Matchstix Forest Glass Tiles
Featuring rich earth colors, the Matchstix Forest Glass Tiles can enhance any kitchen, bathroom, or pool area regardless of their décor or motif. These are smalti glass mosaic tiles manufactured using methods employed since the Byzantine Empire during the Middle Ages. It is for this reason that they are sometimes referred to as Byzantine glass mosaic tiles.
Molten glass is mixed with metal oxides and other minerals to add color and character. This is done in a furnace and after the different ingredients are thoroughly blended, it is poured into a large slab for cooling. The result is an opaque glass which is then manually cut into mosaic-sized pieces, unlike contemporary glass mosaic tiles which are poured into molds. The tiles are luminescent giving off a glow that adds warmth to wherever they are installed, whether indoors or outdoors.
As they are hand-cut, tile sizes are not uniform. It is this, however, that makes the tiles attractive and unique, allowing you to be creative in designing your own patterns. The Matchstix Forest Glass Tiles, though, have a fairly uniform length at ½ inch. It is their width and thickness that vary slightly.
The rectangular glass tiles are sold in mesh-backed sheets measuring 12″ x 12″. These are arranged in a brickwork pattern, and can be used as a kitchen sink backsplash, bathroom wall or floor, and pool or spa area. You can even install them as highlights for the wall of your swimming pool. Provided foot traffic is light, the tiles can be used for floors.
The durability of the tiles depends much on the substrate where they are installed. This should be flat and clean. It should be free from cracks and chemical curing compounds. If the tiles are used where there is plenty of water, it should also be waterproofed.