3 Types of Custom Mosaic Tile, and Which One to Choose

Every custom mosaic we make is built from the same idea: small pieces of real tile, arranged to spell out your name or logo. But how those pieces are cut and set changes the look, the level of detail and the price. Here are the three types we make, and how to choose between them.

• Standard grid: pre-cut tiles in a regular pattern. Classic, crisp and the best value.
• Hand-cut: every tile shaped by hand to follow curves, fans and motifs. The most detailed in tile.
• Metal lettering: stainless steel letters or logos set flush into tile. The most striking.

1. Standard grid mosaic

A standard grid mosaic uses uniform pre-cut tiles, such as 25 mm (about 1 inch) squares or 1-inch hexagons, laid in a regular pattern. Your lettering and logo are built from whole tiles, the same way the great early-1900s shop entrances were made. It reads clearly from a distance and suits bold fonts, block lettering and simple logos.

Because the tiles don't need to be individually shaped, it is the fastest to make and the most affordable. Our porcelain comes in 170+ colors across square and hexagon shapes, in gloss and matt.

Best for: bold logos, simple lettering, vintage looks, tighter budgets.

2. Hand-cut mosaic

In a hand-cut mosaic, our craftspeople cut and shape individual pieces so they follow the lines of your design: script lettering, round logos, illustrations, fanned (fish-scale) backgrounds and circular borders. Nothing is forced into a grid, so curves stay smooth and small details survive.

It takes far more labor than a grid, which is why it costs more, but it is the right choice for script fonts, detailed logos and anything with fine curves.

Best for: script fonts, detailed or round logos, fan patterns, motifs and illustrations.

3. Metal lettering mosaic

For the most premium look, we cut your lettering or logo from stainless steel and set it flush into the tile, so it sits level with the floor and is safe to walk on. The metal comes in gold, silver, black or bronze finish, and works on floors indoors and out.

Metal gives very clean edges, so it is the best way to reproduce thin lines and small text. The tile background can be a grid, hexagon or a hand-cut fan pattern.

Best for: premium brands, hotels and restaurants, fine-line logos, small text.

Side-by-side comparison

Prices depend on the design; standard grid varies most with complexity. See the full price list for details.

How to choose

1. Start with your logo. Thin lines, script or small text point to hand-cut or metal. Bold block shapes work beautifully in a grid.
2. Think about viewing distance. An entrance seen from the street can be simpler; a mosaic people stand on and look down at rewards detail.
3. Set your budget. If the dream design is over budget, a grid version or tile lettering instead of metal usually saves the most.
4. Ask for a mockup. We can show the same design in two styles so you can compare them side by side, free.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of mosaic is the most durable?

All three are made from real porcelain, glass or stone tile and are permanent once installed. For busy floors we usually recommend porcelain, which is harder-wearing than glass and lower maintenance than marble.

Can I mix types in one design?

Yes. Many of our designs combine them, for example metal lettering on a hand-cut fan background with a grid border.

Which is cheapest?

Standard grid is the most affordable, at around $700 for 4 × 3 ft, because the tiles don't need to be shaped by hand.

Can metal lettering go outside?

Yes. Our stainless steel lettering is suitable for indoor and outdoor floors. We don't recommend metal for underwater areas.