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The Beginner's Guide to Mosaic Tiles

28th Feb 2023

The Beginner's Guide to Mosaic Tiles

Are you looking to use mosaic tiles in your next project? Well, Tile Space is the perfect place to start!

Our tile experts know how important it is to understand the product you are buying. From how to style them in your space to potential problems you could run into - we’ve got you covered!

So let's explore the world of mosaic tile in more detail.

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Are mosaic tiles out of fashion?

Absolutely not! Mosaic tiles are a constant choice for our clients; their unique patterns, shapes and colours are great for those looking to spice up their space! Mosaic tiles come in thousands of varieties, so you can get creative and give your space an edge over others.

Featured Guide: 6 Bathroom Mosaic Tile Ideas That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

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What is the difference between mosaics and tiles?

Mosaics are small tile pieces stuck on sheets, meaning they are easier to lay as the tiler doesn't need to install each tile. On the other hand, regular tiles are created from a single piece of material.

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What tiles should you use for mosaics?

Small pieces of glass, porcelain, or natural stone are frequently used in mosaic tiles. These materials can be used to design spectacular features and are quite durable.

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Mosaic Tile Materials:

Glass

VTC Blend Nuvole Hotmelt | Bisazza

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Glass mosaic tiles provide a glossy, reflective finish and come in various shapes, sizes and colours.

SHOP BISAZZA GLASS MOSAIC RANGE

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Porcelain

Straight White Gloss 22x72mm

Straight White Gloss | Cotto Mosaic

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Porcelain mosaic tiles are becoming popular due to their ability to create stone reproductions at a more affordable price. They are incredibly durable and have various applications - most notably, as a great choice for flooring.

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Stone

Carrara Oval Mosaic

Carrara Oval Mosaic | Carrara Mosaics 

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Stone mosaic tiles are perfect for traditional interiors, providing a classic look and feel. They can be used in feature walls, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and floors.

It’s important to note that stone tiles are porous and will need to be sealed.

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Metal

Lead Stainless Steel Mix Tile

Lead Stainless Steel Mix | Metal Combo Mosaics

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Metal mosaic tiles are highly versatile and can be used to create an industrial or modern look. Metallic mosaic tiles come in various shapes, sizes and finishes, such as copper, brass and stainless steel.

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Types of Mosaic Patterns:

The range of mosaic patterns available is endless! Well, not really, but there is plenty to choose from; whether you are looking for something more classic or something sleek and modern - there is something for everyone!

And if there’s nothing in our range for you, we also offer customised mosaic patterns with our Bisazza and Micro Tiles ranges.

Featured Guide: Mosaic Tile Trend Predictions

Here are some of our most popular mosaic patterns;

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Hexagon

White Satin Hexagon Mosaic 50mm

White Satin Hexagon Mosaic | Hexagons

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Hexagon mosaic tiles are an arrangement of small hexagons in a honeycomb pattern.

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Finger Tiles

Yubi Cloud Gloss Finger Mosaic

Cloud Gloss Finger Mosaic | Yubi 

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Finger tiles, also known as KitKat tiles, are raised rectangle tile pieces placed in a repeating pattern. Their raised nature creates visual depth and texture.

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Herringbone

Black Satin Herringbone

Black Satin Herringbone | Cotto Mosaic

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A herringbone pattern is the repetition of rectangular mosaic tiles arranged in a “V” shape.


Have a look at our in-depth guide to styling herringbone tiles in your kitchen.

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Linear

Timeless Silver Linear Tile

Silver Linear Mosaic | Timeless

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Linear mosaic tiles create a contemporary and minimalist look. The repetition of the straight-edge rectangles creates this sleek linear pattern.

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Pebble

Penny Round White Matt Tile

White Matt | Penny Round

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Pebble mosaic tiles are created by arranging small mosaic pieces in a series of circles.

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Is mosaic cheaper than tiles?

Mosaics, on average, are more expensive than standard tiles and cost more to install. For this reason, mosaics are mostly used in smaller spaces as features like splashbacks.

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Do you need grout for mosaics?

Yes, mosaic tiles require grout to join them together and prevent water damage. The type of grout will vary depending on where you plan to install your tiles (e.g. swimming pool tiling will require a different kind of grout than when tiling a kitchen splashback).

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Is it difficult to lay mosaic tiles?

Laying mosaic tiles can be tricky as it requires precision and accuracy. We recommend speaking to an expert tiler who can give technical insight into your space and the suitability of your chosen tiles.

Oh, and provide quality, lasting installation!

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Pros and Cons of Mosaic Tiles:

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What are the advantages of mosaic tiles?

  • A long-lasting tile option, most mosaic tiles are resistant to heat, moisture and discolouration. This makes them an ideal choice to use in bathrooms, kitchens and swimming pools.
  • Sheeted mosaic tiles are very versatile as they are able to be used on flat and curved surfaces.
  • They are very durable due to their material make up of stone, glass or porcelain.
  • Mosaic tiles allow you to be more creative with endless pattern options and the ability to customise your design to your specific taste.

Featured Guide: Art Deco and Mid-Century Bathroom Tiling Designs

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What are the disadvantages of mosaic tiles?

  • It can be difficult to replace mosaic tiles, especially individual tiles. You may need to replace all the tiles in the area if one mosaic tile breaks or suffers damage.
  • Mosaic tiles generally have narrower and more frequent grout lines, making removing dirt and grime buildup more difficult. Epoxy grout could be a solution for this, however.
  • Not suitable for outdoor flooring applications.
  • Higher cost.

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We hope this guide has helped you get your head around mosaic tiles! If you still need more information on mosaic tiles, visit us in-store and chat with one of our tile experts!

With New Zealand's most extensive range of mosaic tiles, Tile Space is sure to have the perfect mosaic for your home!

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