Anyone know a source for really cheap mosaic type small tiles? And what type should I use for a floor.?

Question

HI, I want to fill a 160 square foot room with small tiles. I would like a mosaic of a stream with rocks and plants. (it will feel like walking on water. I would like to know of a cheap source for this many tiles and what type of tile material would be good for a floor. I will need about 36,000 multi colored 3/4 inch tiles to complete this project. Thanks

Answer 1

some tile dealers and even distributors have specials and clearance items. as an example; i just picked up 25 sq ft of 1 1/2"x 1 1/2" tiles that the distributor had out at 90% off. very small tiles like 3/4" x 3/4" might be hard to find, but 1x1 should be in the discount bins.

google: ceramic tile, [your city or county], and maybe mosaic
and see what pops up.

let me add: if you can use them, check around and find a few tilesetters, they always have a lot of cutoffs that they throw away. you might be able to cobble something together from a bunch of scrap.

if it is a reall detailed design, you might just take a hammer to the lot of them and not worry about precise cutting. you could just dig thru them to fit them up.

Answer 2

the least expensive way to do this is to use leftover tiles and smash them up into mosaics...if you are a stickler and needing the square mosaics...good luck finding them cheap. i work in retail flooring sales and they are NOT inexpensive. i would advise that you steer clear of glass for the floor as it will scratch over time and look all a mess. if you have a friend that is a designer/builder, ask them to go with you to your regional tile distributor (this is where the retail stores buy their tile) and buy the tile under their business name. good luck!
ONE MORE THING! longshot! find a tile you LOVE. contact the manufacturer...explain your vision and then ask them if they could do an installation in your home that will be photographed for their next info pamphlet. they DO this, don't be afraid to ask. it will be free, but your idea must rock.

Answer 3

Try a discount tile store. Sometimes they have overruns and discontinued tiles. Shop with the phone book and save some gas/

Answer 4

Home Depot or Lowes .....