Mosaic refers to tiles which are made up of many small pieces of tile. Whilst you may not be familiar with this type of tile, chances are you’ve seen mosaic art before. Just like the tiles, mosaic art is created using many small pieces of various materials. Some of the earliest examples of mosaic art date back thousands of years when workers would create mosaic designs with stones, shells and local plants in the Mesopotamian temples.
Today, mosaics are still popular and are used in a number of crafts and projects, including tiles. Mosaic tiles can be made of a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic and porcelain. While there are certain advantages and disadvantages to using each of these, they are all durable, water-proof and will withstand the hands of time. Choosing which type of mosaic tile is ultimately a personal choice that isn’t going to make a huge difference but we suggest comparing examples from each of the materials you’re interested in. This will give you an idea as to which one will look the best when your tiling is completed. Also find below tips on laying mosaic tiles.
The Benefits Of Choosing Mosaic Tiles
One of the main reasons why so many people still choose mosaic tiles is because once completed they offer a unique and timeless style which cannot be reproduced. While the design may seem lack-luster whilst laying the tiles, once completed, you will be able to see just how well mosaic tiles come together to create an amazing result. Typically, the designs created using mosaic tiles are versatile enough to be suitable in a number of different locations and situations.
Bathrooms, back-splashes, kitchens, showers and sinks are just a few of the locations where mosaic tiles are commonly used at. Unlike most traditional tile options, mosaic typically offers a brighter, more lively appearance. Whilst mosaic tiles are available in just about every color under the sun, most are created using bright colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. Some mosaic tiles may even be created with glass or layered with extra material so they may reflect more light. If you know anything about traditional Chinese culture, then you may understand how this creates a good “feng shui”.
Laying Mosaic Tiles
Laying mosaic tiles are a bit different than traditional tiles and as such it is important to know the process of laying them. Mosaic tiles are generally sold in flexible sheets which have the smaller pieces of tile attached to them. You’ll need to measure where you want to lay the tile and cut that exact length of tile. Next, lay the adhesive (will vary depending on the material of tile) to the floor, or backing, and place the tile over it.
The final step is to fill in the spaces between the tiles using sanded or unsanded floor grout. Whilst they may be a bit different from your traditional tile you will find in comparison laying mosaic tiles actually easier. If you run into any problems, take a visit to your local hardware store and ask them for help or why not ask the experts at Tile Factory Outlet. We have the knowledge and the know how to help you. We also have a great range of quality mosaic tiles at amazingly low prices. Visit us in our TFO Sydney showroom or compare and buy from our online tile store.
