The difference between tile and mosaic part 1

Tile and mosaic are two examples of materials that can be used to cover the floor of a yard.

These materials are used on building floors, walls, and as decorations. Tiles are available in larger sizes than mosaics.

Mosaics are often made in small and large squares, and sometimes in irregular shapes.

Given the similarity in use of these two products, we will now discuss the difference between tiles and mosaics and the differences they have with each other.

What is tile?

Tile in Latin has its roots in the word Tegula and in Persian it is known as کاشی or even as Tile.

Tile is one of the most widely used materials in the construction industry, which is used for finishing and beautifying buildings and covering floors and walls. The ingredients of tile include clay, quartz, stone powder, silica and feldspar.

Tile is produced in various ways such as glazed and pressed methods. The firing temperature of tile varies between 700 and 1400 degrees Celsius. Because tiles and ceramics have different resistances, each type of tile should be used in the right place.

Tiles are produced in three ways, including single firing, double firing, and triple firing:

• In the single firing method, both the body and glaze enter the kiln together at the same time. Like porcelain tiles, which have a low water absorption rate.
• In the double firing method, the main body is fired first and then it enters the kiln for glazing. Like high-quality wall tiles, which are of high quality.
• In the triple firing method, in this method, it is also re-entered into the kiln after the first firing, and in the third firing stage, which is used for special designs, it goes back into the kiln. Triple firing products are of higher quality than the previous two models.

If you want to make some changes in your home decoration and are hesitating between buying tiles and mosaics, it should be said here that the choice of tiles and mosaics depends on factors such as the type of decoration, personal taste, application and available budget. In this article, we want to explain the differences between tiles and mosaics. But before knowing the differences between tiles and mosaics, it is necessary to know the characteristics of each of them, so stay with us.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tile

You should know the advantages and disadvantages of any material, including tile, ceramic, and mosaic, that you want to install. Among the advantages of tile are the following:

Advantages of Tile

High strength: Tiles have high resistance to abrasion and impact due to the composition of the raw materials and the production method.
Variety of colors and designs: Tiles are produced in many color tones and unique designs and give the environment a special beauty.
Easy cleaning: Tiles are easy to clean due to their smooth and polished surface, and their surface can be cleaned with a wet cloth without spending much time and effort.
Fireproof: The raw materials used in the tile give it high resistance to fire.

Disadvantages of Tile

Fracture: Tile is thinner than other materials, which increases the likelihood of breakage.

Difficult installation: Tile installation should be entrusted to skilled and experienced people, as it can be done with high precision and without breakage.

What is Mosaic?

Mosaic is known in Latin as Mosaic and in Persian as the same as the flooring. Mosaic is a widely used and old building material, which is made of concrete and is very compact and has high strength. Mosaics are installed next to each other like a puzzle and in the form of square pieces in small and large sizes. Due to the use of mosaics, they must be made in a way that maintains their strength against the pressure. Therefore, they are made of two layers, the bottom and the top.

The bottom part of the mosaic is one of the most important parts of the mosaic and the thickness of this layer is greater than the top part. In fact, it can be said that the bottom part bears the most pressure. But the top part is also made of concrete like the bottom but is less thick. In European countries, especially Italy and Germany, mosaic, especially the single-layer type, is widely used. In our country, there are also factories that produce mosaics.

The materials used to make mosaics are as follows:

• Gravel
• Water
• Sand, gravel and cement
• Chemical dyes
• Cement in different colors, black, white and colored

Mosaics are produced by two methods: pressing and vibrating, and there are different types, including stone mosaic, cement mosaic, granite mosaic, concrete wash mosaic, broken mosaic, grooved mosaic, pressed mosaic and polymer mosaic.

Advantages and disadvantages of mosaic

All types of flooring and wall coverings, regardless of their type, have advantages and disadvantages over each other, and each person should choose the right product based on the suitability of the type of flooring for their intended use. Mosaic, like all other products and tiles, has advantages and disadvantages, which we will mention below:

Advantages of Mosaic

Resistance: Mosaic is produced from materials such as sand, cement, stone powder, and various pigments, and the presence of raw materials gives it significant resistance.
Easy installation: Mosaics can be installed easily and without much cost with mortar and glue.
Affordable price: Mosaics are reasonably priced compared to other building materials and are cost-effective.

Disadvantages of Mosaic

Possibility of breakage: Mosaics are somewhat susceptible to impact because they are produced at low temperatures and are more likely to break.
Heavy weight: Mosaics are heavier than tiles and are therefore difficult to move. Therefore, be aware of the weight of the structure when installing.
Possibility of breakage: Mosaics are somewhat susceptible to impact because they are produced at low temperatures and are more likely to break.
Heavy weight: Mosaics are heavier than tiles and are therefore difficult to move. Therefore, be aware of the weight of the structure when installing.

Differences between tiles and mosaics

According to the above, tiles and mosaics have specific characteristics and, in addition to functional similarities, they also have differences, which can be compared in terms of type of application, appearance, budget, construction materials and resistance.

Differences between tiles and mosaics in terms of construction materials

The raw materials of tiles include stone powder, clay, quartz, silica and feldspar. Mosaics are made of raw materials such as pebbles, various pigments, sand and cement.
Differences between tiles and mosaics in terms of thickness

The surface of tiles is smooth and polished and is less thick than mosaics. Mosaics have an uneven and patterned surface and are thicker.

Differences between tiles and mosaics in terms of size and shape

Tiles are available in different sizes and shapes with a high variety in the market, and mosaics are mainly formed in the shape of squares in small and large sizes.

Difference between tile and mosaic in terms of cleaning:

Tile is easily cleaned with a wet cloth due to its smooth surface and the glaze on it. However, mosaic is difficult to clean. Mosaics installed on the floor of the yard and parking lot generally get dirty quickly when oil stains are spilled and are difficult to clean. Therefore, stain removers should be used for washing.

Difference between tile and mosaic in terms of application

Another difference between ceramic tile and mosaic is their application. Usually, tile is used to cover the walls of interior spaces and gives the environment a special look due to the variety of designs and colors. However, mosaic is mainly used for floors in exterior spaces of buildings.

Difference between tile and mosaic in terms of durability

Both tile and mosaic are resistant to impact and abrasion due to their use on floors or walls. Due to the smooth surface of tile, it is stronger than mosaic.

 

Feature	tile	mosaic
Constructive materials	Clay, silica, feldspar, quartz, etc.	Cement, sand, aggregate, pigment
Appearance, shape and size	Square and rectangular in shape with a variety of sizes	They are mostly square in size, with small and large dimensions.
Thickness	Lower	High
Cleaning	Easy	Harder
use	Generally, the walls of interior spaces	Generally, the floor of outdoor spaces
Endurance	up	down
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Price	expensive	Cheaper