Choosing the right material for mosaic tiles in wet areas—like bathrooms, kitchens, and especially pools—is critical. You need to balance aesthetics with practical features like durability and water resistance.
The two most popular choices are Glass Mosaic Tiles and Porcelain Mosaic Tiles. While both are fantastic options, they each have distinct advantages that make them better suited for specific applications.
Here is a full breakdown to help you decide which material is right for your project.
1. Glass Mosaic Tiles: The Luminous Look
Glass mosaics are revered for their brilliant shine, depth of color, and luminous effect. They create a high-end, contemporary look and are often favoured for design impact.
| Pros (Advantages) | Cons (Drawbacks) |
| Zero Water Absorption: They are completely impervious to water, making them perfect for wet areas. | Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than porcelain due to material and manufacturing complexity. |
| Color Depth: Light penetrates the glass, creating an unmatched vibrancy and sparkle. | Scratching/Chipping: The surface can be prone to scratching or chipping if hit hard. |
| Stain Proof: Naturally resistant to stains and mold due to their non-porous surface. | Slippery: Requires a textured or very small mosaic size (like those on your sheets) for adequate grip on a floor. |
2. Porcelain Mosaic Tiles: The Durable Workhorse
Porcelain is a denser, less porous ceramic tile, fired at extremely high temperatures. It is known as the industry workhorse because of its unparalleled durability.
| Pros (Advantages) | Cons (Drawbacks) |
| Extreme Durability: Highly resistant to chipping, scratching, and heavy foot traffic. | Lower Colour Depth: Colors are surface-applied (printed) rather than intrinsic, resulting in a less vibrant look than glass. |
| Affordability: Typically less expensive than specialty glass tiles. | Less Luminous: Does not reflect light or create the "depth" that glass does. |
| Low Absorption: Rated for very low water absorption (less than 0.5%), making it suitable for wet areas. | Heavier: Requires a strong surface and careful application of adhesive. |
3. Side-by-Side Comparison for Wet Areas
| Feature | Glass Mosaic Tiles | Porcelain Mosaic Tiles |
| Water Resistance | 100% impervious. Excellent for Pools. | Extremely low absorption (less than 0.5%). Excellent. |
| Durability | Good, but susceptible to surface scratching. | Superior. Extremely hard and chip-resistant. |
| Best Use | Pools (internal), Splashbacks, Feature Walls. | Floors, High-Traffic Showers, Outdoor Areas. |
| Cost | Premium price point. | Mid-range price point. |
| Look | Vibrant, luminous, modern. | Matte or glossy, dense, classic. |
Final Verdict: Where to Use Which Tile
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Kitchen Splashback: Glass is the clear winner if your goal is brilliance and visual impact. Porcelain is great if you need extreme heat resistance or a subtle, matte texture.
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Shower Walls: Both are excellent. Glass offers easy cleaning and shine. Porcelain is preferred if children or pets might be rough with the surface.
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Bathroom/Shower Floors: We generally recommend Porcelain for floors due to its density and chip resistance, ensuring a long life underfoot. The small size of mosaic tiles (both glass and porcelain) provides necessary traction, but porcelain is the tougher material.
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Pools: Both work, but Glass is the superior choice for pool interiors, thanks to its zero water absorption rating and ability to shimmer under water.