Mosaic tiles: finishes and installation methods in photos

Recommendation points

• Types of mosaic tiles
• Mosaic Tile Application Ideas
• Laying mosaic tiles – step by step
• Craftsmen Tips

The originality and unlimited possibilities of using mosaic tiles make them an increasingly popular material. It can be easily coated with a bathtub body, protruding wall, kitchen countertop, and used in the hallway and living room. Consider the options and methods for decorating the interior with mosaic tiles.

Types of mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are a collection of small pieces of various shapes, from 1 to 5 cm, glued to a mesh or special paper that holds them together at equal intervals. It can be made of stone and glass, ceramic and metal, plastic and porcelain stoneware, as well as more exotic materials such as coconut and bamboo. Such a wide range allows you to fit mosaic tiles into almost any interior style, from loft to classic.

Stone mosaic tiles are most often made from marble, travertine, quartz or slate. Given the good technical parameters, this type of tile is very often used both for wall cladding and flooring. For more demanding buyers on the market, there are also mosaics made of semi-precious stones such as agate or malachite..

Glass mosaic tiles are especially recommended for installation on surfaces exposed to constant moisture, such as walls of bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, saunas. However, it is worth remembering that it is much less resistant to scratches, therefore it is not recommended to use it for cladding floors, countertops.

Ceramic mosaic is for indoor use only. It is very water-absorbing and therefore not suitable for kitchens or bathrooms.

Mosaic tiles made of aluminum, copper, bronze are available on the market. This mosaic has a number of advantages, in particular, resistance to corrosion and temperature changes..

Wood mosaic tiles are an interesting proposal for people who want to bring nature into the interior of their home. Such tiles can be made from various types of trees: oak, ash, wenge, merbau, cypress, bamboo. Its main advantage is hardness and abrasion resistance..

Mosaic Tile Application Ideas

Mosaic is an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles and offers many more design options.

It is perfect for the bathroom. However, it should be borne in mind that wall and floor cladding with only one mosaic can cause oversaturation, so it is better to use it, for example, as a decor in combination with large ceramic tiles..

Colorful decoration: mosaic in the bathroom

The mosaic is ideal for cladding showers, pools and saunas.

Shower cubicle faced with glass mosaic

For decorative finishing of arches, columns, niches and furniture.

Easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing

It doesn’t matter what style your kitchen is in: retro, classic, modern minimalism or pop art – mosaic will give a stunning effect.

Bright mosaic above the counter top will bring any kitchen to life

Mosaic is an original decoration of a bedroom, dining room or living room in the form of an interesting decor that will add charm and originality to the interior..

Color accents for inspiration

Laying mosaic tiles – step by step

Installation of mosaic tiles is a simple process, but it requires special precision and patience..

Materials and tools: tile glue, spatula for applying glue, level, distance crosses, grout for joints, sponge.

Surface preparation. One of the most important issues related to mosaic laying is the proper preparation of the substrate. The surface must be free from dust and dirt, dry and even. To improve adhesion, the surface must be primed. All measurements and wall markings are pre-made.

Glue application. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base. A fine-toothed trowel is used for even application. To avoid quick drying, do not apply the adhesive solution immediately over a large area..

Laying tiles. Installation of mosaic tiles is carried out in small plates. Each one is gently pressed against the wall. For strong adhesion, you can press all sheets with a trowel board or roll with a rubber roller.

Any glue that has come out on the surface of the mosaic should be removed immediately. Mosaic tiles on a grid are glued to the wall with a grid. And paper backed mosaic tiles – paper up.

After the glue has set, the paper is soaked with water and removed. During installation, the width of the joints between the plates should be controlled. To do this, you can use the remote crosses.

Grouting. No earlier than 24 hours after laying the mosaic, you can start filling the joints. Before starting grouting, the base is thoroughly cleaned of glue residues. The grouting mixture is applied to the surface with a rubber spatula, carefully filling the joints to the full depth.

After drying, the excess solution is removed with a slightly damp sponge.

Craftsmen Tips

1. When laying the mosaic, the air temperature should be from +5 to +30 ° C.
2. The adhesive solution must be selected depending on the type of mosaic, type of substrate and place of application. To improve the visual effect, it is better to use white cement based glue, especially for marble and glass mosaics.
3. In areas that are exposed to constant contact with water and chemicals, it is best to use epoxy grout for grouting. This grout does not absorb water and other substances that cause stubborn dirt..

Attention! Epoxy grout is not suitable for grouting tiles on heated floors.