How to Lay Out a Mosaic Tile Pattern for a Backsplash

The backsplash in your kitchen not only has functional value but it also has aesthetic value. If you select the wrong design pattern for your backsplash you can cheapen the look of your kitchen remodel. However, if you add the right backsplash design you can actually make your kitchen look more expensive and high end. One of the building materials that you can use to design your backsplash is mosaic tiles. Mosaic tiles are fun to work with and they give you a lot of freedom when it comes to the designs that you can create. Here are some tips for making the layout process easier to do.

Tip #1 - Use Graph Paper

Graph paper is a cheap design tool that anyone can use. It is made by placing a grid onto a piece of paper. The grid will be to scale and will be used for creating a template for your mosaic tile pattern or design. You can buy preprinted graph paper at art supply companies and in many department stores in the school supply section. If you are working on a large mosaic patter or if you want to work with a 1:1 scale, then you can purchase poster board that has a grid that is preprinted on it.

Tip #2 - Use Mock Mosaic Tiles

If you don't know what design you want to work with then use colored paper that has been cut into the same shapes as your tiles. You can use these mock mosaic tiles to layout patterns on your graph paper. This is a great way to figure out what design you like. If you like one of the designs that you create then you can gently cover the design with a sheet of clear contact paper. This will seal the design on the paper and will allow you to use it as a pattern for your backsplash project.

Tip #3 - Create Composite Tiles

If you want to make sure that your mosaic tiles will produce an interlocking pattern that will fill all of the spaces on your back wall then consider making composite tiles. This is done by creating mosaic designs on top of larger square tiles. For example, you can create a mosaic tile pattern on top of 12 inch by 12 inch tiles and then apply the larger tiles to the wall. If you use this option make sure you allow your mosaic tiles to set after they have been grouted before you try to install the large tiles on your wall. Otherwise the tiles may fall off. Also keep in mind that this will create a thicker tile so you will need to account for that extra thickness when designing your kitchen.

Tip #4 - Step Back and Take In the Whole Picture

It is difficult to gauge if your mosaic tile design is balanced or what impact it has unless you step back and view it from a distance. It is because of this that you will want to periodically step back and view your design from a distance while installing your tiles to make sure it looks right. If there is something amiss you can move or alter mosaic tiles before the adhesive or grout sets.