How to Buy Mosaic Tile

The use of mosaic tile for decorative art dates back at least 4,000 years. This ancient practice is all the rage in modern home decorating, adding beauty and functionality to virtually any living space. Especially popular for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and garden spaces, mosaic tiles offer an attractive, durable and increasingly affordable surface option. Before you buy mosaic tile for you home, become familiar with the many options available.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy glass mosaic tile to create an attractive, durable surface. Glass mosaic tiles stand up well to sunlight, water and frost, and are thus ideal for bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and outdoor fountains. Often brightly colored, glass mosaics are fade-resistant and generally require little maintenance beyond routine cleaning.

2. Decide which type of glass mosaic tile best complements your decor. Choose from swirled, metallic or iridescent tiles, all available in a variety of colors. Vitreous glass tiles are generally the most economical type of glass tiles and typically come in large cartons or bags, which consist of one color of tile or a random mix.

3. Achieve a traditional look with ceramic mosaic tile. Ceramic mosaic tiles are generally one square inch and come glazed and unglazed and in numerous colors. Although ceramic tiles are durable, they are not ideal for floors and not all varieties can stand up to extreme conditions, like exposure to frost and excessive water.

4. Get a natural look with marble mosaic tile. For a rustic look, choose tumbled marble, or, for a more uniform look, purchase polished marble tiles. Marble mosaic tiles come in several earth tones, ranging from white and brown, to green and gray. As with other natural stone, expect some variation in color from one tile to the next.

5. Let your creative juices flow. Turn your favorite photograph or design into a kitchen backsplash or floor feature. If you lack the artistic prowess for such a project, get a mosaic tile kit to help you along or hire a professional artist or stoneworker to do the job.

6. Save money when you buy in bulk. Many tile sellers offer discounts for customers who purchase large quantities of mosaics. If you plan on adding mosaic surfaces or designs to more than one room, consider using the same tiles for multiple projects.

Tips & Warnings

• Get mosaic tile samples before making a purchase. Place the samples in your project space, comparing them to one another and "sleeping" on them for a few days before taking the plunge.
• Make sure to purchase the right mosaic tile for your project. If you plan to add a mosaic floor, for example, glass may not be the best choice, as it's ultra smooth surface can become slick.