ww2Bcx). If you look for it at Lowes as I did, two key things: Despite it looking like caulk it's not in the Caulk section and is over by the ready-mix concrete. Secondly, it has an expiration date, and several tubes at lowes were expired.
Hi what type of expansion joint do you use is it a cylindrical rubber seal with sealant covering it ?
Yes... I used a Silka product that's essentially a foam cylinder. They're available in different sizes from big box or amazon.
@@TheBigHeavy do you have link to the product. Thanks!
amzn.to/2Ww2Bcx - sorry for the late reply!
Now you just need insulated doors!
The garage door is "insulated" although it's basically some foam panels glued onto the aluminum.
I threw this idea around with my lady just because i can get porcelain tile cheap, whats your pros and cons? Nice floor, upgrade that door!
That sounds like a great topic for a video: th-cam.com/video/Ziygz2ym3r8/w-d-xo.html. Perhaps the hype reel will put your lady over the edge towards the tile...
Also on the door upgrade, are you referring to the garage door or the man door? The man door is a bit janky and you're the second person to mention that so wondering if there's some option I'm not aware of.
Wow... interesting video. I would like to tile my shop but it is 30x32 ft almost twice your size. For my size shop it would run me about $2200 just in tile. I am amazed at the amount of work. I am jealous of your floor but I am not sure I could tackle a job that would take me longer than 28 days for a larger floor. But.. great video and great job!
It would probably only take you 3-5 days if you actually knew what you were doing, didn't suck at leveling things, and didn't have a 3 and 6 year old running around!
Looks good, brother! I’m getting ready to do this as well! #setsometile #globaltileposse
Looks good!
Nicely done! What's the reason for marking the floor into 4 quarters and starting from the centre?
Probably to prevent cracking along the expansion joints
Prevent cracking... The options were to either use a floating membrane or follow the expansion joints in the floor.
Should talk more about the job
Look for my follow video (linked in the notes) for my thoughts 5 years later.
1/4” thick porcelain (my guess, as I recall seeing that tile at homedepo) probably wasn’t right choice for garage floor, due to cars weight. Porcelain of that thickness It is rated for foot traffic, otherwise great job!
I believe I used 1/2" tile if memory serves, and it's the same tile the local Tesla dealership used, and their cars way a ton. 5 years later and no cracks or problems.
This should not have taken more than 2 days max including grouting >
Maybe if I actually new what the heck I was doing and had set tile at least once before in my life. My wittiness and charm are only exceeded by my lack of competence and slowness 😎
28 days to do that is way too long, shouldn't have taken more than a week.
Yeah, if I actually knew what I was doing, didn’t have young kids, wasn’t training for a triathlon, and trying to find a new job I would have crushed it.
Eish very slow worker 3 months just for one garage..... 🙈To do the whole house will take you 3 years then......
I tell my wife she can have 2 of 3: Cheap, Fast, or Quality!!! You can guess where I'm lacking. Also I'm the home owner and this was my first tile job, never done this before so was leaning as I went.
That music is horrible, stop doing that as I will not watch the rest of the video!
Hit up that mute button and rock whatever jams you like!
Garage was looking better before tiling...😄