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
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Can be sold individually in various sizes, or prearranged in mosaic patterns with a mesh backing
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Shapes of tiles vary from squares to circles to hexagons
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Commonly arranged in grids or herringbone patterns
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Can be used on walls, floors, showers, and a variety of other applications as well as different rooms throughout the house.
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Glass can be colored or can be applied to a colored backing
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Glass is non-porous so glass tiles do not absorb any moisture
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More expensive than any other type of tile
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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:
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Formed by pouring molten glass into molds of specific shapes or sheets that are then broken into smaller pieces
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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
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After forming, a clear or colored glaze is applied to the back of the tile
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To install, thin-set is applied first to the wall, then the tile is laid out and evenly pressed into the surface
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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
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Grout is then applied across the surface to seal the spaces between the tiles
Maintenance:
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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
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Be sure not to use acidic cleaners, as that can cause discoloration in the tiles
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Routine cleaning includes simple wiping with a mild detergent and soft cloth to avoid scratches and fading
03: Small tiles arranged in herringbone pattern on flooring
Environmental Impact
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Very eco-friendly
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Many glass tiles are made from recycled products
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If not made from recycled materials, the glass is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan
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Glass tile has no impact on IAQ
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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
The Tile Council of North America
Tile Contractors Association of America
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
04: large square tiles arranged in a subway pattern on a bathroom wall and shower
Resources
Images:
01: HGTV
02: Westside Tile
03: Remodelista
04: Dwell
05: Dwell
Header Image: Dezeen
Information:
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Interior Finishes textbook
Page by Ruth Baker
05: Round tilesa applied to a bathroom vanity backsplash