Create a strong bond. Since the surface of glass is very smooth, it’s important that the setting materials have a strong bond. Materials with a high polymer content have a high bond strength, ensuring that the glass maintains its spot in the installation.

Flip the tile so it’s face-up and guide it slowly through the saw. Make sure the finished side of your wall tiles design is face up for the remainder of your cut. Start from the side of your mark that hasn’t been cut yet. Slowly push the kitchen tile forward to feed it through the saw. Once the tile is cut, turn your saw off before removing the tile from your work surface. If you’re cutting a narrow piece of tile, use a wooden guide to hold the element tile from the other side. This way, the smaller piece won’t break or kick back.

Another installation concern is the glass-making method: small, boutique glass tile makers may not manufacture their products to meet industry standards due to surface treatments or wood marble tile backings. Metallic and painted backings will not bond well to cement-based mortars and may come loose. Similarly, mesh backing can trap water beneath the rustic tile, weakening the bond or creating mold. Make sure to create a mock-up to test the tile installation materials before proceeding with the full-scale project.

Protect glass tile installations from temperature variance. Glass tile installations occasionally fail as a result of exposure to sunlight or other forms of heat. Glass tile and cement setting materials expand and absorb heat at different rates, which can lead to cracks in the finished surface. Once again, the polymers in the mortar will help to absorb some movement, but silicone caulk should also be used to create movement joints that can handle the flexing tiles.