How Do You Make A Mosaic With Broken Tiles?

Mosaics are a great way to use up old or broken tiles. You can make simple or intricate designs, and the result is always a beautiful piece of art.

Step 1: What do I need for a tile mosaic?

To make a mosaic, you’ll need:

  • Broken tiles in various sizes and colors. Or still intact tiles.
  • Glue
  • A grout bag
  • Grout
  • A sponge
  • A bucket
  • Hammer

Step 2: Design

Decide on your design. You can use a picture or a drawing as a guide or just go with your gut instinct. Try to find something that includes the colors you have.

Step 3: Break the tiles

When you know what you want to create, you can break the tiles you have with a hammer or something else. I do not recommend creating pieces smaller than half an inch, depending on the size of your creation.

Step 4: Dry lay the pieces

I always recommend dry laying your design first. This way, you can create your design but correct something easily. You have to grout the tile pieces later. If you have to cover a big area, you can do this in multiple stages.

Step 5: Glue the pieces

Once you have dry-laid your design, you can start gluing the tiles down to the floor.

Step 6: Grouting

Once the tiles are glued down, it’s time to grout. Fill the grout bag with grout, and start filling in the spaces between the tiles. Use a sponge to smooth it out, and get into all the nooks and crannies.

Tip: Mosaic on your wall

If you prefer a mosaic that you can hang on your wall, use a wood backing. Ensure that it is thick enough so that it won’t flex too much. Once the grout has dried, you can hang it on your wall.

Regrouting Outdoor Tiles

If you have outdoor tiles that are starting to look a bit grungy, it might be time for a regrouting job. This is a fairly easy task, but it will take a little bit of time. Here is a guide on how to regrout outdoor tiles:

  • Step 1. Remove old grout: Start by removing the old grout. This can be done with a grout removal tool, or you can use a screwdriver or chisel if you are careful.
  • Step 2. Clean: Clean the surface of the tiles with a damp cloth.
  • Step 3. Mix the new grout: Mix up some new grout according to the instructions on the package.
  • Step 4. Add the new grout: Apply the grout to the tiles using a grout float. Be sure to press the grout into the spaces between the tiles.
  • Step 5. Dry: Let the grout dry for 24 hours.
  • Step 6. Seal: Seal the grout with a sealant designed for grout.

Your outdoor tiles should now look like new!

Avoid Grout Issues: Preventative Measures

There are a few things that you can do to help avoid regrouting outdoor tiles in the first place. One of the most important things is to make sure that you regularly clean your tiles and grout lines. This can be done with a simple mixture of water and vinegar (one bucket of water and a few drops of vinegar). You can also use a special grout cleaner to help keep your grout lines looking new.

Another thing that you can do is seal your grout lines. This will help protect them from dirt, dust, and other debris, and it will also help prevent staining.

If you do find that you need to regrout outdoor tiles, be sure to choose the right grout for the job. There are a variety of different grouts available, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to read the labels and instructions carefully before selecting a grout.

It is also important to follow the proper installation instructions when regrouting outdoor tiles. If you do not install the grout correctly, getting a smooth, consistent finish can be difficult.

What To Do If You Already Have Grout Issues: 

If your grout is stained, you can try using a bleach and water mixture (a bucket of water with a few drops of bleach) to clean it. Test this mixture in an inconspicuous spot before using it on the entire floor, as it may bleach the grout too much.

If your grout is cracked or crumbling, you can try using a grout sealant. This will help to keep the grout from crumbling and will also help to keep it from staining.

If your grout is loose, you can try using a grout adhesive to reattach it to the tile.

What Grout Is Good For Outdoor Use? Grout is a material that is used to fill the spaces between tiles. It is a mixture of sand, cement, and water (one part cement to two-part sand). Grout is available in different colors and can be used indoors or outdoors. When used outdoors, grout should be sealed to protect it from the elements, or you have to use a waterproof grout.

Similar Posts

Need help?

Do you need help with a tiling problem? Maybe Evan, our tiling expert, can help. He’s a seasoned tiler and has helped save many small and bigger projects.


Click here to see how you can contact him.