Porcelanosa Firenze Versus Moon

We’d all like to live in a world where budgets soar and bottom lines don’t exist. But most of the time, good design is as much about innovative ideas as it is about fitting them into a neat little box, wrapped up in timelines and dollar signs.

For each new project, the age-old question remains: What expenses are musts, and what corners can be cut? That’s why we’re kicking off our new Versus section with a look at two options from Porcelanosa USA that prove you don’t have to scrimp on taste to save on mosaic looks. (But if you want to make that high-end wow statement, they’ve got you covered, too.)

Firenze Ceramic Mosaics

Moon Natural Mosaics

Dimensions 8 by 12 inches 8 by 12 inches Materials Ceramic Tile Glass, Marble, or Sandstone Price $8.95/SqFT $29.95–$79.95/SqFT (Actual pricing may vary based on material selection.) Sustainability 12 percent pre-consumer recycled content; ISO 14001 certified Natural material; ISO 14001 certified Installation Because Firenze is a solid piece of ceramic instead of a mesh-mounted mosaic, you can install all of the tiles at once, saving time and money. A mounted mesh requires more time to install because the thin-set has to dry completely after every few pieces, due to the weight of the tiles. Aesthetic Modern ceramic mosaics do a good job of simulating the look and texture of natural materials, but are offered in a wider selection of shapes, including rounded, staggered, irregular and squared sizes. This makes them a flexible, affordable choice for feature walls and accents. Natural pieces offer the warmth of a specific stone, increased luster, and richer textures than ceramic options. These options are preferable when catering to end-users with luxe expectations. Maintenance Ceramic tile is easy to maintain using standard cleaners. Acidic cleaning products should be avoided to protect grouting material. Using detergents and abrasive materials like cleaning powder can damage the tiles. Glass cleaner or neutral detergent should be used, and dried afterwards with a soft, dry cloth to avoid scratches or broken corners. Marble options should also be treated with a marble repairer or marble polish once a year.