A bit about the mosaic
This kind of decor is suitable for various interiors, can be used for finishing kitchens, swimming pools, toilets, foyers, shops, garden paths and even offices. Tiled mosaic is almost universal type of decorative finishing. It can stand for years in the sun, frost or water and not lose its original appearance, apparently for this and is appreciated.
Mosaic of tiles with their own hands will help create unique motifs and unique masterpieces. At first glance it may seem that pieces of broken tiles can be laid, as it is necessary. But before you make a mosaic of tiles, you should study certain rules for its laying. Observance of these rules will give the mosaic symmetry and strength.
Preparation for mosaic tiling
The technology of tile mosaic tiles will be considered in this article on the example of laying a garden path. The first thing you need to know is that large pieces of broken tiles should be used for laying the outer edges of the track, at least one edge of the straight line. Smaller fragments are needed for the center of the track, and pieces of irregular shape require filling the voids between the lined pieces.
Coverage of the garden path entirely depends on the availability of the source material and the imagination of the master. Mosaic of broken tiles with their own hands begins with sorting out fragments in shape, size, and if a certain color gamut is required on the track, then by color. To ensure that all items are at hand, you need to arrange the sorted pieces near the stowage area.
Now it is necessary to proceed to the preparation of the grounds for the future garden path from the mosaic. To do this, remove the top layer of the soil and tamp the bottom layer well. The surface is leveled by a layer of sand, which is then carefully compacted. Further, pegs are driven into the ground along the perimeter of the site, and a nylon cap is pulled between them at the required height.
What should one remember when laying a mosaic?
The mosaic is laid on cement mortar, which is distributed evenly over the place of packing. After the cement base has grasped a little, it is possible to start laying out the mosaic. If laying the tiles is done on an already completely solidified cement base, then it is necessary to use frost-resistant tile adhesive. If the mosaic pattern is too complex, it is better to first decompose it on any plane.
Along the cord around the perimeter of the site, large fragments with even edges are fixed. The pieces of the tile should be lightly pressed to the base by rotational movements. After the tile has reliably snapped into place, you can proceed with the installation of the following mosaic elements.
With the help of the building level, it is necessary to continuously monitor the horizontal or slope, if any. After stacking the elements around the perimeter, start mounting large irregularly shaped shards in the center of the track. Free space between large pieces is filled with small pieces of irregular shape.
To align the laid tile horizontally after laying, it is necessary to put a wooden bar on the path and tap it with a hammer, removing all the tiles in one level.
Clearances and joints between tiles should be poured with a liquid cement mortar. This will give all the coating strength. As you can see, with some knowledge and skills, the mosaic tiles with their own hands fit very simply.