Mosaic tiles represent any combination of sizes, colors, shapes, and/or materials. The tiles can be ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and even metal or glass, randomly glued or according to a given pattern on a textile backing.
What is the difference between regular and mosaic tiles?
Regular tiles are actually pressed square or rectangular-shaped tiles made of ceramic mass, which depending on water absorption can be for interior or exterior use (porcelain floor tiles). The mosaic tile sheet is made up of a mix of pieces cut from ceramic floor or wall tiles. The shape of the pieces varies from square to rectangular, diamond, etc. The mosaic sheet incorporates any combination of sizes, colors, shapes, and/or materials of ceramic tiles to create a unique surface. Tiling with mosaic is a unique form of decoration and often provides a surprise factor for walls, floors, in spaces such as kitchen, shower, pool, bathroom, and many other areas of our homes, both inside and outside, if the elements glued to the backing are pieces cut from porcelain floor tiles.
Advantages of mosaic tiles
First of all, tiling with mosaic adds elegance to any room, as the mosaic tiles harmoniously complement most decors and add vibrancy to any type of space, functioning as a decorative element.
Another excellent feature of mosaic tiles is that they can be used to tile sloping surfaces and receive the technical characteristics of the ceramic tile they are made up of. If made by gluing pieces of porous ceramic tile, the wall tiles will be used to tile interior walls, being an ideal choice for both kitchen and bathroom. If made of pieces of porcelain floor tile, they can be successfully used to tile interior and exterior walls and floors, being very resistant to environmental factors, moisture, and chemicals. Porcelain mosaic tiles are ideal both in terms of functionality and aesthetics for creating trendy showers in any bathroom style. They are durable and easy to keep clean. One of the big pluses of mosaic tiles is that they are extremely versatile. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors and, because they are smaller, can be used to fill small and awkward spaces. Combining different types of mosaic tiles can add an interesting note to the room, as well as give the illusion of a larger space.
Mosaic tiles are extremely environmentally sustainable, as they use much less energy in their production compared to other traditional materials for walls and floors. Porcelain mosaic floor is generally very affordable. It is certainly cheaper than marble and, if done correctly, can look just as elegant. It also has high resistance, so the quality-price ratio is very good.
Porcelain mosaic sheets have slip-resistant properties. They have the disadvantage that they require increased attention during installation. All the pieces on a sheet must be at the same level to ensure a perfect aesthetic space.
Mosaic tiles for the bathroom
A multitude of aspects make porcelain mosaic tiles an excellent choice for bathroom floors. Mosaic tiles have smaller dimensions and are more flexible, making them the perfect solution for tiling sloping spaces and ensuring proper drainage in the bathroom and especially in the shower area. Secondly, the combination of smaller tiles and more grout can offer improved slip resistance, which is absolutely necessary in bathrooms.
Thus, the more structured and matte the surface is, the less slippery the tile will be. And when it comes to the bathroom, it is important to use floor tiles with a high degree of adhesion in order to avoid accidents.
When it comes to the degree of abrasion resistance, it is important to consider the classification into PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) classes, a method that measures the resistance of floor tiles using a special device with abrasive rollers.
• Knowing the PEI class (marked on the packaging of ceramic tiles) can help you choose the right ceramic tile for the desired destination.
• PEI I – tiles are only used for interior wall cladding.
• PEI II – is used for occasional exposure to a small volume of abrasive particles for interior floors (living rooms, bedrooms).
• PEI III – for interior floors exposed to a small volume of abrasive particles (kitchens and bathrooms, hallways, closed balconies).
• PEI IV – for exterior or interior floors exposed to abrasive particles: terraces, entrances, commercial kitchens, exhibition halls, offices.
• PEI V – for exterior or interior floors subjected to sustained abrasive particle flow. These are the most severe wear conditions. Examples: shops, public areas, airport waiting rooms, public walkways, industrial uses. Although it may seem trivial at first glance, choosing the right floor tiles for your bathroom is very important, considering the type of tile, surface, finish, and design.
Most of us only focus on price or color, but few of us take into account the material characteristics, which ultimately prove to be the most important.
Kitchen mosaic tiles
Even in the smallest kitchen, mosaic tiles that contain glass can give the impression of a larger space. In general, depending on the color you choose, glass tiles are more transparent. In addition, their surface reflects light well. As a result, your kitchen will look larger and brighter.
This benefit is particularly useful for homeowners who do not have enough space. However, mosaic tiles can be used for kitchens of all sizes to create the illusion of a larger space.
Outdoor mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are an excellent solution for outdoor spaces, but they must be porcelain. They only need to be installed using special adhesives and sealants for exterior, meaning they need to be flexible. It is very important to install outdoor mosaic tiles using weather-resistant materials! It is best to use adhesives specifically created for exterior use, which can resist both moisture and mold as well as large temperature variations.
Also, make sure you use a concrete base rather than wood. Wood will absorb moisture over time and change its shape, which will cause the tiles to fall later. Concrete is a robust surface that can support the weight of bulkier tiles for long periods of time.
In conclusion, mosaic tiles can be an excellent choice for any bathroom or kitchen. They allow for complex design, innovative use of space, efficient use of light, and provide surprising and attractive features to any room.
Mosaic tiles are part of a classic trend that has been around for centuries and is now back in the attention of interior designers. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pattern or more contemporary tiles, mosaic ceramic and porcelain tiles are the ideal solution.
Whether you choose to decorate an entire wall (or floor) or just a discreet mosaic band to create a decorative area in that space, ceramic mosaic will certainly make a difference in your home.