How to Install New Patterns of Mosaic Tile

The process of drawing up your own mosaic tile designs and installing your new interior look is what makes working with this type of surface one of the more intricate and personalized interior decorating experiences homeowners can partake in. The vast variety of mosaic tile colors, materials and patterns provides ample opportunity to create the floor, wall or countertop of your dreams. As for DIY installations, having the right equipment and following directions carefully can help you create a stunning and sturdy surface in no time. Here are a few tips to get you going on creating and installing new patterns of mosaic tile:

Choose your style

When it comes to finding a distinct pattern that best fits the personality of your home, you have a near infinite list to choose from. Whether you’re striving for an earthy feel by using natural stone or thinking about adding a sleek, modern finish to your kitchen with metal, the first step toward finding a mosaic pattern that best suits your interests is settling on a material. The type of mosaic you choose can also have an impact on your installation process, from cutting difficulty to sheet arrangement, so keep that in mind if you’re considering a DIY approach to installing the tiles.

Cutting mosaic tile sheets is the first step when figuring out spacing.

Installation

Once you have your type of mosaic tile picked out and ready to go, you’ll come to the fun part: installation. Before you get to the nitty-gritty of this process, you’ll need to make sure you have the following equipment:

• A diamond disc and a wet saw (for cutting tile)
• 1/16 – 3/16 inch V-notch trowel (depending on thickness of tile)
• Finishing nails
• Grout float
• Non-sanded grout
• A bucket
• A sponge
• A level

After you’ve collected all these tools, you’ll need to begin preparing the substrate. Be sure to thoroughly wash the substrate and make sure there’s no traces of dirt or cracks, otherwise they’ll be stuck under the mosaic tile. Use a wire or nylon brush to scrub the substrate surface, and patch up any cracks – just be sure the surface is completely even. If your substrate is riddled with wear and tear, it’s probably a good idea to consult a professional installer about whether it can be repaired or if it needs total replacement.

Apply the thinset

Grid out your area of installation and pinpoint where you’ll begin laying down the mosaic tiles. Remember that the size of your trowel depends on the thickness of your mosaic tiles – the thicker the tiles, the bigger the trowel. More often than not, the type of mosaic you’re using will need a layer of thinset mortar underneath it so you won’t alter the tile’s appearance. Using the flat side of your trowel, begin applying a layer of thinset on top of the substrate. Once you’ve gently spread the adhesive over the entire surface you need covered, you can begin laying down the mosaic sheets.

Cutting the tiles

Cutting the mosaic tile sheets gives you more control over filling in the spaces of the surface you need to cover. Once you’re ready to begin cutting, lay the sheets nice and flat on a cutting tray, while keeping a piece of hard plastic on the tray to weigh it down and increase stability. Using the diamond disc, slice through the backing of the sheet to cut out a row of the tiles. You should use a straightedge while cutting so you can make sure all the tiles are sliced evenly. You may be able to use a sharp utility knife instead of a wet saw to cut out rows and individual mosaic tiles. As always, it’s best to follow manufacturer recommendations.

“Practice spacing out mosaic tile sheets before installation.”

Laying down mosaic sheets

It’s a good rule of thumb to practice spacing out the sheets before installation so you have a better idea of how they’ll match together on the desired surface. After you have the the dimensions of your area figured out, you can begin applying the mosaic tiles on top of the thinset, while using the grout float to achieve the necessary adhesion between the mortar and the sheets. Go from sheet to sheet, gently tapping down the sides to secure them, and use finishing nails to keep the sides you’re about to smooth out in place. Whenever you finish pressing a sheet, use a sponge to wash away any traces of thinset that pop up between the tile spaces.

Applying the grout

You have the mosaic tile sheets firm and secure on top of the adhesion, and have washed away any excess thinset. Now you’re ready to apply the grout. Most mosaic sheets will require  non-sanded grout, but make sure to check manufacturer recommendations. Start spreading the grout with the grout float using horizontal or vertical strokes, and don’t be afraid to use a little pressure to make sure all the crevices are filled. Once you’ve removed all the excess grout from the sides of the tiles, wipe the surface down with a sponge to clean it all off. Afterwards, let everything settle in for around 24 hours, and get ready to marvel at your new surface.

Are you ready to take on a DIY mosaic tile installation?

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