Left over or broken tiles can be used to make unique and beautiful mosaic designs rather than just getting thrown away. Here is a guide to make a mosaic from broken tiles.

Steps

  1. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    1
    Get an idea in your head of what kind of mosaic you would like to make. Sketch a basic drawing of what you would like it to look like when it finishes. This can be as detailed as you want, but it just has to give you a guide.[1]
  2. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    2
    Head over to your local hardware or floor store and select and buy the tiles you would like to use. This includes color and texture, or anything that you like. You could also go dumpster diving to find old tiles. These should be ceramic. (If your mosaic will be used where it may be subjected to freezing temperatures, the tiles should be porcelain that is frost resistant.) You may want to purchase a tile cutter if you are looking for a dramatic, organized mosaic with square pieces. You should also buy some tile adhesive and cement.
    Advertisement
  3. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    3
    With your safety glasses and protective gloves on, throw your tiles at any hard object, or simply drop them. In order to avoid major scratches, lay a thin comforter over the ground. Or score and cut with the tile cutter. These are great stress relievers and they don't hurt anyone.[2]
  4. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    4
    Gather your broken tiles into color categories. This will help you when the time comes to actually put them into place.
  5. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    5
    Now it comes time to make the mosaic. When you have all of your broken tile pieces, lay them onto the surface that you will decorate. Again, this can be anything at all.
  6. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    6
    Take your pieces and slide them into the wooden frame (if not already there). They might scatter a little, but if you are careful, it should not be too bad. Slide the attempted escapees back into place.
  7. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    7
    Now, individually glue each piece into place with the tile adhesive.
  8. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    8
    Once the tiles have set, mix up the cement with water until it is of the consistency described on the cement bag (liquid but not runny). Now put the cement/water mix over all the tiles.[3]
  9. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    9
    Using a soft cloth, rub off the excess cement that covers the tile pieces.[4]
  10. Video Player is loading.
    Current Time 0:00
    Duration -:-
    Loaded: 0%
    Stream Type LIVE
    Remaining Time -:-
     
    1x
    10
    You now have a beautiful Mosaic!
  11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can you use broken plates the same way?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes.
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Colored tiles
  • A piece of cardboard large enough to hold your mosaic
  • A laminating liquid
  • Cement or tile grout
  • Hammer
  • A popsicle stick or plastic knife.
  • Sponge

You Might Also Like

Lay a Porcelain Tile Exterior PatioLay a Porcelain Tile Exterior Patio
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
 
1x
Do Mosaics
Make a Mosaic Table TopMake a Mosaic Table Top
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
 
1x
Make a Paper Mosaic
Make a Disco Ball with CDsHow to Make a DIY Disco Ball Out of Recycled CDs
Make a Mosaic Flower PotMake a Mosaic Flower Pot
Make a Mosaic Stained Glass WindowMake a Mosaic Stained Glass Window
Colour Grout for Mosaic ProjectsColour Grout for Mosaic Projects
Make a Photo MosaicMake a Photo Mosaic
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
 
1x
Make Mosaic Art
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 29 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 295,648 times.
216 votes - 95%
Co-authors: 29
Updated: June 29, 2021
Views: 295,648
Advertisement