Blue Leaf Recycled Glass Mosaic Tile

Recycled Glass Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Recycled Glass Collection features recycled glass mosaic tile in wood-look and stone-look colors. Its milky opaque glass surface and old-world pattern options create a charming look for approved walls, backsplashes, showers, pools, steam showers, and light foot traffic areas.

The collection includes formats such as hexagon, mini brick, herringbone,  and liners. Because glass tile can vary in tone and appearance, all material should be inspected and laid out before installation.

Recycled Glass tile requires proper substrate preparation, white setting material, glass-specific cutting tools, and careful grouting.

Before beginning your project, please review the following recommendations and confirm the most current specifications, approved applications, and installation guidance.

1. Pre-Installation Inspection

Inspect Before Installation

Inspect all tile before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, color variation, texture, sizing, finish, and overall condition.

Please contact Tile Club with any questions about product acceptability, visual variation, or suitability before installation begins.

Dry Layout Recommended

Lay out the tile before installation to review color blend, pattern placement, field tile coordination, sheet alignment, and overall finished appearance.

This step is especially important for recycled glass tile because grout color, lighting, pattern direction, and surrounding materials can affect the final look.

Installation Responsibility

Tile Club is not responsible for improper installation, installation workmanship, or issues that occur after the material has been installed.

Final responsibility for proper installation rests with the installer and end user.

2. Recommended Applications

Recycled Glass tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:

• 
  Interior walls
  
• 
  Exterior walls
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Shower pans
  
• 
  Steam showers
  
• 
  Swimming pools
  
• 
  Light foot traffic areas
  

Important Usage Notes

Some sizes may not be suitable for every application listed above. Confirm suitability for the exact size, format, and installation area before installation.

Glass tiles larger than 6” in one direction are considered large-format glass. Large-format glass installation guidelines should be followed when installing 3”x12” and 8”x16” field tiles, as well as 1/2”x12” liners.

Always refer to the applicable Tile Club product page and Product Specifications section to determine suitability for your desired installation. Some products may not be suitable for every application listed above.

For areas exposed to extreme temperatures, including fireplace hearths or areas behind cooktops, confirm suitability before installation.

For additional product or installation guidance, contact Tile Club Support at support@tileclub.com or 1-833-TILE-CLB (845-3252).

3. Installation Recommendations

Tile Club strongly recommends using a licensed tile professional familiar with current NTCA, ASTM, and ANSI installation standards.

Installing glass tile requires different methods than ceramic or stone tile installation. Proper substrate preparation, setting material selection, sheet alignment, and grouting technique are essential for a successful finished result.

Large-Format Glass Considerations

Glass tiles larger than 6” in one direction require large-format glass installation methods.

Follow appropriate large-format glass guidelines when installing:

• 
  3”x12” field tile
  
• 
  8”x16” field tile
  
• 
  1/2”x12” liners
  

Surface Preparation

Install recycled glass tile over a clean, sound, and properly prepared substrate.

The surface must be free of dirt, oils, curing compounds, sealers, cracks, and any condition that could affect bond performance.

For wet areas, shower pans, steam showers, and swimming pools, the substrate must be properly waterproofed. If needed, use the installation material manufacturer’s membrane system for crack isolation and water protection.

Setting Material Considerations

Use the correct adhesive, grout, and sealants for glass tile. Incorrect setting materials may damage the color, finish, or appearance of the tile.

White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended for glass materials to help maintain color consistency with the approved sample.

Do not spread adhesive over large areas at once. Adhesive may begin to dry before the mosaic sheets are placed.

After positioning each sheet, press it into place with a rubber tile float. Keep the spacing between mosaic sheets consistent with the spacing between individual mosaic chips to maintain a uniform layout and equal joint widths.

All installation materials must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cutting Recommendations

Use a high-quality wet saw with a diamond blade designed for glass tile.

Cut slowly and carefully to help reduce chipping and protect the glass surface. Use glass-specific cutting practices for both field tile and mosaic-format sheets.

Grouting Considerations

Grout joints should be fully packed and free of voids and pits.

Clean excess grout from the surface while the grout is still fresh and before it hardens.

Before grouting the full installation, test in a small area to confirm that the selected grout color is suitable and that the glass surface does not scratch during grouting.

Grouting may begin after the tile is firmly set, typically approximately 24 hours after installation. Clean the surface with a clean, damp sponge.

Allow the grout to firm or haze to form, then polish the surface with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Final grout haze removal and tile polishing should be completed with clean, dry cheesecloth within 24 hours of grouting.

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for recycled glass field tile, mosaic-format glass tile, and the specific installation area.

Recommended Mortars

• 
  LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar
  
• 
  LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
  
• 
  Or equivalent white setting materials suitable for glass tile
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
  
• 
  Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for glass tile
  

Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s instructions, coverage rates, cure times, and substrate requirements.

5. Care & Maintenance

Glass tile in a mosaic format is durable and stain resistant, but proper care will help preserve the appearance of the installation over time.

Routine Cleaning

Clean the tile surface with:

• 
  Mild pH-neutral detergent cleaner
  
• 
  Damp sponge
  
• 
  Soft rag or cloth
  

Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect the recycled glass surface and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

• 
  Acidic cleaners
  
• 
  Alkaline cleaners
  
• 
  Solvent-based cleaners
  
• 
  Abrasive cleaning products
  
• 
  Wax treatments
  

These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.

Prompt Stain Removal

Do not allow stains or residue to remain on the tile surface for extended periods.

Clean spills and surface residue promptly to help maintain the tile’s appearance.

Test Cleaners First

Always test any cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area before using it across the full installation.

6. Product Performance & Technical Information

Recycled Glass is a field and mosaic tile collection made from recycled glass. The collection features a milky opaque glass surface, wood-look and stone-look color options, and old-world pattern formats.

Product suitability may vary by size, format, and installation area. Always confirm approved use before beginning the project.

Product Details

• 
  Material Type: Recycled glass
  
• 
  Format: Field tile and mosaic tile
  
• 
  Surface Character: Milky opaque glass
  
• 
  Color Options: Three wood-look colors and one stone-look color
  
• 
  Pattern Options: Hexagon, mini brick, herringbone, field tile, and liners
  
• 
  Large-Format Glass: 3”x12” and 8”x16” field tiles require large-format glass installation guidelines
  
• 
  Liner Format: 1/2”x12” liners require large-format glass installation guidelines
  
• 
  Recommended Use: Interior/exterior walls, backsplashes, shower walls, shower pans, steam showers, swimming pools, and light foot traffic areas when approved
  
• 
  Setting Material: White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended
  
• 
  Wet Area Use: Proper waterproofing is required for wet areas, pools, showers, and steam showers
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

Material Considerations

• 
  Some sizes may not be suitable for every listed application.
  
• 
  Glass tile requires glass-specific cutting tools and installation methods.
  
• 
  White setting material helps maintain color consistency with the approved sample.
  
• 
  Grout color should be tested before full installation.
  
• 
  Always test grout and cleaning products in a small area before full application.
  

For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.