Porcelain Tile Porch - DIY Chatroom

jbtn9 · 09-18-2009, 05:25 PM

I am in construction of a new home. Farm style with wrap around porch. Porch is about 1600sqft total. I am trying to decide what type of flooring. Wife hates the 1x6 pine deck boards. I am afraid that tongue and groove porch flooring will fail quickly and need much maintenance. Looked at IPE but way expensive. Simulated wood is also very expensive. So I began looking at porcelain. It will also be expensive compared to deck boards but cheaper than other options. Here is what I have. Maximum span on porch is 8ft. All joists are on 16" center and are 2x10's. My plan would be to lay down 3/4 advantech and then use ditra. Will my tile fail and pop or crack in no time or will this be a maintenance free porch. If I do go this route what do people put at the joint of the brick house and the tile porch for trim. No water would get to that point so not sure I need flashing but something to cover the joint.
Thanks,
jb

jbtn9 · 09-19-2009, 12:11 AM

Forgot to post that I am located in Tennessee. We get some cold weather but not extreme. Definitely a possibility for freezing though. Any help with my question is greatly appreciated.

Renovator,LLC · 09-20-2009, 04:56 PM

Exterior tile in climates prone to freezing has historically been taboo, unless this is an enclosed porch. You won't find much, if any, here in the northeast. Water migrates under the tile and when it freezes, it expands and - pop - there goes your tile job.
However, a few years back I was looking into tiling a couples front porch, and Ditra's Schluter said that, using their products and following their instructions, you should not have a problem. I didn't get the porch job, so I can't say if they are right.
Personally, I don't see how tiling could be cheaper than any of your other options. Look at Tendura, a composite T&G porch decking.

Ineedhelp2009 · 09-20-2009, 10:49 PM

I have a wrap around.... it's 1x6 wood and a PITA to maintain since we made the mistake of staining it dark brown (previous clear coat).....now everything little imperfection/dirt you can see...

i would seriously look into how long tile will last outdoors before doing so.. if anything settles just a bit it seems the cracks would start ..........the big ol porch is not what it's made out to be.....

jbtn9 · 09-21-2009, 02:13 PM

I looked at tendura and other brands of composite flooring and have seen a lot of mixed reviews. Many people tend to hate it and seems there are several lawsuits against some the major companies.

Composite (t&g): $16000
Ipe(t&g): $16000
Porcelain: $8000
Pine (kdat t&g): $3000

All of these numbers are with me doing the labor.

Pine looks the best cost wise but if I have to replace in 10 years or have to stain every 3rd year then it is not the best choice.

Anyone got any comments on the composite. Sounds like it can not receive direct sunlight and my porch would for some of the day.