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Install Mosaic Tile
Install Mosaic Tile
In some ways, setting mosaic tile is just like setting any other tile. But because the individual tiles are small (usually 2 in. or less), mounted on sheets and often made of glass, mosaic tiles present some unique challenges. So we asked Dean Sorem, our go-to tile expert, to show us his best tips for cutting and setting mosaic tiles.
1 / 10
Flatten Wavy Walls
Dean says that one of the most important tips for any tile-setting job, including mosaics, is to start with a perfectly flat surface. Before you begin tiling, check the surface with a straightedge. If you find a dip in a wall, flatten it by screeding a layer of setting-type joint compound over it as shown here. For floors or walls in wet areas, use thin-set instead of joint compound. Let the joint compound or thin-set harden and you’re ready to set tile.
2 / 10
Save Your Old Toothbrushes
Even if you take all the standard precautions, you’re bound to get an occasional bit of thin-set oozing out between tiles, especially if they’re really thin like these glass mosaics. If this happens to you, wait for the thinset to firm up a little. Then use a toothbrush to clean the thin-set out of the grout spaces. You don’t want to leave thin-set between the tiles because it may show through the grout.
3 / 10
Cut on a Backer
The slot in the bed of most tile saws is so wide that small mosaic tiles will fall in, making them difficult to cut. The solution is to place a thin scrap of plywood under the sheet of mosaic tile as you cut it. Adjust the saw’s cutting depth so you’re not cutting into the plywood. Then just saw as usual.
4 / 10
Carve Out Curves
Cutting curves in mosaic tile is tricky. Here’s how Dean does it. After marking the curve on the sheet of mosaic tile, he brings the sheet to the saw, where he removes individual tiles for cutting. He eliminates the bulk of the waste with straight cuts, or by making a series of fingers and breaking them off. Then he carves along the line, using the blade like a grinder.
5 / 10
Flatten the Thin-Set
If you’re working with thin mosaic tile or glass mosaic tile that isn’t painted on the back, apply the thin-set with a notched trowel and then flatten it slightly with the flat side of the trowel before setting the tile. Flattening will prevent the ridges and air pockets from showing through transparent glass tile. It will also help keep thin-set from squeezing out between the spaces of thin mosaic tile.
6 / 10
In some ways, setting mosaic tile is just like setting any other tile. But because the individual tiles are small (usually 2 in. or less), mounted on sheets and often made of glass, mosaic tiles present some unique challenges. So we asked Dean Sorem, our go-to tile expert, to show us his best tips for cutting and setting mosaic tiles.
1 / 10
Flatten Wavy Walls
Dean says that one of the most important tips for any tile-setting job, including mosaics, is to start with a perfectly flat surface. Before you begin tiling, check the surface with a straightedge. If you find a dip in a wall, flatten it by screeding a layer of setting-type joint compound over it as shown here. For floors or walls in wet areas, use thin-set instead of joint compound. Let the joint compound or thin-set harden and you’re ready to set tile.
2 / 10
Save Your Old Toothbrushes
Even if you take all the standard precautions, you’re bound to get an occasional bit of thin-set oozing out between tiles, especially if they’re really thin like these glass mosaics. If this happens to you, wait for the thinset to firm up a little. Then use a toothbrush to clean the thin-set out of the grout spaces. You don’t want to leave thin-set between the tiles because it may show through the grout.
3 / 10
Cut on a Backer
The slot in the bed of most tile saws is so wide that small mosaic tiles will fall in, making them difficult to cut. The solution is to place a thin scrap of plywood under the sheet of mosaic tile as you cut it. Adjust the saw’s cutting depth so you’re not cutting into the plywood. Then just saw as usual.
4 / 10
Carve Out Curves
Cutting curves in mosaic tile is tricky. Here’s how Dean does it. After marking the curve on the sheet of mosaic tile, he brings the sheet to the saw, where he removes individual tiles for cutting. He eliminates the bulk of the waste with straight cuts, or by making a series of fingers and breaking them off. Then he carves along the line, using the blade like a grinder.
5 / 10
Flatten the Thin-Set
If you’re working with thin mosaic tile or glass mosaic tile that isn’t painted on the back, apply the thin-set with a notched trowel and then flatten it slightly with the flat side of the trowel before setting the tile. Flattening will prevent the ridges and air pockets from showing through transparent glass tile. It will also help keep thin-set from squeezing out between the spaces of thin mosaic tile.
6 / 10