Mosaic tiles on the floor: key features (21 photos)
Content
Tile-mosaic is often used to decorate the interior of apartments and houses because with its help you can significantly change the room. Light will be reflected many times from each small piece of tile, which makes it possible to obtain a complex and voluminous pattern. A long-lasting and unique painting made from small pieces of tile is an authorial work that emphasizes the exclusivity of space.
Mosaic: the secrets of choice
Previously, the whole picture on the floor was obtained through the use of a large number of small pieces. Today, finished panels are laid out in separate elements assembled in a matrix. Elements are fixed to each other using a special mesh or substrate, which does not allow particles to crumble.
Laying mosaics on the floor is a classic way. Grouting must be performed at a high level. If a mismatch is found during grouting, this will affect the appearance of the surface. Some manufacturers produce tiles for the kitchen, bathrooms, equipped with textured patterns that imitate mosaics. Such a solution is economically advantageous. The surface of such a material is coated with a layer of glaze.
Mosaic picture on the floor can be made of ordinary tiles, which are divided into small elements using special slots. Such slots help create an imitation of mosaic panels.
Varieties of material for mosaic
Mosaic on the floor can be made using a wide variety of materials. In ancient times, mosaics were performed using clay pyramids of certain sizes. Today, more modern and environmentally friendly materials are used. They can be both artificial and natural:
- Ceramic mosaic for the floor. It is made on the basis of fired clay, which is covered with a layer of glaze. Ceramic tile is a durable material that can be painted in any color. This great flooring solution has become a great alternative to tile.
- Mosaic made of glass elements. In this case, cubes of various sizes are used. They are resistant to moisture and chemicals. This is especially important when decorating rooms with a high level of humidity (bathrooms, pools). The drawing of the glass mosaic is mainly carried out on the reverse side. Such a pattern of glass tiles will last for a long time.
- Smalt. This type of coating was invented by the Greeks. According to its characteristics, it resembles a mosaic material and is durable. The hue of such a mosaic varies depending on the direction and angle of incidence of light. Most often, this type of decoration is used in the kitchen.
- Mosaic tiles made of natural or artificial stone. A characteristic natural pattern can be matte or coated with a layer of glaze.
Mosaic paintings are stacked in various rooms. They help to emphasize the individuality of the rooms in the bathroom, toilet, hallway, kitchen, etc. This tile gives an excellent appearance to the space.
How to stack? Laying the floor with small elements is a laborious job that requires a professional approach.It can be simplified if you use an option such as mosaic tiles. In this case, the individual elements are laid in a special way on a flexible surface. Visually, this method looks like a mosaic panel. Mosaic panels for the kitchen or bathroom are made of either ceramic or glass. The glass version involves gluing tiles on a specific basis. Ceramic tiles are laid mainly on a paper base.
Features of installing mosaics on the floor
Regardless of the type of material chosen, the rule should be adopted that its laying should be carried out only on a flat surface. If the floor is uneven, then all the ledges and pits will be striking.
Mosaic from porcelain tiles to the floor is a fairly popular and sought-after solution. Today it can be purchased at almost any store. Porcelain tile is a durable, waterproof and durable material that can be used for rooms decorated in various styles. Mosaic for the floor in the shower of this material is practical and easy to use. You can do this yourself if you wish.
It is extremely important to correctly select tile glue. For porcelain stoneware, a polymer solution is excellent. If this is a floor glass tile for a mosaic, then it is better to give preference to cement-sand glue.
It is also advisable to pay special attention to the choice of grout. If several types of mosaics are used, then you will need to purchase different types of grout. As a rule, the color of the grout is white. You can fill the seam between the elements using grouts of white, cement, latex or epoxy type.
Before making a purchase of building material for the kitchen or bathroom or wondering how to lay it, it is necessary to carry out a qualitative calculation of the required number of elements. Mosaic tiles are acquired to the last sheet. The fact is that if suddenly there is not enough material, in the store or in the warehouse you may not find the option you need. The calculation is easy. You will need to calculate the total surface area. The final result must be divided by the area of the sheet. Then you need to add 10% to the result.
As for the consumption of glue, this information must be carefully studied on the packaging. For a quality laid cladding, you will need to purchase other additional materials. For the installation of mosaics, tools such as a tile machine, putty knife, tape measure, brush head, brush, square, etc. are used. Do not forget to buy protective equipment: gloves, goggles and a respirator.
Base preparation begins with pipe routing. If the shower room will be mounted in the future, it is advisable to make a waterproofing of the surface. The base is treated with a deep penetration primer.
Then the drawing is transferred to the surface. The glue is kneaded and evenly applied with a spatula to the surface. The desired element is pressed to the desired area. Putting a mosaic is necessary from the corner of the room or center. In the process, it is necessary to observe the distance between the individual elements. We spread the whole pattern. The laid out tile is leveled. It should have one level with the surface. All fragments should be arranged in accordance with the figure. After the glue has hardened, its residues and impurities are removed, grout is applied.
