Quarry tile sealant?

[Mike Elliott]

Hey all,

I've looked high and low, so my apologies if this has already been addressed.

I was just hired to build a little brewery in Montana. The owners want tile in the brewhouse and cellar. I want to use American Olean quarry tile, as recommended on this forum.

You all have made clear that quarry tile is the best. My contractor is arguing with me because he thinks it is too porous and wants to go with glazed porcelain, which I think is too thin and slippery.

For those of you who have used quarry tile, how is it doing? Did you seal it with anything? I know it will need epoxy grout, but is there a product (penetrating sealer?) that will stand up to brewery chemicals?

Thanks, folks.

Cheers,

Mike
Head brewer, head-banger (against the wall)
Philipsburg Brewing Co
Philipsburg, MT

[TL Services]

Mike,

Google produces some possible sealants for quarry tiles.

Incidentally quarry tiles are available with a proportion of abrasive in the mix, which improves friction/grip on floors. I'd only be inclined to use glazed porcelain on walls and even then only where it's not likely to be subjected to any impacts as it cracks easily and is a pain to replace.

[Fullcourt]

Glazed porcelain is not just "slippery". When wet, it is like ice. Not appropriate for a brewery floor. Also prone to chipping and cracking.
Go with quarry tile or polished concrete. It is you that has to spend 8, er 10, actually 12 hours a day on it.