Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix Mixed Material Mosaic Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide
Tile Club’s Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix collections feature decorative mosaic-format designs made with mixed materials, including rippled glass and natural stone. These mosaics are designed to bring texture, movement, and a refined decorative finish to walls, backsplashes, showers, and other approved applications.
Because these collections include natural stone, variation should be expected from piece to piece. Color shifts, size differences, surface markings, blemishes, and chipped edges may be present. No two pieces are exactly identical, which adds to the natural character of the finished installation.
When properly installed and maintained, Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix mosaics may be suitable for approved wall, floor, shower, steam shower, and light to medium foot traffic applications.
Before beginning your project, please review the following recommendations and confirm the most current specifications, approved applications, and installation guidance.
Products Covered in This Guide
Waterfall
Versailles
Matchstix
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, edge condition, and overall quality.
Please contact Tile Club with any questions about product acceptability, visual variation, or suitability before installation begins.
Dry Layout Recommended
Lay out the mosaic sheets before installation to review color blend, material variation, sheet alignment, texture, and overall finished appearance.
This step is especially important for mixed material mosaics because glass, stone, and other surface elements may vary in tone, reflection, and texture.
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
Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix mixed material mosaic tiles may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:
Interior walls
Exterior walls
Interior floors
Exterior floors
Kitchen backsplashes
Bathroom backsplashes
Shower walls
Shower floors
Steam showers
Light foot traffic areas
Medium foot traffic areas
Important Usage Notes
Stone materials are not recommended for swimming pools or areas submerged in water.
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, M.I.A., and ANSI installation standards.
Because Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix include mixed materials, proper substrate preparation, sealing, cutting, and grouting methods are important to help protect the finished installation.
Pre-Sealing Recommendations
Natural stone and crackled glazed ceramic, where present, may vary in absorption.
Pre-sealing stone and crackled glazed ceramic before installation is recommended to help prevent setting materials and grout from staining the surface.
Use a penetrating-type sealer designed to leave the material looking natural. Suggested sealer brands include, but are not limited to:
Dupont™ Stonetech® Professional Sealer
Aqua Mix
Always follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions. Test the sealer in a small area before applying it to the full installation to confirm suitability and appearance.
Surface Preparation
Install mixed material mosaic tile over a clean, sound, flat concrete or mortar substrate.
The installation surface must be free of contaminants or any condition that could compromise the bond of the tile.
Cutting Recommendations
Use a high-quality, well-maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting stone, glass, and metal materials.
A poorly maintained tile saw or improper blade may cause chipping during cutting. Cut slowly and carefully to help protect the mosaic edges, glass pieces, stone surfaces, and mixed material details.
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 tile surface does not scratch during grouting.
4. Recommended Setting Materials
Use setting materials appropriate for mixed material mosaic tile and the specific installation area.
Recommended Mortars
LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar
LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
Or equivalent setting materials suitable for mixed material mosaics with glass and natural stone
Recommended Grout
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for mixed material mosaic tile
Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s instructions, coverage rates, cure times, and substrate requirements.
5. Care & Maintenance
Proper care will help preserve the texture, reflection, and natural character of your Waterfall, Versailles, or Matchstix mosaic installation.
Routine Cleaning
Clean the mosaic surface with:
Mild pH-neutral detergent cleaner
Damp sponge
Soft rag or cloth
Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect natural stone, rippled glass, mixed media elements, and grout.
Avoid Harsh Products
Do not use:
Acidic cleaners
Alkaline cleaners
Solvent-based cleaners
Abrasive cleaning products
Wax treatments
Bleach or cleaning solutions left sitting on the surface
These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.
Prompt Stain Removal
Do not allow stains, soap residue, or cleaning solutions to remain on the mosaic surface for extended periods.
Clean spills and 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.
Acceptable cleaners for natural stone, glass, and metal surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.
6. Product Performance & Technical Information
Waterfall, Versailles, and Matchstix are decorative mixed material mosaic tile collections made with a combination of rippled glass, natural stone, and other mixed media elements where applicable.
These materials are intended to create a textured, layered, and decorative surface. Proper installation and maintenance are important because each material type may respond differently to cutting, grouting, sealing, and cleaning.
Material Considerations
Material Type: Mixed material mosaic tile
Materials: Rippled glass, natural stone, and mixed media elements where applicable
Natural Variation: Color, size, texture, blemishes, and chipped edges may vary from piece to piece
Sealing: Pre-sealing natural stone and crackled glazed ceramic, where present, is recommended before installation
Pool/Submerged Use: Stone materials are not recommended for swimming pools or submerged areas
Cutting: Use a diamond blade suitable for stone, glass, and metal materials
Surface Sensitivity: Test grout and cleaning products before full application
Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.