Garage floors and courtyards carry the weight of cars, sun, rain and sometimes freezing weather every single day. If the tile is the wrong choice, it cracks, turns slippery or fades within months. This guide explains in plain words which tile to buy for these spaces.
Why ordinary tile is not suitable for a garage
Indoor tiles, such as glossy room and kitchen tiles, are not made for heavy loads. They are thin and break under a car wheel. Their glossy surface also becomes slippery when wet. For outdoor spaces you need a tile made for outdoor floors.
How thick should garage tile be?
Tiles made for garages and courtyards are produced in thicknesses of 14 to 20 mm, much thicker than ordinary indoor tiles.
Important: thickness alone does not mean high strength. Clay quality, firing temperature, body density and low water absorption matter just as much. A thick tile with a weak body can fail sooner than a thinner tile of good quality.
What to look for
- Low water absorption. A tile that absorbs little water does not crack in freezing weather. Porcelain is the best option in this respect.
- Matt, textured surface (anti-slip). A matt glaze or a textured surface keeps feet and tires from slipping, even when wet.
- Resistance to stains and scratches. Engine oil and dust should not stay on the tile.
- Body quality. A dense, even body resists impact and load better than thickness alone.
Which size is better?
Large square tiles have fewer joints and are easier to clean. In small courtyards, 40×40 and 50×50 are also common choices and are easier to install.
Installation tips
- A flat, firm substrate is essential. Without it, even the best tile breaks.
- Give the floor a slight slope toward a drain or channel so water does not collect.
- Keep the joint spacing and use an adhesive made for outdoor floors.
Maintenance
Clean with a broom, or wash with water and a mild detergent. Wipe oil stains up quickly.
Sample 60×60 tiles with 14 mm thickness
If you are looking for 60×60 tile with 14 mm thickness for a courtyard, entrance or light-duty garage, take a look at these white-clay designs from the Arian Ceram factory in Abarkuh (thickness alone is not a measure of strength, and the quality of the body matters too):
- Filbert Light 60×60
- Filbert Dark 60×60
- Larix 60×60
- Tida 60×60
- Bolton 60×60
- Karolin 60×60
Browse the full range in our ceramic tile catalog, or contact us for help choosing the right tile for your project.