Mosaic floor tiles: elegance and originality

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating a floor with mosaic. The choice of mosaic tile depends on the area to be covered and the aesthetic effect required.

The area to be covered

Where you are going to lay your tiles will influence your choice. Mosaic tiles that comply with the appropriate standards guarantee the durability and longevity of the covering. Indoors, the room in question will determine the properties required. For a bathroom, anti-slip and moisture resistance are important criteria. Kitchens require floor tiles with good stain and impact resistance. Living rooms and bedrooms are better suited to softer textures. Outside, check the slipperiness and coefficient of friction for swimming pool surrounds. Terraces need tiles with good frost resistance. For a balcony, the mosaic will need to be waterproof and adhere well.

The aesthetic effect

Before laying your floor tiles, think about the desired effect. A floral pattern will brighten up a bathroom. A geometric design will modernise a living room. An assembly of stones and pebbles will simulate a Provençal terrace. Mosaics come in all shades. Play with colours to create a warm or refined ambience. Immaculate white is perfect for rooms bathed in light. Intense black gives structure to large spaces. Don’t forget the tile format. Miniature tesserae create fine, detailed paintings. Larger pieces create a more graphic pattern. For a high-quality result, choose a mosaic on a resin or fibreglass backing. These materials are more solid and stable than glued tiles. They also reduce the number of unsightly joints.

When laying mosaic floor tiles, you need to pay particular attention to technical standards and specifications.

UPEC standards

The UPEC classification is the French certification for tiles. It is used to assess the technical performance of a tile according to its use. This classification comprises four indicators:

• U for wear, which assesses the tile’s resistance to abrasion. It is rated from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
• P for flatness, assesses the tile’s permissible straightness deviations. Rated from 1 (irregular) to 4 (very regular).
• E for water absorption, measures the tile’s water absorption. Rated from 1 (high) to 3 (low).
• C for laying conditions, indicates suitability for adhesive mortar or thin joint. Rated C1 to C4.

The higher the UPEC rating, the more resistant the tiles will be in their specific application. These standards guarantee the quality and reliability of the flooring.

R and ABC standards

Mosaic tiles must also meet slip resistance requirements. This criterion is set out in the R and AB standards. The R standard describes the slip resistance of mosaic tiles for indoor use. It is rated from R9 to R13, with R13 offering the best slip resistance. The AB standard concerns the slip resistance of floor coverings laid outdoors. It is graded from A to C according to the risk of slipping. A corresponds to the highest risk.

For mosaic tiles laid in damp rooms, the minimum standard is R11 indoors and B outdoors. These ratings guarantee a good level of adhesion and safety in use for your decorative covering.

For hard-wearing, durable mosaic tiles, choose a material that is suitable for use on the floor. Glazed ceramic tiles are ideal, thanks to their strength and ease of maintenance. Earthenware with a minimum U4 rating has good abrasion resistance in high-traffic areas. Porcelain stoneware has excellent durability. It also withstands heavy traffic. It’s the ideal material for entrances and kitchens. You can also choose natural stone mosaics such as marble, travertine or slate. They will add character and elegance to your interior. Just remember to check the hardness of the stone for optimum durability. Finally, for outdoor installation, it’s best to opt for natural or enamelled stone tesserae. These materials are rot-proof, UV-resistant and frost-proof. Your mosaic will look great on a terrace or balcony whatever the season.

Mosaics can be used everywhere, from wet rooms to living areas. It’s equally at home in contemporary or vintage settings.

Formats and styles

In small spaces, avoiding visual overload is essential. Opt for a minimalist style. Decorative elements and the tiles themselves should have a refined design. Light tones such as beige, white and grey create the illusion of space. When it comes to the format of mosaic tiles, small rooms are ideal. They can benefit from an enlarged effect with discreet patterns and smaller tiles. Large tesserae will structure large spaces better than a miniature mosaic. They create a more graphic pattern. Play with bright contrasting colours for maximum impact. Shades of grey and black will add depth and perspective.

Where to lay mosaic floor tiles?

In the entrance hall and living room, it adds an original and colourful decorative touch. A mosaic floor guarantees an impressive effect for all visitors! The kitchen is also an ideal playground for playing around with shapes and patterns. Bathrooms are also popular rooms for mosaics. You can create decorations with different themes. Mosaic tiles also go wonderfully well with plain tiles on terraces, balconies and pool surrounds. It gives structure to the space by nicely demarcating the different areas.

Mosaic requires a few special precautions when laying. It takes time and precise know-how to lay. You can call on the services of a professional tiler. Their experience guarantees impeccable results that will enhance your interior for years to come.

To make the task easier, some brands offer ready-to-install kits. These contain layout plans, special adhesive and spacers. Before you start, check the surface. It must be perfectly flat, dry and solid to support the mosaic. Sand and level if necessary. Next, apply the specific mosaic adhesive to the substrate. Spread it with a notched spatula for optimum adhesion. Follow the installation instructions provided. The crosspieces help to position each tessera easily. Make sure they are perfectly juxtaposed. Finish by carefully grouting the gaps with a coloured mortar to match. This step brings out the design and makes the whole thing watertight.

Mosaics are as elegant as they are original. It adds a distinctive touch to any space.