Sorry for the misspellings. Posted this from my iPhone. And can’t find the edit feature. I would appreciate any insight into pros/cons of using 1/8” glass mosaic tile in my desired application.

Yes, it’s more difficult. A QUALIFIED tile pro would have no issues. You should get what you want, within reason. There’s no logical reason to not use a bit more difficult tile to work with, as long as a bit extra compensation is factored in for that difficulty.

Are you sure you are working with a qualified pro? You vetified license and insurance and his methodology of waterproofing?

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer

We had a glass mosaic tile in our 2nd bathroom and the tile guy didn't seem to have any issues with it. I would go with what you want, if he isn't comfortable enough with it then maybe look for a new tiler

"pieces to frame the accent tile. This will make the transition between the thickness of the shower tile"

This shows you have given this some thought and it really simplifies the installation. A couple things to consider. Installing glass uses specific techniques. Your builder has clearly had bad a experience with it. My guess would be the contractor has a inexperienced installer to keep his / her costs down and profits up.

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer

Has anyone verified the selected glass is approved for use in a shower? Thermal shock rating? Which type of grout is approved? Setting material? Installer will need a glass blade in the wet saw.

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/blog/how-to-install-glass-tile-correctly

Don't force a installer to work out of his / her comfort range and learn on your project. Instead force the builder to hire someone with the required knowledge.

I'd skip the accent tile. I think it is already on the way out.

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“Don't force a installer to work out of his / her comfort range and learn on your project. Instead force the builder to hire someone with the required knowledge.“

Excellent advice from @Creative Tile Eastern CT as always! (All of it, not just that excerpt.) Whether or not the installer is qualified, I personally like it when a builder thinks ahead about these things. If you love the tile combinations, proceed with caution, and be aware there may be complications. You’ve done all the right homework, and it’s a challenging installation. Ask builder to bring tile pro to look at your choices and discuss.

best of luck!

Make sure your builder actually uses a tile setter pro not the contractor and I would not add the bullnose I think it will take away from the beauty of that tile. I think scottie has a good idea about talking to the actual tile setter. BTW I do not like the look of a niche done in an accent tile I have no idea why anyone wants to accent shampoo bottles but I do like the vertical accent in a otherwise very plain shower

Framing with a 1/2" or 3/4" Liner profile would eliminate thickness issues. With a added feature I like to point out. You can simply tile over the mosaic area down the road if your tastes change.

Hope that you don't have a mildew problem, and have to clean all that grout.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. My builder got back to me and said that

"If you like this tile we can make it work. It’s just not ideal, as it requires more time to do the installation properly. We have done it many times before." "We use the Hydro-Guard waterproofing system in the custom showers and have never had a leak. We also use only epoxy grout in the showers." He uses certified tilers.

We live in a small town in a rural area and our builder is top notch. People aren't in business long in a small community if they do crappy work. He only builds a handful of homes at a time, all custom and not part of a housing development or group. He's been building homes in our area for over 10 years and I've seen many of the homes he has built. I am confident in his abilities and his subcontractors. Several of my friends have homes built by him and are not disappointed.

When talking with him further about the issue, it's more time involved and ultimately more costly to me. But he can do it and will do it if I want. I just need to evaluate if it's really the best decision in the long run in the 3 areas - shower accent, bathtub back splash and vanity backsplash

I appreciate the comments about the niche. I do not like niche's. I am having a shower bench. seat and will put my shampoos and stuff on that along with my bottom if I need to sit.

The accent tile is going to be a 1' wide top to bottom feature in my shower. All the pieces together remind me of the ocean and to me, give it a relaxing spa feel. All the colors worked well together - the picture I posted looks ok - but the colors really work well and look even better in person.

I am rethinking using it for the vanity backsplashes as I don't like cleaning grout. I was originally going to use my counter top material - Pental Misterio Quart - for the backsplash. but feel that's rather boring since the cabinets are white and the counter white, the mosaic tile would bring some color to the vanities. The bathroom walls are painted SW Mineral Deposit.

I really like the look of the glass and will try and find another option for the vanity backsplash in a complimentary color and perhaps use it for the bathtub backsplash as well.

Attached is an inspiration pic of the shower with a vertical accent piece and a corner shower seat. I like the offset vertical band (not centered on the wall). This is similar to what mine will look like. Those these aren't the same colors.

Inspiration pic. My shower is similar size. But this vertical band drew my eye. I like it.

"We also use only epoxy grout in the showers."

Problem being many glass tile manufacturers will not allow epoxy grout with glass tiles.

Glass expands more than tile. There is a reason I raised the questions above.

@Creative Tile Eastern CT That is good to know. I will ask him about that. What grout do you recommend for glass tiles in a shower?

Contact glass tile manufacturer for the answer to all these questions. It's what I would need to do just to bid your project.