skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Stained Glass & Mosaics
willow_bee

Concrete Walkway with Mosaic Inlay

13 years ago

Hi everyone! You've got yourself a newbie here. I'm looking for some advice on an outdoor mosaic project. I have a concrete walkway that my husband and I poured last summer. It has seventeen 6-inch diameter circular indentations in the concrete, which we created with the idea of filling them with mosaic inlays. I've worked with stained glass for years, but never with mosaic.

I've made two of the mosaics, using vitreous glass tile glued with white glue upside down to a piece of heavy kraft paper in the reverse method. The pieces of glass are extremely, ridiculously small - some as small as 1/4".

My question is, what material would you use to install and grout the mosaics into the concrete depressions? I feel like I've read many different ways I could do it. I've read that sanded grout is best for outdoor applications, but wouldn't be good for the tiny grout lines I've left. I'm worried about the small pieces getting shifted around in the process.

The depressions are about 1/4" deep. I live in Maine, so there's definitely a freeze/thaw cycle!

Any advice is appreciated - thank you!

Comments (17)

  • 13 years ago

    If it were me, I would use thinset (mortar) as an adhesive and also as grout. What a cool sidewalk you will have! I love the curves of it.

  • 13 years ago

    and also meant to say, "Welcome!"

  • Related Professionals

    Wichita Falls Tile and Stone Contractors · Brainerd Tile and Stone Contractors · Clearlake Tile and Stone Contractors · Riverton Tile and Stone Contractors · Huntsville Furniture & Accessories · Little Rock Furniture & Accessories · Morgan City Furniture & Accessories · Westminster Furniture & Accessories · Saginaw Furniture & Accessories · Syracuse Furniture & Accessories · Utica Furniture & Accessories · Scranton Furniture & Accessories · Everett Furniture & Accessories · Clovis Interior Designers & Decorators · Vernal Interior Designers & Decorators
  • 13 years ago

    cool, sanded grout fits everywhere . I would love to play with filling those depressions with stained glass and rocks... oooOOoo, the opportunity abounds

    keep us posted PLEASE

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks so much for the advice! The guy at Home Depot recommended regular old mortar, so I think I will give that a try as far as what to lay the tiles into. And unless anyone else chimes in otherwise (and please do!) I'll try sanded grout.

    There's a line engraved on the walkway with an angle grinder that represents a timeline of the earth, and the mosaics will show different events/creatures that evolved along the timeline...starting out with the formation of the earth and moon, the atmosphere, dinosaurs, dragonflies, fish, etc. ...and finally people!

    (Super nerdy, I know. We like science.) I'll be sure to post some photos of the mosaics when I get them in!

  • 13 years ago

    then dang! call my nerd queen! cause I love that idea!

    I would go with thinset for adhesive though

  • 13 years ago

    That is going to be fabulous!! Please post pics along the way.

  • 13 years ago

    Looking foward to pic's

  • 13 years ago

    Yes sounds like it is going to be great !!! Have fun!!!

  • 13 years ago

    What a cool project! I look forward to seeing more pics of this!

  • 13 years ago

    LOVE THIS!!! Plz keep posting work in progress pics

  • 13 years ago

    Hello all! Looks like there's some interest in my project (which warms my little heart). Here are a couple photos of the first two insets I put in last weekend. They are in the bed of thinset, but not grouted yet. I put too much thinset into the dragonfly one so there's not much room - or any in some spots - for grout, so I'm not sure how that's going to look. The dragonfly also taught me the importance of using high-contrast colors between subject matter and background (his body is kinda lost in the background). Better to learn on #1 than #12, I guess! So 2 down, 15 more to go....

  • 13 years ago

    ...and the moon!

  • 13 years ago

    Looks good!

  • 13 years ago

    Awesome! What fun! I'm so jealous, I've been trying to get to my wall but my kids are popping out babies and getting married, which leaves no time for my mosaics. Currently I am living through other peoples work.
    LOL
    Thanks for sharing.....

  • 13 years ago

    Wow, looking good!

  • 13 years ago

    That is going to be so nice,you are doing a great job

  • 13 years ago

    Looking so good!

Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNOutdoor Style: Creative Ways With Classic Concrete
By June Scott Design
Have you cast concrete aside as being too dull or crack-prone? Learn about new design options along with the basics of using it outside
Full Story
34
CONCRETEWhy Concrete Wants to Crack
By Matt Clawson
We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack — and what you can do to help control it
Full Story
143
URBAN GARDENSFrom Concrete ‘Jail Yard’ to Lush Escape in Brooklyn
By Bonnie Monte
Once stark and uninviting, this urban backyard is now a welcoming retreat for relaxing and entertaining
Full Story
171
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING6 Ways to Rethink Your Patio Floor
By Laura Gaskill
Figure out the right material for your spring patio makeover with this mini guide to concrete, wood, brick and stone
Full Story
68
FLOORS6 Alternative Flooring Ideas to Kick Up Your Style
By Toronto Interior Design Group
Rubber, cork, concrete and other materials are worthy options in lieu of hardwood or tile
Full Story
66
REMODELING GUIDESTop 10 Tips for Choosing Shower Tile
By By Any Design Ltd.
Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower
Full Story
101
EXTERIORSModern Canadian Homes Showcase Clever Entryways
By John Hill
From hidden doors to sculptural steps, the entrances to these Ontario, Canada, dwellings make homecoming a special pleasure
Full Story
46
FLOORSAre Stone Floors Right for Your Home?
By Laura Gaskill
If you’re thinking about going with this hard-wearing material, here are important pros and cons to weigh
Full Story
74
ARCHITECTURETell a Story With Design for a More Meaningful Home
By Bud Dietrich, AIA
Go beyond a home's bones to find the narrative at its heart, for a more rewarding experience
Full Story
104
LANDSCAPE DESIGN10 Materials for an Elegant, Harmonious Landscape
By Donald Pell - Gardens
Give your landscape the polished, rustic or perfectly imperfect look you love with these natural and engineered materials
Full Story
30
Sponsored