How to Buy and Install Glass Tile

Buying and installing glass tile is fun and easy.

Buying and intalling glass tile can create an expensive look at an affordable price. You can install it anywhere around the house (kitchen, bathroom, shower, pool, table, wall, art or fireplace) and enjoy the beauty of it year-round. Here's how to buy and install glass tile:

Things You'll Need

• glass tiles and spacers
• level
• straight edge
• pencil
• glass tile mortar
• notched trowel
• glass tile cutter
• wet saw (for larger tiles)
• grout
• rubber float
• sponge
• caulk

Instructions

1. 

   Buy the mortar and glass tile at Lowe's or your local home improvement store. Consult with the glass tile sales staff to find out which mortar and glass tile is right for your project. Some mortars fail when used with glass tile, so it's important you buy the right kind. Don't use crystal glass tiles on countertops, floors or work areas since they are prone to scratches.

2. 

   Remove any obstacles from the area you plan to tile (light switch plates, light fixtures, furniture etc). Unplug electrical items and turnoff electrical outlets.

3. Make sure the surface you will adhere the tile to is dry, clean, stable and moisture free. You should only install glass tile on top of a well-cured and level cement substructure that has a waterproof membrane covering it (no waterproof membrane is needed if the tile will not get wet). The cement substructure you adhere the glass tile to needs to cure for at least 28 days before you install the tile overtop. Do not install glass tile directly over plywood or drywall.

4. 

   Measure the area. If you're using larger glass tiles, find the center of the wall and 'dry fit' your tiles to see if the pattern ends similarly on the edges. Use a pencil to mark vertical and horizontal lines where appropriate. You want the tile size to be consistent as they approach each end point.

5. 

   Measure and cut the glass tile using a tile cutter (smaller tiles) or wet saw (larger tiles). You can rent both at Lowe's or your local home improvement store.

6. 

   Apply the mortar to the wall with the notched trowel, then apply mortar to the back of the glass tile as well (use the flat side of the trowel for 'backbuttering' the glass tile). This helps evenly coat the tile and prevents uneven mortar applications to show through the glass. Work in 2-3 foot areas so the mortar doesn't dry out before you place the tile.

7. Place the glass tiles in the mortar, including spacers as you go. Make sure all edges are even and the tile does not stick out.

8. 

   Let the glass tiles dry in the mortar overnight.

9. 

   Remove the tile spacers and mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions.

10. 

    Using the rubber float, apply the grout to the glass tiles at a 45 degree angle. Wipe off excess grout with a wet sponge. Be sure to use a non-sanded grout if the space between tiles is 1/8" or smaller. Consult the sales staff at Lowe's or your local home improvement store for recommendations on larger spaces - sanded grout can damage glass tile very easily so it's imperative you buy the right grout for the job.

11. 

    After about an hour, check for grout haze on the glass tiles and wipe them clean as needed.

12. 

    Caulk the edges of the glass tile where the tile meets the wall. Be sure to use a mildew resistant caulk if the tile is in an area where it will get wet.

13. Let the glass tile cure for at least 7 days before letting it sustain any impact.

14. Check out the Resources listed below for additional tiling ideas.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sandpaper to smooth out the tile edges if they are sharp after you cut them.

• Sometimes it's easier just to have someone cut the glass tile for you, but be sure you give them the right specifications or you might end up with a stalled job as you wait for the tiles to be recut at the store.

• If you install glass tile in a pool, let the tile cure for at least 28 days before submerging the tile in water.

• Be sure to install expansion joints every 20 feet for indoor tiles and every 8 feet for exterior tiles. Also leave space between the glass tile and wall to allow for caulking.

• Always wear safety goggles when cutting glass!!!

Resources

• How to Install Wall Tiles
• How to Install Ceramic Wall Tiles
• How to Lay Bathroom Floor Tile
• How to Lay a Tile Backsplash
• How to Install Marble Tile on a Fireplace
• How To Install Bathroom Tiles
• How To Regrout Shower Tile
• How to Buy and Install Glass Tile
• Home Depot Store
• Lowe's Home Improvement Store
• How to Finish Wood Floors
• How to Paint a Room With a Vaulted Ceiling
• How To Stop A Linoleum Floor From Being Slippery