Glass Tile Setting Methods

• Glass tile can make a beautiful addition to any home, but laying glass tile takes some specialized knowledge. Glass tile is more difficult to work with than other types of tile. It doesn't adhere as readily to bonding materials and requires different techniques to install correctly. It also may be clear, depending on the tiles and design you are working with. To make clear tiles look good, you must choose your setting materials with care. Different installation methods are recommended depending on the size, color and purpose of the tiles.
  
  

Thin Set

• Thin-setting tile uses a bonding agent that is less than a quarter inch thick when it has dried. Most thin-set material is made of a blend of cement and other chemicals. For the best results when using thin-set to install tile, apply a thin, smooth layer to the area you are working on. Apply a thin layer to the back of each clean, dry tile before setting it, as well. This is called back-buttering. If you plan to use grout between the tiles, wait several days for the thin-set to dry before using grout.
  
  Choose a thin-set material that is appropriate to the environment you're setting tiles in. If the tiles will be outside and get damp from time to time, you want to use a thin-set material that will hold up in those conditions.
  
  

Mortar Bed

• A mortar bed installation is another option. A mortar bed uses wooden or concrete subsurface covered by metal lath or welded wire. Apply a mix of Portland cement and sand to the surface. You then install tiles that are damp from soaking in clean water to the mortar bed. Because you use damp tiles in this method, it is often called wet setting. This method is most commonly used for vertical installations.
  
  

Installation Variations

• There are a variety of different kinds of glass tile available on the market and often the manufacturer for each type of tile makes specific recommendations for installation. To get the best results when installing glass tile, follow the manufacturer's instructions as closely as possible.