Summer Means Mosaic Tile
How can you add some mosaic tile sizzle to your space? Oh, let us count the ways! Imagine it for backsplashes and bathrooms, accent walls and fireplace surrounds, floors and patios and porch steps—and so much more. In fact, anywhere you use standard-sized tile, you can use mosaic tile. And since it makes such a big impact, you can use just a little to create an awe-worthy space indoors or outdoors, making mosaic tile affordable for nearly every design budget. For floors and walls, indoors and out, mosaic tiles are the cool tiles that every other tile wants to be.
St. Louis Tile Design Tip: Create a mosaic tile focal point by adding a splash of mosaic where you want your eyes to go first as you enter a room.
Mosaic Tile Styles
With so many shapes, shades, and finishes to choose from, there’s a little something for everyone in mosaic tile. Play with color—do you want neutrals or brights? Play with patterns—honeycomb, hexagon, square, round? Play with finishes. Check out the hammered metallic mosaics for contemporary spaces. Farmhouse-chic? Add some vintage or rustic mosaic tile—complete with worn edges—to your kitchen or powder room. Or for nearly every style, include some sea glass, variegated stone, marble or glass mosaic tiles. If you like patterns, take a trip to the south of France with painted French tile mosaics. The options truly are endless, especially at St. Louis Tile.
Glass Mosaics
Because glass mosaics are so very eye-catching and unique, we gave them their own category. Impervious to bacteria and mold and mildew, they work well in damp spaces –– even outdoors. Since they can be more delicate than ceramic mosaic tiles, they’re best used for wall installations. Create stare-worthy interest in your powder room by running mosaic tile above the vanity all the way to the ceiling or make it affordable by tiling just along the mirror’s edge. In the kitchen, glass tile backsplashes and nooks are a practical, easy-to-clean, beautiful addition.
Need a focal point where there is none? Try running vertical or horizontal bands of glass mosaic in your shower or alcove. Outdoors, include some mosaic tile on a wall to draw the eye away from a less than pleasant view since glass mosaics are unaffected by sunlight. Take it one step further and make it an outdoor theme by adding a coffee or wine bar with Italian or French mosaic tile.
Mosaic Installation
Mosaics are very user-friendly, so if you’re a DIYer, you may have found your niche. Ceramic and glass mosaics may need slightly different grout and mortar, and glass mosaics can be a bit trickier to install since they can be see-through. And, be sure to seal your grout and tile. It helps keep out water and stains. Not all tile needs to be sealed, but grout usually does. When in doubt, check with the design experts at St. Louis Tile.
Glass Mosaic Tile: Often thinner than standard mosaic tile, backer-board may need to be thicker especially if you’re installing another type of tile next to it. Use white mortar made specifically for glass tile. Depending on the thickness of the tile, you may also want a specific un-sanded grout made for glass tiles. St. Louis Tile carries these items.
There is no need to seal glass mosaic, but it’s a good idea to seal the grout. Use a very thin artist’s paintbrush to cover only the grout. If you get any sealer on the tiles, wipe with a dry cloth. If you have additional questions about grout, mortar or sealer (and how often to seal), ask us anytime. This is one reason why buying online may not be beneficial long-term – you may not know what you’re getting into, especially if you have questions later.
Stone, ceramic, tumbled marble, painted mosaic tiles: Standard backer board is usually fine for the base if you’re tiling walls. If your tile is white or lightly colored, use white mortar to avoid color changes. Otherwise, gray is fine. As for grout options, select a color that complements the tile.
Note: If the tile is slick or painted, use un-sanded grout to avoid scratching. For stone or natural stone tiles, seal tiles and grout because stone has no protection from water and stains. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are usually sealed. You can test this by applying water. If the tile changes color, you will need to seal the tile too; use a rag or brush. If you only need to seal the grout, get an artist’s thin paintbrush and the job will go much faster—especially on walls. Seal twice a year or check with St. Louis Tile for more specifics.
Ask the St. Louis Tile Experts!
St. Louis Tile has expert designers on-hand 7 days a week who plan, envision and create incredible spaces for homeowners, architects, interior designers, and contractors. With so many mosaic and other tile choices available and so many things that can go wrong on a project, we do everything we can to help your project go smoothly right from the very beginning. We’re also here to help along the way and answer questions long after the job has ended.
Don’t try to take on a DIY or design project on your own – we’re here to make creating a space that’s uniquely you stress-free and right the first time. Since we have one of the largest tile showrooms and warehouses in the St. Louis area, our stock is vast and often ready for you right away. Drop by or schedule a free consultation and visit our beautiful showroom. Indoors or outdoors, St. Louis Tile is your mosaic tile expert! Contact us today, 636-220-3550.
