Choosing tile alone can be daunting and challenging, so congratulations if you have reached the installation phase! Now that you have your beautiful tile, it is time to install it! In this post, I will tell you how to properly install mosaic tile in 11 easy steps!

This post is all about how to install mosaic tile

Step 1 – Lay Out the Tile

Proper layout is the first step in any successful tile project. The method preferred by most tile installers is to identify the center of the space and start from that point. This ensures that you will have the same-sized cut tiles around the perimeter of the space.

After finding the center point, draw straight lines horizontally and vertically to divide the area into four quadrants. If you have not yet invested in laser levels, I highly recommend doing so! You can use laser levels to align your horizontal and vertical lines when installing tile for guidance.

If you do not have laser levels, I recommend using a dark Sharpie to mark the floor or wall. You should be able to see it through the mortar or adhesive.

Step 2 – Cut the Tile

Occasionally, the mesh backing sticks out past the tile, making it difficult to achieve the proper spacing between two sheets. Use scissors to cut the mesh carefully.

When you perform your layout, you may be fortunate and find that you do not have to cut any tile! In that case, you will cut the mesh backing using scissors to fit the space.

To make mosaic tile cuts, you have two options. You can cut the edge pieces while installing the tile or cut the tile beforehand. I prefer and recommend precutting the tiles. It allows for a much more efficient installation.

For small mosaic tiles, you can use tile nippers or a tile cutter to cut the tile. I recommend using a wet saw for cutting because it creates much cleaner cuts.

Make sure to follow all safety precautions for the cutting method you use. Once you have cut the tile, I recommend setting stacks of tile in an order that makes sense to you nearby.

Step 3 – Prepare the Area

Before applying mortar or adhesive, ensure the surface for tile installation is flat, smooth, clean, and clear of dust and debris. I recommend using a shop vac and a damp microfiber cloth to ensure the cleanliness of the area.

Step 4 – Mix the Mortar

If you are unsure what type of mortar to use, I recommend referencing The Spruce’s helpful post, How to Choose the Correct Tile Adhesive or Mortar, by Lee Wallender and Kamron Sanders.

As instructions vary by manufacturer, follow the mixing instructions for your chosen product.

Step 5 – Spread the Mortar

Before starting, I recommend you take a moment to consider your tile installation approach. Once you have set the tiles, you do not want to walk on them, so you must plan for that. For example, in a small shower, you would be required to start in the back of the shower and work your way out.

If you are unsure what size trowel to use, I recommend referencing The Tile Club’s post, How to Pick the Right Trowel to Install Your Tile. It is an excellent guide for choosing the correct notched trowel.

To apply the mortar, you start by spreading a smooth layer of thin set mortar using the flat side of the trowel. Once you have a smooth, even layer of mortar, use the notched side of the trowel to pull the trowel toward you, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. I recommend only applying mortar over an area that you can easily reach.

Step 6 – Place the Mosaic Tiles

Now that you have troweled the mortar, it is time to place the rows of tile. Handle the sheets of tile with care and both hands so the individual tiles do not separate from the mesh backing.

Carefully place the sheet in the mortar. You can use a rubber grout float or a piece of a 2′ x 4″ to gently press the tile into the mortar. You want to secure the tiles in the mortar without causing the mortar to squeeze out between the tiles.

It is essential to pay attention to the spacing when placing two mosaic tile sheets side by side. If needed, adjust the location of a sheet by carefully and without pressing too hard, sliding it into the correct position. I recommend you step back periodically, close one eye, and look for any inconsistencies in the grout lines.

Be sure to reference the mortar manufacturer’s instructions for cure time. Typically, the cure time for thinset mortar is between 24 – 48 hours.

Step 7 – Remove the Thinset from Tile

You may be a true professional and be able to skip this step. Alternatively, if there is excess mortar on the tile, you will want to remove it before sealing it. If you are new to this process, I recommend reading my post, How to Remove Thinset from Tile Using Acidic Cleaner. Before using the acidic cleaner, make sure your tile meets the criteria I list in the post.

If your tile cannot be cleaned with acid, you may consider alternative cleaning methods, such as vinegar or soapy water.

Step 8 – Seal the Tile

Depending on the type of tile, you may need to seal the tile to prevent staining from the grout. You should seal any tile that meets one of the following criteria as a grout release before grouting:

• When applying a dark grout to a lighter tile
• When using a porous natural stone tile
• When applying grout to textured tile
• When applying grout to tile that has any tiny cracks

Follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions for the required cure time before grouting. For more on sealing tile, I recommend reading my post, How to Easily Apply Sealer on Tile as a Grout Release.

Step 9 – Grout the Tile

Now that you have sealed the mosaic tile, it is time to grout. Mix the grout and apply it following the manufacturer’s instructions for the grout you have selected. Use a damp sponge to gently remove excess grout, using a new side of the sponge for each new pass across the tile. Be sure to wring out the sponge after rinsing it.  Too much water can cause issues with the grout.

If you need grout suggestions, I am a devoted fan of Mapei’s Ultracolor Plus FA. For more information, I suggest taking a peek at my post, How to Grout Floor Tile Using Ultracolor Plus FA.

Step 10 – Clean the Tile

Once the grout has cured, you must remove any excess grout and grout haze from the tile. Depending on the grout you use, you may only need to use water. For a more stubborn haze, I recommend using an acidic cleaner or a grout haze remover to remove the haze.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the use of your chosen product. Some cleaning products, such as acidic cleaners, require you to follow the acid wash with a low-pH cleanser.

Step 11 – Seal the Tile and Grout

It is now time to apply a sealer to the tile and grout to prevent staining, mold, and mildew. Make sure to choose the sealer that most closely matches your tile type and the finish you desire. For example, some sealers enhance and give a shiny appearance to the tile. Other sealers penetrate the tile and grout but do not alter the tile’s appearance.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for your chosen sealer.

Summary

In this post, I explained how to install mosaic tile following 11 simple steps and shared some mosaic tiling tips and tricks along the way! You should be able to follow the process I outlined when laying mosaic tile floor, installing a mosaic tile backsplash, or when installing wall tile with mesh backing. Happy tiling!