Designing & installing a new mosaic landing

We’ve been walking on a temporary step, but the time has come (said Annette) to install the real thing. A mosaic step will soon link the deck and the garden.

Bare concrete
The first step was to form and pour the concrete slab

While the slab was curing, Annette worked out the pattern. This photo will be used as a reference as she installs the tiles. The concrete needed a minimum of three days’ curing time, but we gave it a week.

mosaic design on paper
Mosaic design on paper, prior to installation

Surrounded by everything she needs, Annette proceeds with the installation.

Installing mosaic
With all tools and reference materials at hand, Annette proceeds with the installation.

Each tile is carefully positioned and checked with the master pattern.

Laying down mosaic tiles
The tiles are laid down and adjusted to fit in the space to recreate Annette’s original design.

The mosaic laid down. After a few days of curing, the entire thing will be grouted. The grout joints will make the work less slippery – besides giving it a unified look and emphasizing the tiles.

Mosaic on landing before grouting
The mosaic landing, waiting to cure before grout is applied.

After the tiles have set, the grout is applied with a rubber trowel. It takes quite a bit, since there are a lot of cracks to fill. The grout is allowed to set up a bit, then the joints are firmed up and the tiles cleaned with a sponge and water.

Applying grout to mosaic
The tiles get cleaned with a sponge, washing away a thin film of grout from their surfaces.

The new landing gets tested by the cat. She approves. This cat loves walking on wet cement, recently grouted tile, paint, anything where she can leave footprints. This time, the tile was cleaned in time and her feet remained white instead of blue.

Cat walking on mosaic
The cat is happy with the new mosaic landing, and could not even wait for the grout to dry before testing her new route.

The completed mosaic. Unfortunately, this color will probably fade to gray in about a year, since it’s not meant for outdoor use. Until then, we’ll enjoy the deep color.

Mosaic landing, with grout
With the grout in place, the landing becomes an integrated work of art, transitioning from the adjacent bricks, pavers and concrete slabs to the deck.
mosaic and paver detail
Once the grout has cured, sand will be swept into the joints between the pavers for a more uniform look.

While working with grout and thin set, it’s a good idea to lay down a drop cloth to protect adjacent surfaces provide a nice napping place for the cat.

Cat nap
Is this a great place for a nap, or what?

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Published by mike

Mike is a licensed landscape architect. He's also an artist, photographer and occasional chef. Luciole Design specializes in sustainable, contemporary, modern landscape design - and traditional landscape styles that fit into California's Mediterranean climate. Sacramento, California.