Create a Glass Tile Border
Glass mosaic tile can be installed in most places including a kitchen backsplash, shower surround, and floors.
Not everyone wants an entire wall of small glass tiles though.
A border of mosaic tiles is great alternative.
This is simply a strip of glass tile that will run through the surrounding tile.
It can be waist high, run at the top or bottom, or frame in the area.
Glass tile borders can range from a solid color of tiles to an elaborate cut mosaic like a Greek key.
It all depends on how much you want to spend.
If you choose a solid color then you may only need to spend as little as $2 a square foot.
A hand cut mosaic will run you at least $30 a square foot.
The most popular choice is a blend of tiles colors that start as low as $5 a square foot.
Blends usually include 3 to 5 colors that you can coordinate with your area.
Once you decide what type of border you want then you need to select your surround tiles.
The border tiles will be small, probably 1" or smaller.
Your field tile will typically be 4" or larger.
Large subway tiles will look great too.
Select a color that will either compliment or contrast your mosaic tile.
If you select ceramic as your field tile then you will notice that the ceramic tile is twice as thick as the mosaic tile.
This is normal and not hard to work with.
You have two options for installing both sizes of tile.
The first will be to simply install the tiles directly to your prepared surface.
This will give your mosaic tiles a recessed look and adds dimension to your finished area.
The second method is to float the border tile.
You will need to install the surrounding tile first then build up the mortar where the mosaic tiles will go.
This is difficult and should only be done by a professional installer.
After the installation you need to grout.
If you chose to recess the border then you will have a little more cleanup to do since these tiles are setting lower.
You can choose a neutral grout that goes with both the field tile and the mosaic border or you can tape off the border and grout it in a separate color.
This just depends on the contrast in those colors.
A mosaic border adds value and eye appeal to your existing area.
You will find it a rewarding decision that others will love.
Not everyone wants an entire wall of small glass tiles though.
A border of mosaic tiles is great alternative.
This is simply a strip of glass tile that will run through the surrounding tile.
It can be waist high, run at the top or bottom, or frame in the area.
Glass tile borders can range from a solid color of tiles to an elaborate cut mosaic like a Greek key.
It all depends on how much you want to spend.
If you choose a solid color then you may only need to spend as little as $2 a square foot.
A hand cut mosaic will run you at least $30 a square foot.
The most popular choice is a blend of tiles colors that start as low as $5 a square foot.
Blends usually include 3 to 5 colors that you can coordinate with your area.
Once you decide what type of border you want then you need to select your surround tiles.
The border tiles will be small, probably 1" or smaller.
Your field tile will typically be 4" or larger.
Large subway tiles will look great too.
Select a color that will either compliment or contrast your mosaic tile.
If you select ceramic as your field tile then you will notice that the ceramic tile is twice as thick as the mosaic tile.
This is normal and not hard to work with.
You have two options for installing both sizes of tile.
The first will be to simply install the tiles directly to your prepared surface.
This will give your mosaic tiles a recessed look and adds dimension to your finished area.
The second method is to float the border tile.
You will need to install the surrounding tile first then build up the mortar where the mosaic tiles will go.
This is difficult and should only be done by a professional installer.
After the installation you need to grout.
If you chose to recess the border then you will have a little more cleanup to do since these tiles are setting lower.
You can choose a neutral grout that goes with both the field tile and the mosaic border or you can tape off the border and grout it in a separate color.
This just depends on the contrast in those colors.
A mosaic border adds value and eye appeal to your existing area.
You will find it a rewarding decision that others will love.
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