Two things we’ve learned is just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean that it’s good value! On the other end of the spectrum, just because it costs an arm and a leg doesn’t mean it’s good value either.
If you’re shopping around for a new kitchen backsplash or tile for your bathroom you might be considering using glass tile for your project. There’s literally thousands of different options out there and it can be difficult to know whether or not you’re getting good value for your money!
As a former contractor with plenty of experience installing glass tile and mosaics, I can tell you I have had my fair share of good and bad experiences with mosaics.
On one occasion my customer found some small black glass tiles at a clearance sale in Vancouver. She was thrilled that with the low price of $5.99/Sq Ft she paid at the local tile shop. Luckily for me I was being paid by the hour. I wasn’t happy about installing them, but she insisted. As a contractor I’m always more interested in the job going smooth than I am working extra hours.
These tiles ended up taking twice as long to install. They were placed on a loose mesh backing, the grout lines were terrible, and on top of that they had a paper backing. Trying to line these up was next to impossible. As soon as the mesh made contact with the mortar base it started to stretch. Consequently, the grout lines were very difficult to manage. If there’s one thing that will wreck a tile job it’s the grout lines. Unfortunately the customer ended up spending a lot more money as a result of the difficulty these tiles presented during installation.
Examine your tile for these qualities before purchasing!
Mesh Backing
If available try and find a tile with a fiber glass mesh backing. It’s firm, and much easier to work with when you are lining the sheets up side-by-side. Getting the grout lines even is crucial when using mosaics in a kitchen backsplash or tub surround. As soon as you start to stray it’s very difficult to get lined up again. It can be a real eye sore that wont go away.
FIBER GLASS MESH BACKING SHOWN ABOVE
PAINTS ARE KILN BAKED WITH A SPECIAL
COATING SPRAYED OVER THE PAINT TO AVOID
ANY TRANSPARENCY ISSUES
Even Grout Lines
Take a good look at the spacing between each tile piece. Is it even? Are some of the tiles crooked? This is a tell tail sign that the manufacturer isn’t too interested in quality.
EVENLY SPACED GROUT LINES SHOWN ABOVE
AND KILN BAKED PAINTS
Kiln Baked Paints or Paper Backing
Any decent tile manufacturer will tell you to stay away from paper backed mosaics. This is an older method that is not often used these days. Over time the sun will bleach the color. For example, you might start with a nice bright red tile, but down the road it could be a lovely shade of pink! The chemicals in mortar and tile glue can also eat away at the paper over time.
Kiln baked paints are the way to go! They’re stronger, and meant to last. They wont bleach over time resulting in a nice bright color for years to come.
There’s no need to over spend either!
Tiles come in a variety of price points. Some mosaics cost as much as $50.00/Sq Ft. This is complete over kill. If money is not an object for you, feel free to go nuts and get exactly what you want. If you’re on a budget I’d suggest looking for a mid priced tile. Examine the quality first and then decide if it’s the right tile for you.
Colin Wharton
www.covefinishings.com
colin@covefinishings.com
1 888 408 1688 ext 1
Shortly after receiving them we got in touch with the design team at the Richmond, IKEA. We couldn’t wait to give them a sneak peak of the new tiles. They loved them, and we’re happy to say they’re now on display in one of their beautiful kitchens in the showroom at their store!
approximately 50% recycled glass waste. This is a great choice if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly backsplash option .Within each tile it’s self there’s little bubbles that give the tile a very cool 3 dimensional feeling. It adds an extra pop that you just don’t find in other recycled glass tile.
