A “Mosaic” is a picture created from many very small colored tiles. The tiles can be made of ceramics, glass, natural stone, brick, granite, marble, slate, pebbles, metals, and a very large variety of other materials. They are unique, creative, and offer a sophisticated and artistic touch to any room.
Many people prefer to have a backsplash in their kitchen to keep their wall coverings from being damaged by water, food spills, and other dirty kitchen accidents. Often the backsplash is made of tiles, and people looking to add a creative spin to their kitchen decor should look into adding a mosaic tile backsplash to their kitchen. It can be just a decorative touch to blend in or the main focal point of the room, but a A mosaic backsplash will brighten up any drab or dull kitchen area and add a unique flair in a creative and beautiful way.
Types of mosaic backsplash
There are three main types of mosaic backsplash. The first style, standard mosaic, is made by fitting together small pieces – square, rectangular or circular of tiles. The effect of this type of mosaic backsplash is in the pattern that creates the small tiles – brick, herringbone and other varied patterns. As for the colors of the tiles, they are often in one color but with different shades, or in very similar colors.
The second type of mosaic is known as mural mosaic. This is a mosaic that is first put together with the wall, and then painted as a single unit in a picture. Alternatively, different colored tiles can be fitted together like a puzzle to make an interesting mural without painting the tile. This type of mosaic tile backsplash takes an amazing amount of skill and creativity, but the results can be stunningly beautiful and add a great deal of class and sophistication to your kitchen. Be prepared to spend a lot on this type of mosaic backsplash though, as you need a tiler who is also a talented artist. Mosaic tile backsplashes can also be purchased as pre-made murals as well and placed into the wall as one finished unit, but this will be a less unique piece.
The third type is made by mixing and matching different materials of different sizes, shapes, colors, textures and finishes. This creates a mosaic that is completely unique and 100% original. This unique mosaic tile backsplash is sure to be a pleasure to look at, and it’s something you’ll be proud to show off to friends, neighbors and relatives.
Cost of mosaic backsplash
As I’m sure you can imagine, prices vary greatly for a mosaic backsplash. If you have extra materials and interesting objects around your house and know how to lay tiles, you can make your own for free or relatively cheap. Buying a mosaic backsplash as a finished mural can vary quite a bit depending on the uniqueness of the piece and the popularity of the artist, among other factors. A hand-painted mosaic tile backsplash will likely be the most expensive of the varieties, as the person installing it must be a tile layer as well as an artist, but if done correctly it can it will be worth every penny and add a huge amount of beauty and appeal to your kitchen.
Installing a mosaic backsplash
Installing a mosaic backsplash takes a lot of expertise as each piece of tile must be properly placed and leveled. The average homeowner who has never laid tile before may want to consider hiring a professional to help with the project. Many people prefer this option for installing their mosaic backsplashes since they are not familiar with how to lay tiles.
Knowing where your layout is going is also important and the size and placement of the cuts are crucial to the look and strength of the finished mosaic backsplash.
Mosaic backsplash maintenance
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
- Hot soapy water is best for cleaning mosaic backsplash. Be cautious about using any abrasive material as this can scratch and damage the tiles.
- Natural stone and unglazed ceramic tiles are porous and need to be resealed on a regular basis. Sealing prevents water and other liquids from entering the pores, as this can lead to staining or roughening of the surface.
A few tips to remember
If you intend to create your own mosaic backsplash, be sure to measure the entire surface at least twice before purchasing any materials or cutting or grouting anything. After measuring, be sure to also consider the style of mosaic tile you’re installing versus the space you have to install it, available lighting (after all, you want people to be able to see it!) and how much you want to spend on the project. Sometimes hiring an interior decorator can help in the planning stages, but it will add extra cost to the project. Finally, remember to buy extra materials in case any of your tiles break or scratch during installation.
A mosaic backsplash may be just what you need if you are looking for an artistic and beautiful piece to make your kitchen really stand out among the rest, be sure to research your project before you buy anything or you may be disappointed in -last.
