Question 1

What is the difference between glass and ceramic mosaic tiles?

Accepted Answer

Glass mosaics are fired from coloured glass and have a translucent or iridescent quality that catches the light. They are non-porous and highly resistant to water and chemicals, making them ideal for pools. Ceramic mosaics are fired clay with a glazed surface. They are more opaque, slightly more forgiving and slightly less expensive.

Question 2

Do mosaic tiles come on sheets?

Accepted Answer

Most mosaic tiles come pre-mounted on mesh or paper sheets, typically 300x300mm per sheet. This speeds up installation considerably. The mesh or paper backing is either embedded in the adhesive or wetted off before grouting. We check each sheet for defects and trim to fit at borders.

Question 3

Can mosaic tiles be used on curved surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is one of their great advantages. The small individual tesserae in a mosaic sheet can flex to follow gentle curves, making mosaics ideal for curved pool walls, column facings, niches and arched recesses. Tighter curves may require the sheet to be cut into strips.

Question 4

What grout do you use for mosaic tiles?

Accepted Answer

For internal bathroom and kitchen mosaics, a fine-grain unsanded or lightly sanded cementitious grout is used, as joints are typically 1 to 2mm. For pool mosaics, epoxy grout is the correct specification, giving chemical and water resistance that cementitious grout does not match over time.

Question 5

Can you create a custom mosaic pattern?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can lay mosaics in any geometric or abstract pattern that can be described or drawn. Custom mosaics require more planning and laying time, but the result is a unique feature. We have created custom geometric borders, central feature panels and full decorative floors.

Question 6

Are mosaic tiles suitable for a shower floor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they are often the best choice. The high grout-to-tile ratio on a mosaic floor gives excellent natural slip resistance. The small format allows the floor to be set with an accurate fall to the drain without any single tile spanning a significant level change. Glass or ceramic mosaics with epoxy grout is a very practical specification.

Question 7

How do you clean mosaic tiles?

Accepted Answer

Regular mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that is needed for glazed or glass mosaics. The grout joints are the most vulnerable area. In showers, a weekly spray of a mild disinfectant prevents mould. Epoxy grout in pools is virtually maintenance-free. Natural stone mosaics require periodic resealing.

Question 8

What is the cost difference between mosaic and standard tiles?

Accepted Answer

Mosaic tiles and their installation cost more per square metre than standard tiles. The tile material itself costs more, the installation time is longer due to the precision required at borders, and the grouting is more time-consuming. The result, however, is unmatched in quality and visual impact.

Question 9

Can you use mosaic tiles as a feature band within a larger tile layout?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is a very effective design technique. A mosaic border or feature strip within a field of larger tiles gives a luxurious, bespoke feel. The key is planning the layout from the outset so the mosaic band aligns with the field tile grid. We plan this at the dry-lay stage.

Question 10

Do you install mosaic tiles in swimming pools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swimming pool mosaic, particularly glass mosaic at the waterline and on pool walls, is one of our specialist services. Pool mosaic requires a fully waterproofed shell, specific pool-rated adhesive and epoxy grout. We have completed pool mosaic projects at residential properties across Sussex.

Question 11

How much does mosaic tiling cost?

Accepted Answer

Mosaic tiles cost 60 to 100 pounds per square metre fitted, depending on the tile type and whether the pattern is standard sheet or custom. Installation time is longer than standard tiling due to the precision and grouting involved. We quote the full project after visiting the site.

Question 12

How long does mosaic tiling take?

Accepted Answer

A typical bathroom feature wall in mosaic takes one to two days depending on size and pattern complexity. A full pool tiling in glass mosaic takes significantly longer due to the waterproofing and precision required. We give you an accurate programme at the quoting stage.

Mosaic Type	Best Applications	Maintenance	Visual Impact
Glass mosaic	Pools, wet rooms, feature walls	Low	Light-reflecting, luminous
Ceramic mosaic	Bathrooms, kitchen splashbacks	Low	Wide colour range, matte or gloss
Natural stone mosaic	Feature walls, floors	Moderate	Warm, organic, requires sealing
Iridescent glass	Pool waterline, accent panels	Low	Dramatically light-catching
Patterned sheet mosaic	Victorian and geometric features	Low	Pattern precision critical

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