How to Install Tiny Marble Squares as Liners in a Bathroom

An inexpensive and interesting way to add interest, color and detail to a bathroom tile design is to use marble mosaics as decorative liners. These tiny squares are mounted onto large sheets that are approximately 12 inches square. While the tiles themselves may only be 3/8 inch, 5/8 inch or 1 inch in size, the sheets help make installation easier. The mesh backing on the sheets can be cut down to produce rows of tile. Install one, two or however many rows you'd like in order to produce the desired border or liner effect.

Scissors
White thin set mortar
Trowel
Flat board
Hammer
Marble sealer
Foam paintbrush
Soft cloth
Grout
Grout float
Sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Use scissors to cut the mesh holding the tiles together into strips. There are 12 rows in a sheet of 1-inch squares and 18 rows in a sheet of 5/8-inch squares. Create borders of any number of rows to install as a liner.
- 2
  Install the other tiles that will be used with the liner. Spread the thin set into the area where the marble will be laid, and smooth out the grooves in the mortar to produce a flat surface where the mosaics will be. This helps prevent the mortar from seeping up between the tiny pieces.
- 3
  Press the mosaics into the space left. Smooth them from bottom to top with your hand to press them into place. Hold a flat board over them and hit it lightly with a hammer to drive them evenly into the mortar.
- 4
  Allow all the tiles to dry together, then seal the marble mosaics. Paint the sealer on with a foam paintbrush, wait 10 minutes for it to penetrate, then wipe it away with a soft cloth.
- 5
  Grout the marble and the rest of the installation at the same time. Spread the grout with a soft, rubber grout float to pack it between the tiles. Wait 10 minutes, and wipe away the excess with a damp grout sponge.

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