Modern mosaic tile is a product in which smaller ceramic tile squares—generally 2 inches square or smaller—are glued onto sheets of mesh fiberglass. The tiles are spaced on the sheets so the gaps between tiles are precisely the proper width for grout seams. This makes mosaic tile much quicker to install than using individual small tiles.
Mosaic sheets can be composed of tiles of the same color, or they can use tiles of varying colors and different shapes for design effects. Most mosaic sheets are traditional ceramic tile, but there are also mosaics that use porcelain tile, glass tile, natural stone, or even unglazed terracotta tiles. Mosaic sheets are usually made with small square tiles, but some mosaics consist of sheets of small rectangular tiles or other geometric shapes. They may even mix shapes within the same sheet. There are also narrow sheets of mosaic tiles that are used for borders and for other accent applications.
Techniques for installing mosaic tile sheets are nearly identical to those for standard ceramic tile, but cutting can sometimes be easier since fitting partial sheets can be as simple as snipping the fiberglass backing to create custom-shaped sheets.
Mosaic tiles are small pieces of tile that are held together in a sheet. Mosaic tile is any combination of tile sizes, colors, shapes and/or materials,
Traditionally, a mosaic is a decorative design or work of art made up of small materials (such as pieces of stone or glass) arranged to create a pattern or image. Mosaic is an ancient art form dating back centuries, and it remains popular in home design today.
In the tile world, a mosaic is defined as an inlay design pattern with tiles smaller than 2×2”. Individual mosaic patterns vary greatly, featuring a multitude of different materials, colors, and tile shapes. Popular materials include glass, natural stone, metal, and porcelain.
Available shapes and styles include square, penny round, arabesque, mini brick, basketweave, hexagon, chevron, herringbone, and more. Each combination of materials and shapes is great for making a stylish, intricate statement in areas such as backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower and tub surrounds, fireplaces, and even floors. Whether you want to add a modern touch to your kitchen or bring timeless charm into your bathroom, mosaic tile is a beautiful way to do so.
Installation
Historically, mosaics were first painstakingly applied as individual tiny tiles to create a unified large surface with intricate patterns, but modern mosaics consist of convenient sheets of pre-attached tiles that are remarkably easy to install.