When I decided to remodel my kitchen, recycled glass tile was one of the materials I considered using. While I ultimately chose another material, recycled glass tile has become popular with architects and homeowners who are drawn to its unique aesthetic.
For more information, please visit Ralart Mosaic.
It&#;s difficult to say exactly how environmentally sensitive recycled glass tile is when you consider that the only environmental benefit is that it uses recycled materials. The glass must be melted to be used, a process that expends tremendous amounts of energy. And while it&#;s good to keep consumer waste out of landfills, glass can be recycled into many different things, not just tiles.
It is also difficult to get consistent color with recycled glass. For this reason, many manufacturers combine the types of glass they use. Some colors of glass tile may contain less than 25 percent of post consumer glass. That&#;s not to say that these tiles aren&#;t better environmentally than other options, just keep in mind that the actual environmental benefit may be quite small.
Glass Tile is Fragile
While glass tile manufacturers will often emphasize the ability of glass to resist stains and chemical damage, they are not as forthcoming with their product&#;s tendency to scratch and even shatter . For this reason, glass tile is probably best regulated to a backsplash or as a decorative accent to another material. If you are determined to use it on a more high traffic area, such as a foyer or even a kitchen countertop, choose a rough, cloudy variety to hide the inevitable scratches.
Glass Tile Installation: My Pro Tips
Installing glass tile is particularly difficult job when compared with other tiles. When you install ceramic tile, for example, you begin by applying the adhesive with a notched trowel, then pressing the tile onto the wall. With translucent glass tile the process is much more complex, as the individual lines of adhesive can be seen through the glass if care is not taken.
I have found the easiest way to avoid this is to smooth the adhesive with a metal trowel after applying it to the wall. The key is to make sure that the layers are even, and you must also know how much thin set is required to keep the tile in place. In general, I&#;ve found a 1/16" layer works well.
What I&#;ve found works even better is calling a professional to lay the tile, especially if you are using a mosaic variety. Mosaics up the complexity of installation, as well as the cost when compared to other glass tile varieties. Simply put, don&#;t attempt to install this tile until you&#;ve completed a few jobs using ceramic tile.
Disregard this advice and you may get lucky, and you may also ruin tile that can easily cost $30 per square foot.
Glass Tile: Green Building Material&#;or not?
With no particular green credentials, questionable durability and a high price point you may be inclined to believe that only the foolish are buying glass tile. However, recycled glass tile, no matter what its drawbacks, is an incredibly beautiful material. The right tile can elevate the entire appearance of the room, reflecting light where most tiles simply absorb it. Combined with other materials, even a small amount can give the whole room a greater appeal.
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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Recycled Glass Mosaics.
AboutGlassTile has a fantastic DIY How-To Tutorial on everything you need to know to cut, drill into, and install glass tile. And that&#;s not all&#;learn how to lay mosaic glass tile sheets!
Beautiful glass tile photo galleries of installed glass tile in bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, in and around pools, and flooring.
See how the 4 main types of glass tiles are made:
How are the 2 prominent glass tile surface treatments made?
Glass Tile: A Sustainable Building Material
Oceanside GlassTile, a leader in handcrafted glass tile, reuses more than 2 million pounds of recycled glass collected curbside (cullet) and turns it into some of the world&#;s finest handcrafted glass tiles. Learn more about Oceanside GlassTile if you&#;re into it.
Image courtesy: David Ritter
I have a lot of hands-on experience in the home construction industry, with a good deal of experience in sustainable building. I&#;m mostly interested in home restoration and home renovations.
Are you thinking of installing a new backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom? New tile could be just what you need to give the room a fresh pop of color and personality. But which material should you choose for your new tiles: glass or ceramic? Both options provide various styles, colors, and price points to suit your needs.
Most of the more popular glass tiles are made from thin pieces of glass with translucent glaze fired onto the back of each tile. Depending on the process and materials, glass tile can be clear, colored, and even textured for a unique appearance. Glass tile is typically sold individually or in mosaic patterns with a mesh backing. Here's what you need to know about glass tile backsplash pros and cons.
Most glass tiles feature a glossy or matte finish and are available in various sizes, shapes, and colors. From subway tiles to mosaics, bright patterns to subtle shades, each type of glass tile offers unique and beautiful options.
Once you weigh the pros and cons of a glass tile backsplash, glass tiles are perfect for updating a kitchen, bath, or other areas in your home.
Glass tile is a versatile and beautiful material ideal for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, but many more applications exist. Because glass tile is waterproof and durable, it's ideal for bathroom tubs and showers. The debate over the pros and cons of glass tile in a shower continues, but advancements such as slip-resistant glass tile for the floor tip the scale.
While large glass tiles aren't ideal as a primary floor covering, mosaic glass tiles can transform a bathroom floor or entryway. Glass tiles are suitable for nearly any vertical application, from unique fireplace accents to one-of-a-kind bathroom walls.
Pro tip: Install light-colored or transparent glass tile in a small bath or kitchen to make the space appear larger. Contact a professional installation company for guidance.
One of the most attractive features of glass tiles is how easy it is to clean them. Glass cleaner or soap and water are usually enough to keep glass tiles looking new. As long as you don't use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, you can clean glass tile without worrying about scratches. After you clean glass tiles, rinse them with warm water and polish them to a shine.
While tile is hard and durable, grout is not as hardy and should be cleaned gently. Avoid bleach for cleaning grout unless as you risk discoloration. Instead, use an over-the-counter grout cleaner which will typically be less harsh. Inspect the grout monthly for missing grout and other issues and regrout as necessary to keep moisture under control.
Even when they know the glass tile backsplash pros and cons, many homeowners choose glass over traditional ceramic tiles. If glass tiles aren&#;t in the budget, you might consider combining glass and ceramic. This is done by installing ceramic tiles for most of the backsplash with a stripe of glass tiles as an accent. This could be the perfect compromise to balance the higher cost with the benefits of glass tiles.
Whether you opt for glass or ceramic tiles, professional installation provides the best results. At Mr. Handyman®, we have the skills and experience to install tiles of any material. Every installation is performed by experienced service professionals and backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise&#;. Call or contact us online for more information on how we can assist with your tile needs.
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