Although it is typically more difficult to have small gaps between tiles due to lack of a uniform shape and size, the use of rectified tiles (tiles that undergo additional processing to ensure that they are uniform) can allow for smaller spacing, though at an additional cost. Different sized tiles, materials, and design needs all affect the size of the gaps. Grout is a form of concrete, and the gap between tiles can range from anywhere between one-sixteenth of an inch to half an inch in size. These gaps are most commonly filled with grout, and as such, are often referred to as grout size, or grout lines. Compared to cement-based grout, epoxy grout is stronger, more stain- and crack-resistant, and remains stable under most environmental conditions.Tile grout spacing, use negative value for overlaps.įloor or wall tiles are typically installed with gaps between the tiles because the average tile may look quite similar to the next tile, but they are often not uniform in shape and size, and would not fit properly if installed without any gaps. We recommend epoxy grout for mosaic tile. What kind of grout should I use for mosaics? What is the best glue for outdoor mosaics?įor exterior installation of mosaic tile, we recommend using thinset mortar rather than adhesives. As with regular tile, it is important that care be taken to keep mosaic sheets straight while installing to ensure the mosaic patterns and grout lines are kept consistent. Since mosaic tiles are much smaller, this is easier to avoid. With regular tile you can sometimes end up with a row of small awkward cut tiles. The mesh sheet that mosaic tile are attached to is easy to cut. Special equipment is required to cut regular tile. Yes, compared to standard tile, mosaic tile is easier to install. Thus the price per square foot is often more expensive than regular tile. Mosaic tile is a combination of intricate patterns that are mounted piece by piece to a mesh or paper sheet, making the production labor intensive.

Your local Daltile showroom is an excellent source of information regarding which mosaic tiles are best in different applications. The recommended use for a particular mosaic tile is best determined by several factors, such as the level of traffic expected, whether an indoor or outdoor setting, and the likelihood of moisture. Yes, mosaic tile is suitable for use on the floor as well as walls. Second, the combination of smaller tile and more grout can provide improved slip resistance, which is imperative in a shower. Mosaic tiling is smaller in size and the sheets are more flexible, making them the perfect solution for all these conditions. First, shower floors have slopes, shapes and drains to consider.

Yes, several aspects make mosaic tile an excellent choice for shower floors. Some artistic mosaics have the best appeal when a white PVA adhesive is used. a bonding agent called thinset should be used. For any application where water will be present - showers, pools, fountains, spas, tub surrounds, outdoors, etc. The type of mosaic adhesive depends on where the mosaic tile is going. What do you use to stick mosaic tile to a wall? Sealing mosaic tile after installation will also help project the grout. It is especially important to seal any mosaic tile that has porous surfaces, such as natural stone, to prevent staining. Some mosaic tiles require sealing both prior to and after installation. It is generally recommended to seal mosaic tile. Mosaic tiling is a unique form of artwork and often offers WOW factor to the wall, floor, kitchen backsplash, shower floor, pool lining, bathroom backsplash, and many other applications. Mosaics incorporate any combination of tile sizes, colors, shapes, and/or material to create a unique surface covering. Tile is typically rectangular, but can be square, hexagon, picket, and many other shapes. Tile is a single piece of material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, etc.) cut in a uniform shape that can be arranged in different patterns to cover a surface. What is the difference between mosaic and tile? They can be ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone and even metal or mirror, set randomly or in a pattern, and usually on a mesh-mounted sheet. Mosaic tile is any combination of tile sizes, colors, shapes and/or materials, set in a sheet for easy installation.

Glass shapes for mosaics