Glass Tile Fact Sheet

What is Glass Tile?

Glass tile is manufactured by forming various pieces of glass into consistent shapes.  Glass tiles are a very strong building material that are impervious to water and are freeze/thaw resistant.  Its high resistance to mechanical, chemical and climate influences, in addition to its ability to exhibit intense color and light reflection make glass tile a highly sustainable product. 

Glass tiles are suitable for the decoration of any interior and exterior surface, and in recent years have become a popular choice for accent tiles in both residential and commercial settings.  A wide selection of colors, finishes, and shapes make glass tile the perfect choice for decorating tiled bathrooms, tiled kitchens, tiled halls, tiled fireplaces, tiled pools, and more.  Their durability and beauty also makes them a common choice for large areas in hotels, banks, restaurants, and shopping centers.  

Characteristics of Glass Tile

• Remarkable durability
• Color permanent
• Abrasion resistant
• Manufactured/engineered
• Made of recycled content
• Impervious to staining / liquids
• Intense color and light reflection
• Resistant to chemical, mechanical, and climate influences

Glass Tile Finishes and Styles

• Recycled
• Iridescent
• Non-iridescent
• Relief decos
• Raised decos
• Mosaics
• Liners
• Trims & Borders
• Tumbled
• Matte Finish
• Gloss Finish

Common Uses for Glass Tile

• Bathroom showers, walls, countertops, floors
• Kitchen backsplashes, floors, countertops, walls
• Swimming pools
• Fireplaces
• Accents with other tiles

Glass Tile Installation Tips

Glass in tile introduces a variety of complexities to the installer.  Glass is more rigid than porcelain or ceramic tile making them more susceptible to cracking and chipping than the later.  Glass tiles also break more readily under the duress of substrate shifts.  If not installed properly, glass tiles can disintegrate completely, and you should always check with the manufacturer for specifications before installing.  It is also encouraged that the installer is familiar with the characteristics and properties of glass tile, before they begin the installation process.

Additional information on installing glass tile

Maintaining and Cleaning Glass Tile

Maintenance of glass tile is very easy.  For general cleaning, follow the following steps:

• Remove dirt by vacuuming or sweeping.
• Prepare a cleaning solution using warm water and a liquid dish soap or a neutral pH cleaner.
• Thoroughly clean the glass tile, including the grout joints, using a nylon scrub brush or nylon scrub pad.

When using cleaning products always follow manufacturer’s directions and use personal protection equipment.

Additional information on cleaning glass tile

Incorporation with other tile materials:

• Porcelain tile
• Ceramic tile
• Natural stone

What can you do with glass tile?
What can you envision with glass tile?  View our Glass Tile Gallery for a variety of colors, sizes, finishes, and installation options, and let your imagination run wild.  The options are truly endless!

Download Glass Tile Fact Sheet