Steps for a Successful Mosaic Tile Installation

7 Steps for a Smooth Mosaic Tile Installation

It is a great feeling when a project is completed and you are able to admire the result of all the planning and hard work that went into it.   However, projects can become frustrating when essential steps are not taken during the process.   Here is a list to help make installing our mosaic tile smoother and more rewarding.

Step #1: Prepare the substrate. 

Make sure that your surface is suitable for tile.

• Material: We recommend cement board for most applications.
• Wet Areas: Apply a waterproofing membrane for wet areas to prevent future water damage.

Step #2: Ordering and Inspection

When ordering tile, precision is key to avoiding headaches later.

• Calculate Overage: Make sure to get the quantities you need plus some overage (10% is the industry standard). Not ordering enough the first time can result in dye lot differences when you are ordering more to finish the job.
• Check Unit Size: Many of our products are sold by the sheet or unit that is not a square foot. Make sure to calculate exactly how many sheets or units you will need. We are always here to help determine quantities.
• Inspect Shipment: Check in your shipment immediately when it arrives. Make sure that you have received everything that you ordered.

Step #3: Perform a Dry Layout

Layout the tile either in the area that is to be tiled or in another area marked out to match the dimensions. It is important to get an overall view of what the area will look like when it is done before starting the installation.

Important Note for Patterns: This step is of particular importance for patterns and borders. You must verify:

1. Orientation: Which way the sheet is turned.
2. Placement: Some patterns have multiple parts that must be placed in a specific order.

*This step is of particular importance for patterns and borders.  Both the orientation (i.e. which way the sheet is turned) and placement of the sheets (some patterns have multiple parts that must be place in a specific order).

Step #4: Make Your Cuts

Going around corners and finishing off edges (especially with offset tiles like hexagons and penny rounds) requires cutting sheets and individual tiles. The installation will be more efficient if the cuts are already made.

• Mesh Sheets: Can be cut with a box knife or scissors.
• Tiles: Need to be cut with wheeled nippers.

WARNING: Do not run mesh sheets through a wet saw to make cuts. The water will cause the tiles to fall off the mesh.

Step #5: Choose the Right Setting Material

Selecting the correct mortar and grout is just as important as selecting the tile. Follow these three rules:

Rule #1: Material Compatibility Make sure that setting materials are appropriate for the type of tile you are installing. Mortars and grouts made for ceramic tile will not work with porcelain or glass. Look for products that say they are appropriate for “vitreous” or “semi-vitreous” materials.

Rule #2: Use the System Most manufacturers of setting materials have a "system," with mortars and grouts designed to work together.

• Ensure every product in the system follows Rule #1 (appropriate for porcelain or glass).
• Do not mix manufacturers: Do not use a mortar from one manufacturer and a grout from another. This happens most often when a specific colored grout is desired but not available in a system.
• Avoid mixing chemistries: We do not recommend using colored grouts from different systems. This is a matter of chemistry and could cause the installation to fail.

Rule #3: Follow Instructions & Clean Up Instructions are almost always found on the bag or bucket. Follow them closely.

• Clean as you go: It is essential when installing unglazed tile that you keep cleaning the tile after grouting until the grout haze does not return.
• Don't wait: Allowing grout to dry on unglazed tile will require the use of harsh chemicals to remove later.

Step #6: Seal the Installation

Once the installation is fully dried, apply a sealant to the entire floor. While the sealant is technically for the grout, we have found that it helps keep the tile clean as well.

• Sealants are found wherever setting material is sold.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.

Step #7: Admire and Share

When you are admiring the finished installation make sure to TAKE PICTURES!

Send them to us or post them along with a good Google review for MosaicTile.com. We appreciate your business and your feedback.