Concrete looking tile for use over radiant floor?

After months of learning from the forum, I finally had a question for our about to be constructed home. We're planning to run radiant heat in a gypcrete self-leveling floor. We'd like to get a concrete look on top so, we're looking for some concrete looking porcelain tiles or, straight concrete tiles (2' x 2' or larger).

We'd like to use in both dry and wet areas so, finish is important.

Has anyone seen a good source for this - I know they're readily available in U.K. and Europe but haven't found anything here in So.Cal. for clean interior applications.

why not just use concrete and stain it? why add tiles?

Lightweight gypcrete for radiant heat is a self-leveling floor for inside use only - it looks like crap (think streaky plaster of paris) and, needs something on top of it. Of course, most people finish with wood but we modern folks are looking for something more adventurous.

Hence, the search through porcelains, slates, etc. for the right look. I was thinking that maybe someone on the forum had found something fun.

Thanks!

There are several companies in California that make concrete tiles. http://www.buddyrhodes.com for example. Many factors will affect the price, but generally concrete tiles start around $15-20 sqf.

The other option is to make your own. Tiles are fairly easy to make. It just takes time. Build your molds out of melamine and reinforce the tiles with a carbon fiber or fiberglass grid.

For a fun look try casting on osb or even the small bubble wrap. Concrete will take on an exact mirror image of whatever you cast against with perfect detail.

Sounds like an opportunity to try versa deck plus indoors

Freeze Thaw Cycling over radiant heat sounds like a hot setup to me.

Versa-Deck Plus is an extremely tough, metal lath reinforced fiberglass deck coating system that is designed to be used over new and previously coated plywood walking deck surfaces. Versa-Deck Plus provides a durable, waterproof deck surface that is resistant to UV degradation and freeze-thaw cycling, while providing a one hour fire resistive assembly when combined with appropriate construction. Use Versa-Deck Plus When Only The Absolute Best Will Do.

www.deckcoatings.com
Versatile Building Products
800-535-3325
310-635-6300
Ask to speak with - Simon

tell Simon... Chad on the east coast sent you.

Chad

Metrofusion from Florida tile has three concrete look porceilein tile with three colors (bronze, silver, platinum). Sizes up to 20x20. Cost is $3.50-$4.50 sq. ft (depending on size).


JZ

Another gorgeous silution are these:

http://www.stonesource.com/fg_globe.html

depending on the size and finish- they have polished, flamed, and honed- they are typically ~$5/sqft. They are indestructible and look better than most natural stone. The color is throughout and unlike most glazed tiles you don't get that cringe inducing repetition of pattern.

I've removed water-damaged Gypcrete and it is heinous. Pouring concrete instead of Gypcrete is an option. Thermally, concrete is better because of increased thermal mass. It can be done for as little as $3-4/ft2.

Some resources:
Ourcoolhouse.com
Google Youker mix

[quote:glier format=text/plain]Another gorgeous silution are these:

http://www.stonesource.com/fg_globe.html

depending on the size and finish- they have polished, flamed, and honed- they are typically ~$5/sqft. They are indestructible and look better than most natural stone. The color is throughout and unlike most glazed tiles you don't get that cringe inducing repetition of pattern.[/quote]

that seems very inexpensive for the quality? any idea, what the all-in cost would be to have these installed? (material + labor)

http://www.stepstoneinc.com/

Try these guys. They have actual contrete tiles in a variety of colors.