There are many choices for glass tile and due to the nature of the product, how it’s made and the applications there are more options than ever. Glass tile is available in many shapes, sizes, textures, colors and can be applied on a variety of surfaces. They truly provide an artistic element to every space. How you choose to use them and what you choose to mix with them is what makes them such an amazing, beautiful and versatile product.

How they are sold

Glass tile can be sold by the piece, sheet or square foot. Be careful when pricing to know if the price is by the piece or by the square foot. Finishes are typically either gloss or matte and are sometimes etched. Because there are so many handmade products, there are endless options of sizes, shapes and designs.

Common sizes:

1x1 (typically sold on 12x12 sheets)
1x2
2x2 (typically sold on 12x12 sheets)
3x3
4x4
5x5
6x6
3x6 (popularly called “subway” tile)
4x8
12x12
Geometrics

Opacity

Glass tile comes in a variety of opacities. The transparent glass can range from clear like a window to green like a Coke bottle to vibrant colors like deep sea blue, emerald green or cherry red; the thicker the transparent tile, the more intense the color. Tiles can be full of color even adding a metallic or iridescent effect.

Texture

Flat – completely smooth
Rippled – textured variation
Low – small continuous dimples
Random – irregular ruts and peaks
Relief – molded into shapes

Custom sizes and patterns

Anything you can think of. A picture, a painting, a logo, a name, multiple colors, and no limit on size – the only design limitations are the ones you set!

Flexibility

Another benefit of glass tile other than its design capabilities is its flexibility. Glass tile can be installed on curved walls, round columns, curved tub fronts, mirror frames, countertops, table tops and other furniture in various shapes and sizes. It is even being made into jewelry!

Glass tile can be installed:

Inside
Outside
Floors (not all glass tile can be installed on walking surfaces)
Walls
Pools (not all glass tile can be installed outside)
Curves
Showers
Backsplashes
Sink splashes
Tub fronts
Accents with natural stone or ceramic tile

Design ideas

Since glass tile can be expensive, it can be very effective in small quantities. Some ideas are:

Instead of the whole floor, use glass tile for borders, dots in intersections or create an area rug and use glass tile in the center.

Powder room floors are typically small and it can be a huge impact to tile the whole floor.

Instead of tiling all of the walls in a bathroom, tile just the area above the sink and behind the mirrors.

Instead of tiling all of the walls in a shower, create a picture frame on the back wall and fill the center with glass or cut down sheets of mosaics to create stripes in between tiles; horizontal or vertically.

For a more significant impact, glass tile is one of those products that can be used to cover floors, walls as well as objects all in the same room and still be stunning.

Manufacturing Process

There are 5 different way to make glass tile, but most often only one method is used. Some begin as a paste with metals added for stabilization. Others are made of glass similar to windshields and then fired. Others are made from pressing powder into dyes until fusion. One method is pressing chunks of glass into a mold and the last method is glass that has been curved into shape during firing. Regardless of the process, the end result is beautiful!

Installation

These tiles are also sold in paper mounted, mesh mounted or solid in “grout- less” sheets.

Use un-sanded grout with glass mosaics or glass tile with small grout joints.

In areas where glass tile meets other surfaces, caulk should be used rather than grout to avoid cracking.

For use outside, glass tile has to be rated or approved to go outside so check your specifications before making your purchase.

Carefully design layouts for minimal cuts because some tiles do not cut well on the edges.

Use the proper setting materials recommended by the tile manufacturer. Not doing so can cause installation failures and voided warranties.

Sustainability

Several glass tile companies have products that are made from recycled materials. This can be post consumer or post industrial glass. There is even a US company that commits to only selling 100% recycled glass products. Companies are making efforts to not only use recycled glass, but to recycle the molds used to make the tile. There are many product lines that are made in the US, avoiding the environmental expense of overseas shipping. To go the extra mile, give kudos to those that sell their recycled product in recycled packaging.

Whether you use a handful of glass tile or a room full of glass tile, their impact will be artful and expressive. Use these tiles to express your personal style in any space that calls to be covered. Have fun, use your imagination and enjoy the world of glass tile!