Glass Tiles

Whether you are getting your house ready to be listed in the real estate market or redecorating to upgrade your personal space, the installation of glass tiles will enhance the beauty of your home, and increase its value. Fashioned from pieces of glass that are designed in compatible shapes, glass tiles are durable and resistant to chemicals or other harsh contaminants.

The popularity of glass tiles have prompted manufacturers to seek solutions that will help them to meet high customer demands without destroying the planet. Environmentally friendly companies use recycled glass from post-industrial, and post-consumer sources. Recycled glass tile can be used on walls, counters, or floors.

The characteristics of recycled glass are translucent, or matte. Tiles that are translucent are made from one hundred percent recycled glass, while tiles that are made with smaller percentages of recycled glass are a little cloudy. Recycled glass tiles normally have a high gloss, or a matte finish.

Glass tiles are available in an array of colors and styles that can match any home decor, the favorite design for a large number of customers are the glass mosaic tiles. Durable and versatile for inside or outside installation, glass mosaic tile is normally placed in areas that are regularly exposed to moisture such as shower floors and walls, as well as counter tops. For exterior decorating, mosiac glass tiles are an excellent choice for swimming pool or hot tub designs. 

There are many kinds of tiles including fused glass tiles, which are made from intact pieces of glass that have been kiln fired in extreme temperatures that range from eleven to fifteen hundred degrees Fahrenheit. The fused method is used to make tiles in different sizes and thickness.

Etched glass tiles have been fused together with a thin, translucent surface layer that permits light to penetrate the etched surface and reflect back into the room.

Slumped tiles are flat glass that is melted enough to curve the tile facing. The surface of slumped tiles range from provocative to subtle, and can be used to create a relief image or accent. 

Cast tiles are formed by placing chunks of glass into a mold that is heated until the pieces melt to become a colorful mass. Cast tiles have a beautiful textured look that can stand alone or mixed with solid colored tiles for visual affects. The majority of recycled glass tiles are produced by using the cast glass method.

Terrazzo tiles are strong, durable, and found in high traffic areas of public institutions like hospitals, restaurants, and legal offices. Originally made by adding marble pieces and shavings to wet clay, terrazzo glass tiles are mostly manufactured with cement and glass, instead of clay and marble.

On Installing Glass Tiles

Glass tiles come in different shapes and sizes. Small, lightweight tiles are used to create designs on walls, or the area behind sinks or kitchen counters known as backsplash. Heavier glass tiles are used for floors and counter tops. I would suggest that if you have an extensive amount of tiling to do, such as a large bathroom that you consider having a professional do the job because they will be much quicker and this type of work can be back breaking. If you only have a glass tile backsplash to do then you can probably handle this without having to call in the pros.

Glass tiles can be installed wherever you use ceramic tiles, either inside or out, since they are stain resistant. Although they can be installed the same way as ceramic tiles, care must be taken with translucent glass tiles to prevent comb marks or imperfections in the adhesive from being seen.

The type of adhesive you use to install glass tiles will vary depending on the type of tiles you choose. Consider where the tile will be placed, will it be wall or floor tile, and will it be a wet, or dry area. 

One of the more popular adhesives is an organic mastic. Preferred because there is no required mixing, organic mastics helps to keep tiles in place without slipping. Organic mastics should not be used in areas that are frequently exposed to heat, or on tiles that are installed outside the home. Another type of adhesive that can be used to install glass tiles is a thin-set mortar, it has a better bonding strength than organic mastics.