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barbf · Apr 23, 2009, 04:53 AM

I have taken up tiles on my bathroom floor that are approx 3cm x 3cm square. I want to relay these when shower floor sloped properly but as they are single it will take forever and probably won't be very even. I was wondering if I can lay them on something such as some type of mesh or such. Something as they come on but I don't know what. I thought maybe shadecloth but it is quiet thick. If so what would I glue them on with or just use tile glue. I am hoping that someone is able to assist me on this matter. Many thanks Barb

Perito · Apr 23, 2009, 05:32 AM

Small tiles are often sold with small tabs holding them together. I'm not sure I would go to the trouble and labor of doing it, but I'm sure you could do something similar if you have the time and patience. The glue is not thinset. It's usually like a piece of tough plastic with pressure-sensitive adhesive holding them together. It can be cut with a knife and it doesn't cover so much of the surface of the tile that it interferes with the thinset mortar when it's finally put in place.

Bljack · Apr 23, 2009, 06:29 AM

I've made custom mosaics by using a couple different methods. Most recently, I pieced together the 10 pieces face down, covered with 2 strips of self adhesive mesh tape and spread thinset over the backs. The next day, they were all one self supporting sheet. I've done the same using paper laminating sheets for larger mosaics to hold the tiles together... laminating sheet face up, lay the tile face down onto the sheet and then use mesh tape or tile membrane with thinset over the backs of the tiles to hold it all together. Next day, flip it over, remove the laminating paper and set the mosaic sheet.

However, it think in your case, I'd just get new tile. You could save some and use them somewhere in the installation as an accent.

My biggest worry for you is the slope issue. Without knowing how the shower was constructed, the only way to make sure it was done right is to start over, installing a new liner over a sloped mortar bed, followed by a setting bed that is not installed with a graduating slope, but one that is uniformly thick about 1.25" thick and follows the slope beneath it.