Go Back
Mosaic Tile…Still relevant for today’s interiors.
What is Mosaic Tile?
Most people often think of mosaic tile as ancient works of art created with small broken bits of stone, clay, and glass that adorn cathedrals and palaces. Modern mosaics are engineered for today’s interiors and are made from quarried stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and precious marbles. Other exotic materials like metal, mother-of-pearl, and real pebbles are becoming popular choices to bring interest and texture to interior spaces.
Shown: Molten Glass Mosaics.
Present-day mosaics are made in more uniform sizes that align with today’s architecture and are made in more design forward shapes, such as hexagon, scallop, penny-round and herringbone. Water-jet technology makes it possible to create elaborate, intricate patterns, and custom designs that are precise so all the pieces fit together perfectly.
Mosaic tile sizes range from 5/8” to the now trending 1” x 6” stick mosaics. To make them easier to handle and install, mosaic tile pieces are attached to a mesh backing.
Mosaic Tile for Modern Living
Discover how mosaic tile merges design and function.
Shown: Fancy Stone Calacatta Gold, Moonstone, Black marble mosaic tile.
Today, you can purchase mosaic tile in a wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes, colors, and textures in patterns that are designed for present day interior decorating styles. There are so many mosaic tile options available to fit any type of decor — from ultra-modern to rustic. Many mosaic tile collections are designed to mix and match together. Since they are mounted on a mesh sheet, the sheets can be cut or trimmed to create self-designed patterns.
Where and When to use Mosaic Tile
The most common use of mosaic tiles are for shower floors. Their small size and many grout joints make them safe to install in a wet environment. The shapes and colors of mosaic tile today make it possible to merge design and function. Pebble mosaic tiles are a great option for a zen-like or spa inspired shower.
Wall niches are great place to add mosaic tile. The same mosaics used on a shower floor can be used within the niche for a cohesive look.
The kitchen backsplash is another popular use of mosaic tiles. An elegant mosaic tile choice can elevate the style and character of a kitchen dramatically.
Fireplace surrounds, countertops, wall accents and decorative floor borders are other areas of the home where mosaic tiles can be used.
Are Mosaic Tiles Expensive?
Shown: Fancy Stone Calacatta & Thassos waterjet mosaics.
Standard 2” x 2” mosaics, as well as other mosaic tile sizes and shapes that are produced to match their corresponding field tiles, are slightly more expensive than the field tile. The reason for the higher price is the amount of production required for cutting the pieces and adhering them to a mesh sheet. Most mosaic sheets equal approximately one square foot. So don’t be dismayed by the higher price, unless you are tiling a large expanse. A typical mosaic tile installation entails only a small square footage, such as a shower floor, niche or decorative border. Water-jet, marble, and metal mosaic tiles are more expensive but still attainable if only a small square footage is needed.
Are Mosaic Tiles hard to clean?
Porcelain mosaic tiles are tough and durable and easily cleaned with warm soap and water. Ceramic mosaics too can be cleaned the same way as porcelain but a milder cleaner should be used to avoid dulling the glossy finish of the ceramic mosaic. The same is true for natural stone, marble, metal, or any other exotic material. Glass mosaic tiles are very durable and can be cleaned the same as porcelain mosaics.
Advances in the tile grout industry have greatly improved over the years providing grouts that repel water and grime and maintain their color longer. Using a quality sealer is also recommended as a secondary layer of protection. It is recommended to wipe up any spills immediately.
How To Install Mosaic Tile?
Shown: Glass Blox Blue Haze/Ocean Air/North Sea 1/2″ x 2″ mosaics.
Can Glass Mosaic Tile be Used on Floor?
Yes, but not ALL glass mosaic tiles are suitable floors. Consult with a knowledgeable tile seller, tile installer or tile manufacturer before installing glass mosaic tile on a floor.
Can Mosaics be used Outside?
While most porcelain, glass and stone mosaic tiles can be used outdoors on walls, it is not advised to use mosaics for exterior flooring or pavement.
Shown: Cabana Hex mosaics.
Freeze and thaw conditions can penetrate the grout joints and mesh backing causing the mosaic tiles to break off.
For exterior vertical glass mosaic installations, the use of paper face-mounted mosaics is preferred to ensure proper adhesion between the mosaic and substrate.
For exterior flooring or pavement, the ideal solution is to use tiles specially made for outdoor use, which are larger, have less grout joints, and available with a non-slip surface.
Present-day Mosaics Are Made to Align With Today’s Architecture
