How to Mosaic a Countertop Unevenly

Creating a free-form mosaic pattern or an intricate design allows crafty homeowners to reflect their own distinctive style. Tiles come in a variety of specialty shapes and sizes. Manufacturers make small tiles intended for mosaics or you can make your own from larger tiles. You may consider an uneven countertop aesthetically pleasing, but it poses challenges if the space is also a work area. Uneven countertops do not provide stability and items may fall. If your countertop is not of work use, open your mind and create any design your imagination can dream up.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Rag
• Hammer or mallet
• Tape measure
• Paper or plywood
• Thin-set mortar
• Notched trowel
• Thin wood or wood shims
• Grout mix
• Bucket
• Grout-float
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Place full size tiles in a strong plastic bag. Lay the bag on a sturdy work surface, cover the bag with a rag and strike the tile through the rag and bag with a mallet or hammer to break the tile into smaller pieces. Select tiles of varying thicknesses, which will help to create an uneven surface. Typically, mosaic tiles are 1-to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. You can also use small tiles specially made for mosaics.

2. Measure the width and length countertop with a tape measure. Transfer the countertop measurements to a large sheet of paper or a sheet of plywood to create a pattern. Dry set the tiles on the pattern to test your design.

3. Spread thin-set tile mortar over the countertop substrate with a notched trowel. Turn the trowel to its side with the notched edges on the tile mortar. Press the trowel into the mortar and move the trowel through the tile mortar making an S-pattern in the mortar.

4. Move the mosaic tiles one-by-one from the pattern to the countertop and set them in place. If you want the height of the tiles to increase to make the surface more uneven, cut a thin piece of wood with a utility knife or handsaw to the same size as the tile. Set the small piece of wood or wood shim into the mortar, spread thin set mortar over the back of the mosaic tile and set it in place over the wood. Continue to take mosaic tiles from your pattern and place them onto the countertop until mosaic tile covers the surface. Make cuts as necessary with tile nippers. Let the tiles set in the mortar for 24 hours.

5. Mix tile grout and water in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Dip a grout-float into the tile grout mix and pick up a half a grout-float full of mortar. Distribute the tile mortar over the mosaic surface, holding the float at a 45 degree angle, while pressing it between the mosaic tiles.

6. Wipe away the grout away from the mosaic tile surface with a damp sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply grout sealer to after the grout dries protect it from stains.

• Wear gloves when working with broken tiles.

References

• "Home Decorating With Paint, Tile, Wallcovering: Special Effects and Creative Techniques"; Creative Homeowner Press; 1992
• "Ultimate Guide To Ceramic and Stone Tile"; Creative Homeowner Editors; 2006