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Glass Tiles

Glass tiles give a space a very sleek and clean look because of their shiny smooth qualities. These tiles can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures so they are very versatile for many applications throughout a home.

01: Rectangular tiles applied as a kitchen backsplash

Characteristics

Can be sold individually in various sizes, or prearranged in mosaic patterns with a mesh backing
Shapes of tiles vary from squares to circles to hexagons
Commonly arranged in grids or herringbone patterns
Can be used on walls, floors, showers, and a variety of other applications as well as different rooms throughout the house.
Glass can be colored or can be applied to a colored backing
Glass is non-porous so glass tiles do not absorb any moisture
More expensive than any other type of tile
The grout between tiles can harbor mold and bacteria, but cannot grow on the surface of the glass

02: Large tiles used as walls throughout a bathroom

Production & Maintenance

Production:

Formed by pouring molten glass into molds of specific shapes or sheets that are then broken into smaller pieces
If made with recycled glass, the material can either be melted back down into a mixture then formed into molds or melted individually into molds
After forming, a clear or colored glaze is applied to the back of the tile
To install, thin-set is applied first to the wall, then the tile is laid out and evenly pressed into the surface
The tiler must tamp down the tile to be sure it has fully adhered to the surface and each tile is even with the others
Grout is then applied across the surface to seal the spaces between the tiles

Maintenance:

After installation, there will be excess grout and joint compound that can cause roughness and scratching so the surface must be wiped down to clean off the excess
Be sure not to use acidic cleaners, as that can cause discoloration in the tiles
Routine cleaning includes simple wiping with a mild detergent and soft cloth to avoid scratches and fading

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03: Small tiles arranged in herringbone pattern on flooring

Environmental Impact

Very eco-friendly
Many glass tiles are made from recycled products
If not made from recycled materials, the glass is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan
Glass tile has no impact on IAQ

The grout and thinset used to install glass tiles can potentially have harsh chemicals added and a higher VOC, but there are more eco-friendly alternatives available

Organizations:

National Glass Association

https://www.glass.org/

The Tile Council of North America

https://www.tcnatile.com/

Tile Contractors Association of America

https://www.tcaainc.org/

Application

The most common application of glass tiles is wall coverings.

This can be done in any space in a home, and can be done in a small area or a large wall. Glass tiles are often used as shower walls/floors, kitchen or bath backsplash, or as a wall covering throughout a room.

This application can have a variety of looks because of the versatility of color, shape, texture, and size.

ASTM Standards:

C-1026-13: Standard Test Method for Measuring the Resistance of Ceramic and Glass Tile to Freeze-Thaw Cycling

C1663-18: Standard Test Method for Measuring Waste Glass or Glass Ceramic Durability by Vapor Hydration Test

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04: large square tiles arranged in a subway pattern on a bathroom wall and shower

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Resources

Images:

01: HGTV

02: Westside Tile

03: Remodelista

04: Dwell

05: Dwell

Header Image: Dezeen

Information:

MrHandyman
TheSpruce
Interior Finishes textbook

Page by Ruth Baker

05: Round tilesa applied to a bathroom vanity backsplash