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Whether you’re looking to completely transform a space or add an extra layer of interest by laying tiles, you’ll be faced with a plethora of choices. Two of the most popular are mosaic tiles and ceramic tiles, each of which brings its own unique benefits to the table. But which should you choose?
Below, we’re going to help make this decision much easier by looking at the key differences between each, focusing on durability, lifespan, maintenance, and more. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of each, guiding you towards finding the perfect tile for your interior design project.
Let’s start by exploring the difference between each tile across certain criteria in a side-by-side comparison.
There is an extremely intricate process with making mosaic tiles, and this involves assembling various materials in individual pieces onto a mesh-backed mould. This is then dried, fired, and glazed to create a single tile with multiple smaller pieces (often referred to as “tesserae”) making up the entire tile.
By contrast, making ceramic tiles is much simpler, and involves shaping clay, firing it at a high temperature, and glazing to create a waterproof surface.
Mosaic tiles are made from various materials, including glass, stone, and porcelain, and this means that they offer a higher level of durability in both strength and stain resistance.
As ceramic tiles are crafted from clay, they tend to be less durable than mosaic tiles. This doesn’t mean they are weak, but they are prone to cracking and chipping under heavy impact compared to mosaic tiles.
While you can expect decades of use from both types of tile, mosaic tiles have the upper edge here, and this is simply because they are usually made from more durable materials.
You can expect to get up to 75 years of use from ceramic tiles despite being a little less durable than mosaics. Of course, this all comes down to proper care, and you’ll need to ensure they are regularly maintained and sealed to keep them performing well.
Because of the complexity of their construction, mosaic tiles tend to cost more than ceramic tiles. Likewise, they are also harder to install, and you may need to hire a professional installer, which will increase the cost.
Ceramic tiles are the cheapest of the two options, making them a very good choice for anyone working with a smaller budget.
As mosaic tiles are made from lots of small pieces laid out on a mesh backing, they can be very tricky to cut into shape, especially using DIY tools. Cutting mosaic tiles becomes even harder when you’re dealing with irregular shapes and intricate patterns, too, and should really only be done by a professional with the appropriate tools.
By contrast, ceramic tiles are incredibly easy to cut into shape, and you can achieve straight lines and fit them into awkward spaces using a traditional tile-cutting tool, such as a wet saw.
Since mosaic tiles are typically made from materials like glass, stone, and porcelain, they tend to have a higher resistance to water. This makes them a good choice for wet areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and swimming pools.
Ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate because of their natural clay construction, and they need regular sealing to stop them from getting easily damaged or developing water stains.
While more durable, mosaic tiles are harder to maintain as they have a lot more grout lines compared to ceramic tiles, which means that they need regular cleaning to stop dirt from building up and ruining their look.
As ceramic tiles require fewer grout lines, they are easier to maintain and would be a better choice for busy family homes where there isn’t a lot of time free for regular tile cleaning.
Mosaic tiles are best used for adding an intricate pattern and visual interest to interior spaces. Their small size, paired with their versatility, also makes them ideal for creating decorative backsplashes and feature walls in areas that see regular exposure to water.
Ceramic tiles are a good choice for anyone looking for an all-purpose, durable tile that doesn’t cost much and is easy to install. They are also an excellent choice if you’re looking for a tile that is easy to clean and maintain.
One of the biggest benefits that mosaic tiles bring to the table is their almost unparalleled versatility, and they can be used to add interest and create a unique pattern in almost any space. They are also available in a huge range of materials, making it easier to suit various design aesthetics and functional needs.
Mosaic tiles are also highly water-resistant, which makes them a very good option for both indoor and outdoor use and extends their versatility even more.
Another benefit of choosing mosaic tiles for your project is that, while they usually require professional installation, their small size means that it is easier to create a seamless finish across a curved surface.
We’ve touched on this above, but the biggest disadvantage of mosaic tiles is that they are much harder to install compared to a ceramic tile. They are also more expensive, and when you combine this with the installation costs, you’ll need a pretty decent budget in place.
It is also much harder to clean a mosaic tile, and the multiple grout lines required to lay them along with the lines within each tile itself mean that you’ll need to keep on top of regular cleaning. Otherwise, it won’t take long for dirt and mould to start accumulating, spoiling the look and potentially causing damage.
Mosaic tiles are best for those who want to create an intricate, visually captivating design in either interior or exterior spaces. They are also a very good choice if you’re looking for a highly versatile tile that can be used to blend different areas together with ease.
As ceramic tiles come in a huge variety of colours, patterns, and sizes, this is massively beneficial to anybody looking for a tile that allows for endless design options. They are also much easier to install than mosaic tiles, making them a good choice for those who are looking to reduce costs by installing tiles as a DIY project.
On the topic of costs, ceramic tiles are also much cheaper than mosaic tiles, which makes them a great option if you’re working with a limited budget or you’re trying to keep your costs as low as possible.
Another benefit offered by ceramic tiles is their easy maintenance. Not only are they super easy to clean, but the fewer grout lines needed to lay them means that you don’t have to spend as much time cleaning them.
While ceramic tiles are relatively durable, one of their biggest drawbacks is the fact they are more prone to cracking and chipping compared to mosaic tiles. This is especially true in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
You’re also not offered the same level of visual depth with a ceramic tile as you are with a mosaic tile, and even though they are available in a huge range of colours, it isn’t possible to create the intricate patterns you can achieve with mosaics.
Ceramic tiles are best for those who are looking for a wide range of design options at an affordable price without sacrificing durability. They are also a good option if you want to save even more money by installing tiles yourself, and their easy maintenance makes them ideal for family homes.
It’s safe to say there’s plenty to consider when deciding whether mosaic tiles or ceramic tiles are the right choice for your home. While mosaic tiles offer the opportunity to create intricate designs and add artistic flair, ceramic tiles are more affordable and are easier to maintain. So, think about the space and how you’ll be using it, and if you need performance over style, ceramic tiles may be the best way to go. Or, if you want to focus on creating a visually stunning space, mosaics are likely your best bet.
