Is Glass Tile Safe?

Will glass tile cut you?

Sure, any glass will cut you if it’s handled properly. Like auto-safe glass though, it typically shatters into tiny pieces so that it won’t cut. Even during installation, glass tile can be damaged, even broken, if the proper techniques and tools aren’t used. 

Installing glass tile can be a DIY project, even for homeowners that don’t mind using elbow grease and doing grunt work. But glass tile will shatter easily. Tools used for cutting glass tile will depend on what the project requires: 

• Wet saw for large areas with straight cuts, like in the shower
• Manual scoring wheel used in the past for creating stained-glass windows, glass mosaics, and anything with small glass tile, and still used today for small glass tile that may break easily when using a wet saw.
• Bar cutters come in two types. One only scores the glass tile and the other has a pressure foot to snap the glass tile along the score line. 
• Wheeled mosaic nippers are to use when cutting small, irregularly shaped glass tile pieces in artistic designs. 

What causes glass tile to crack?

There is nothing uglier than cracked glass tile in the shower. What causes that to happen?

• Improperly Affixed: When glass tile is installed on a wall, the arrangement, dimension, and other elements must be considered. 
• Poor Quality: A poor-quality glass tile is important in the shower. Lower quality will crack easier than a better-quality glass tile. 
• Heavy Pressure/Sharp Blows: Glass tiles can crack when heavy pressure is applied or hit by a sharp blow. 
• Incorrect Adhesive: Glass tile that is installed with the wrong adhesive can keep them from firmly sticking, which can lead to cracking. 

Is glass tile slippery on a shower floor?

Yes, a shower flower with glass tile will be slippery when wet, it’s just basic science. Therefore, many homeowners hesitate to go with glass tile for the shower, especially if they have children. However, when the glass tile pieces are small, the grunt joints add traction, making them safer for a shower floor. Choosing a mosaic glass tile on the shower floor will allow the ability to slope the flooring. There is the option of using a non-slip sealant once the installation is complete too. 

Is glass tile high maintenance?

Two benefits of glass tile that make it attractive for many homeowners are water stain resistance and low maintenance. It can be cleaned easily with a basic window cleaner and clean cloth. 

Do you have to seal glass tile?

The glass tile itself is nonporous which makes it an easy to care, low maintenance material that is ideal for bathrooms. It doesn’t absorb water, it won’t stain.  The grout that is used for installing glass tile, however, will absorb water. So, yes, an impregnating sealant should be applied to protect the grout lines. Once the grout is subjected to water, it loosens up and the glass tile could crack or even come loose. 

Can you use bleach on glass tiles?

As we have said, glass tile maintenance is easy, basic window cleaner is sufficient. Avoid using any type of harsh chemicals or any type of heavy-duty scrub brushes on glass tile. If you have white grout, bleach is safe to use, but for colored grout, avoid bleach to maintain the color. 

Is glass tile more expensive to install?

When comparing a glass tile installation to a ceramic tile installation, yes, it is more expensive, as much as double the cost when installed by a professional. You can do your own glass tile installation, but keep in mind that the adhesive will be visible through the translucent glass tiles. If not done correctly, you’ll see the adhesion through the tiles.