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pitpat_gw

custom blend mosaic tiles?

16 years ago

Hi,

You all were so great when we remodeled our main bathroom 3 years ago, and now we are getting ready to remodel the basement bathroom, so I will be back here lurking and asking questions. Hopefully hubby too, as he is doing the work himself this time.

Current question is about doing a custom blended mosaic tile backsplash. We *could* do an opaque glass, but I'd be just as happy with ceramic or porcelain (not sure which is the norm), but I'm not finding many options for custom blends online. Is this something we'd have to go into a store to do? Or is it just not done? I'm looking for a blend of bright colors, specifically red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. I thought I might find some standard blend that would be suitable, but all the blends I'm seeing are either in muted colors or are shades of the same color. That's why I'm thinking of going custom.

Whatever we choose, we will of course order samples so we can verify that they are the shades we want, but it would be so helpful if we could as least start out online. Any thoughts? TIA!

Comments (8)

  • 16 years ago

    I would do more searching online and try to find a stock blend that you like. Custom will probably be at least double.

    Do a google search with your terms and then view the results as images.

    You might do well with talavera tiles but I am not sure how small you want your mosaics. I think I have seen 2 X 2"s for those. Try ebay. I know they sell mosaics reasonably.

    Good luck!

  • 16 years ago

    We are using Oceanside glass tiles, in a pre-fab'ed mosaic, but they also will let you custom blend your own, up to six tiles. Check out their website (link below) if you haven't already. Not sure if their colors will be bright enough for you, but it's an option! :o)

    Here is a link that might be useful: Glass tile

  • 16 years ago

    i know when i was in the tile store, i saw a mosaic that had at least the primary colors in it(glass i believe) that was really pretty---not what i wanted, but striking and nice! can't remember if it had green and/or orange in it. look further before you decide on custom---it will definitely be more expensive.

  • 16 years ago

    Years ago (as in back in the 80's) this was a big thing. Just about every "stock" tile company (such as Dal, AO, USCT, Monarch) had mosaic blends. Now it's tough to find. It's possible to do a custom blend, even now. But believe me when I tell you-- a marble mosaic mural would be cheaper. Literally. I know with AO, for example, you have to order a large quantity (as in several thousand feet), and even then the square foot price is just under 10.00 a foot, and that's contractor pricing. Not sure how the other manufacturers handle it.

  • 16 years ago

    Try susanjablonmosaics.com. They have a tool where you can design your own blend and they are very reasonable. Many colors and tiles to choose from, and you can combine different types that are the same size. You get pricing right away and you can order a sample first.

  • 16 years ago

    Modwalls does custom blends, good products, great service.

    Here is a link that might be useful: modwalls

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely look into the talavera tiles. They look neat. I love Oceanside (we have a custom blend from them in our upstairs bath), but yeah, their colors are too soft. I had already tried the modwalls and susan jablon blending tools. They are good possibilities, but I was just wondering if there were more options in case I can't find the exact shades I want. I'm not super picky about the red, blue, yellow, and orange, but I have a specific lime green in mind. I guess I'll order some samples and visit some showrooms.

    I'm getting excited about this bathroom, but then I remember how stressful it was to do the other one, and we didn't even do the work ourselves! At least this one will be simpler, and we already have some of the pieces. And it's tiny, so hopefully it won't be too bad. I'll remember to take "before" pictures this time, so everyone can see how hideous it was. It literally has 9 different types of tile in it, plus some weird synthetic kitchen counter material on the walls.

  • 16 years ago

    Oh, and Bill, thanks for the heads-up about the minimum order issue. I see that modwalls requires a 20sf minimum for custom orders, so I can scratch them off the list. I will only need a sheet or 2.