Is it OK to install glass tile (mosaic and larger untis) on a kitchen backsplash above the range? I had never considered this to be a problem, but there appears to be conflicting information on the internet and a client is convinced that it is not a suitable product for this type of application. Many thanks for any advice!

Yes, Patty, you can install glass tile behind the stove top. Glass can have it's challenges because it's impervious and has a significantly different rate of expansion and contraction to heat/cool down cycles. Thinset selection is extremely important and many glass tile companies will specify which setting products to use.

It's no doubt that there would be tons of info out there saying how problematic glass tile is. What do they say, a satisfied customer tells 1 person and a dissatisfied customer tells 10? A hack installer can make a legitimate sounding argument about the product when they had no idea how to install it rather than to admit their fault.

A homeowner given the wrong info from a TV program or big box store will blame the product after following all the steps they were given and the product failed.

How many inspections have I done where an installer blamed "the house settled" on failing tile grout?

Glass doesn't leave room for error, but thousands of square feet are successfully installed every day by knowledgeable mechanics.

Many thanks, Bljack! Very informative! I'll pass on the good news!


Yes, Patty, you can install glass tile behind the stove top. Glass can have it's challenges because it's impervious and has a significantly different rate of expansion and contraction to heat/cool down cycles. Thinset selection is extremely important and many glass tile companies will specify which setting products to use.

It's no doubt that there would be tons of info out there saying how problematic glass tile is. What do they say, a satisfied customer tells 1 person and a dissatisfied customer tells 10? A hack installer can make a legitimate sounding argument about the product when they had no idea how to install it rather than to admit their fault.

A homeowner given the wrong info from a tv program or big box store will blame the product after following all the steps they were given and the product failed.

How many inspections have I done where an installer blamed "the house settled" on failing tile grout?

Glass doesn't leave room for error, but thousands of square feet are successfully installed every day by knowledgeable mechanics.