Replies

1. 
   gfretwell | Dec 18, 2008 02:12am | #1

   If you get a good bond to the concrete with a "bonding" mortar or "flex" I am not sure how you would get the tile up. Water won't hurt it.

1. 
   RRooster | Dec 18, 2008 02:14am | #2

   Are you talking about Flexbond thinset mortar (Home Depot stocks it)? 

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1. 
   gfretwell | Dec 18, 2008 10:02am | #4

   Yep Flexbond is one brand. That had the acrylic binder in it (more than "bonding" mortar), and it really sticks stuff down. They told me to use it over terazzo for tile and when I tried to get one up I had to chip out every inch of it.

2. 
   Sbds | Dec 18, 2008 06:11am | #3

   Try posting this question on the tile form at http://www.johnbridge.com.

3. 
   Tyr | Dec 18, 2008 10:45am | #5

   If the housing market comes back I think I'd move. Meanwhile, treat it like an exterior tile application. ThinSet, Sanded Grout w/latex, silicone sealer.

   Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.... Roman Poet Phaedrus 15BC–50AD
1. 
   PeteDraganic | Dec 18, 2008 07:31pm | #7

   one change is to avoid the sealer and use a darker grout.

   one reason is that first of all the sealer will not last long under exterior conditions.  It may also add to the slipperiness in wet conditions of not applied to joints only.

   Also the darker grout will certainly maintain it's appearance a LOT better than any lighter colors.

   Also.... use a floor tile that is good for traction.  if the area gets wet, too many floor tiles get way too slippery imo.

   I use a particular 18" floor tile for a restaurant chain that I service (this one in particular is for the lobby).  I can direct you to a source if interested.  this stuff is very high traction... the downside for the restaurant application is that it is harder to keep clean.  also during install it is harder to wipe down especially if the grout cures too quickly (we use a lot fo fast-curing grout).  I can also recommend the use of Mapei Ultracolor grouts.  this stuff holds up like magic in restaurant applications,which are among the most brutal of all applications.

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1. 
   Tyr | Dec 18, 2008 08:36pm | #9

   Agree. Another way to go.I never have sealed anything but the grout but failed to elaborate. Sealer usually states it should be repeated annually but I found most clients think ceramic tile is a maint free surface. I put together a list of clients, dates, emails, etc. and email them a reminder annually to reapply.

   I always wondered about those tiles in restaurants after considering the traffic during all seasons and watching employees mop the floor (very wet mops). Wife hates going places to eat when the topic is almost always, "Look at the way they built...." or "this door closer is adjusted wrong because the door alignment is off..."Doctor had me waiting in exam room and I was checking the heat baseboard when he came in...."well, what's the verdict this time?". "You engineers ever stop evaluating things?"Watched a neighbor have drive replaced and new concrete was tinted, patterned and sealed. Still looks great after 15 years but the neighbor guards that drive like a hawk and even posted signs.
   I probably would have welded up a powered wrought iron gate to accomplish the same. He would only tell me that "it wasn't cheap" TyrThings are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.... Roman Poet Phaedrus 15BC–50AD

1. 
   RRooster | Dec 19, 2008 02:47am | #10

   I do the same thing everywhere I go.  Check out the trim mitre's, the wall framing the countertops, etc.  Can't get enough ideas.

   I can't think about moving (above comment), it's not my house, but a job I'm going to do.  I think it will be ok.  Customer education is very important and in this case, more so.

   I liked the idea of stuffing the grout in extemely tight and silicone sealer.  Maybe even a small grout line (1/8" versus 1/4") and large tile.

   Thanks for the great feedback, once again. 

   For good new rock music, click on:

   http://www.myspace.com/rosehilldrive   or

   http://www.myspace.com/yearlongdisaster or

   http://www.myspace/com/thesuedebrothers

    

    

4. 
   Ted W. | Dec 18, 2008 05:30pm | #6

   Adding to what the others said, you'll also want to really force the grout down into the joints and grout all the outside edges too. This to prevent water from seeping under the tile and creating a musty, moldy situation.

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5. 
   DanH | Dec 18, 2008 07:53pm | #8

   Have you given consideration to just finishing the concrete?

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