Finishing Garage - About to buy Porcelain tile
I’ve been working with a GC on & off for 6 months to get my garage finished out. It’s a 30 x 30 detached garage which will mostly be used for some car detailing, light mechanic work, and general piddling around. I’ve posted on here for electrical and design help.
Just applying the finishing touches on the walls and about to get started on flooring. I have decided to move forward with porcelain tile with the following attributes: PEI 4, full color through body, some slip resistance, outdoor rated, and something that hides dirt relatively well. I have a top notch tile guy lined up who’s gonna do it for roughly $3,600, which includes repairing minor cracks, thin set, grout, tile install, and clean up.
Few questions for anybody who has done porcelain til before!
Question 1: any concerns before I buy 900+ sq ft of this: Harbor Gray 12-in x 24-in Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile ( 1.95-sq ft Piece ) https://www.lowes.com/pd/STAINMASTER-Antimicrobial-Harbor-Gray-12-in-x-24-in-Matte-Porcelain-Stone-Look-Floor-and-Wall-Tile/5005585715
Question 2: any brand recommendations or specifications on the grout?
Question 3: how do you deal with the garage door step? I’m talking with my GC and a dedicated tile guy about grading the step so that it can be slight slope. I’ve heard of some schluter ramp options, but not sure what will be safe long term.
Question 4: which direction of the tile? Parallel or perpendicular to the garage door?
Question 5: should I pay extra to tile the perimeter trim? Or utilize some sort of rubber piece? Concerned with rubber will be that it will need to be cut as the back of the garage is 2” and the front is 4”+
Anything other insights would be greatly appreciated!
Picture 1: garage before the work commenced
Picture 2: current state
Picture 3: gray with white striations is the tile I’m considering
Picture 4: garage door step I’m concerned about.