We often admire ancient architecture that we create modern versions of it, one of which is the waterjet mosaic. But what exactly is this?

The waterjet mosaic is a stone architecture where we use different kinds and colors of natural stones. We shape them in geometrical or complicated floral patterns, and later on, combine them into the finished product.

Waterjet mosaics are thoroughly made with advanced cutting technology and they have helped us transform places. In this article, we included the following:

• a brief history of the mosaic design;
• getting to know waterjet technology;
• places we can install a waterjet mosaic and ;
• advantages and drawbacks of having a waterjet mosaic.

The Wonders of Waterjet Mosaic

Mosaic has been part of the history of different civilizations. It started by using small clay cones with pointed ends which the ancient Mesopotamians embedded onto the columns of the Stone-Cone Temple in Uruk.

The ancient Greeks likewise used mosaics for their walls and floors, which began with greyscale colors since the main focus is the physical characteristics (shape and texture). Although later on, they were able to create red and green pebbles that made mosaics more vivid.

However, it was the Egyptians who discovered and incorporated tesserae into mosaic arts. These are small pieces of stone, wood, or glass combined to create a picture. They even colored and decorated the tesserae with gold, making the materials heavenly.

The art of mosaic gradually spread and soon, every wealthy family was installing it as an adornment to their places, especially in Europe. Places such as the palace and churches had mosaics too.

Although we will notice that the civilizations who incorporated the mosaic also used their own symbolisms. The latter can be a living being or any symbol that depicts their culture and what is important to them.

Today, having a mosaic is not only for the wealthy. We have made it available for everyone and unlike the ancient periods, mosaics are now easier and quicker to create.

We have been manufacturing mosaics for walls, floors, ceilings, walkways, and the like using waterjet technology. Sinodec utilizes different stones, but marble is the most popular for the clients.

Defining the ‘Waterjet’ in Mosaic

Since you already have a background in mosaic history, let us now explain how we create it in today’s century.

Surely, you can still create mosaics by hand, but our factory prefers using a water jet machine for efficiency (hence, the name waterjet mosaic!).

A waterjet cutting machine is a technology that uses high water pressure and a specific kind of abrasive—such as garnet sand—to generate a precise erosion process on the stone or any other material.

The machine has a pump that produces water with high but controlled pressure, usually at 94,000 psi. The water is then transferred into the cutting head which has a jewel orifice (diamond or ruby). This orifice is connected to the inlet containing the abrasive that mixes with the water.

The diameter of the orifice and the mixing tube will direct the kerf or the width of the machine’s cut. The bigger the diameter, the bigger the kerf.

Of course, the entire cutting head is designed to cut with proper direction. We can also control how much abrasive we will use and how strong the water pressure will be to cut the material.

So, Waterjet Mosaic Is…

That is why waterjet mosaics have precise designs and patterns that almost look unreal. With the waterjet machine, we can cut stones in different:

• kinds
• colors
• shapes
• sizes

When we combine them together, we can create our desired image.

5 Places to Use a Waterjet Mosaic

Like in the past, we can use waterjet mosaic in the different parts of our places. We have handled different mosaic projects that are for both homes and commercial spaces.

We supply pre-manufactured waterjet mosaics, although we also offer customization. If you need designers using computer-aided design (CAD), you may seek assistance from Sinodec as well.

1. Wall

Walls are a clever place for waterjet mosaics to be at. We can either make it as the entire wall design wherein the whole wall is mosaic art or select a specific part of a wall to install it.

In both ways that we suggested, you can choose to make the waterjet mosaic dominating or as a simple highlight in the room.

As per the image, it will depend on the style you are going for. We can choose general designs like floral or something more personal like the places you have visited.

2. Wall and Floor Skirting

Tile skirtings are a popular choice for lower wall protection. While we can do it with plain marble, why not make it the detail of the room and choose a waterjet mosaic skirting?

If the walls are plain, a mosaic skirting will accentuate the ambiance. We recommend geometric patterns such as squares or rectangles. The color can be in the same palette as the room or we can go funky if your room is already neutral.

3. Floor

Floors have been subject to mosaic art since earlier times and one good example is catholic churches.

Waterjet marble mosaic tiles are an innovative way to design the place whether you are minimalist or extravagant. Similar to walls, we can install them as the full flooring design or just a part of the floors.

4. Floor Border

You might be familiar with the marble borders that we use for minor but beautiful detailing. We can also make waterjet mosaic borders for intricate decoration that you can use to delineate the place for the furniture, or just to lift the interior.

5. Ceiling

Another classic place for waterjet mosaic, the place will look elegant especially if we have high ceilings.

You can choose to install complex and colorful mosaics up there, but a single-colored and intricate design will also be ethereal. If the place has fancy chandeliers such as hotels, the latter will look better.

Pros and Cons of Having a Waterjet Mosaic

In this section, we will see through the advantages and disadvantages of having a waterjet mosaic in your place.

Pros

1. Decorative. Waterjet mosaics are highly customizable; we can fit and match them anywhere. They help freshen and spice up the place, adding a touch of personality.

2. Durable. Considering we manufacture the waterjet mosaic using a good quality marble (or other stones), the outcome will be a durable design. This will also add to the longevity of the walls, floors, or wherever we plan to install the mosaic.

3. Reasonably Priced. Again, waterjet mosaics are not limited to the wealthy unlike in the past. Many factories and stores are selling the product.

Although, the price may vary depending on the quality and rarity of the stone, plus the complexity of the design.

4. Customizable Finish. We don’t have to worry about installing a waterjet mosaic on the bathroom floors; we can use them without problems.

The final texture of the mosaic is not limited to polished. For slippery areas, we recommend a honed or tumbled finish.

Cons

Considering that you order a high-quality waterjet mosaic, it will have no disadvantages. However, inconvenience may arise if:

• The stone is low-grade.

• We did not give the right specifications of the place where we will install the mosaic (e.g. wrong floor dimensions).

• We made the wrong choice of colors and as a result, the mosaic doesn’t match the interior.

• We installed the waterjet mosaic by ourselves despite having no experience, instead of having experts do it.

Conclusion

A waterjet mosaic is a mosaic done using a waterjet cutting machine. The latter will precisely cut the stones no matter what shape and despite how thick.

Mosaics have been part of architecture even during ancient times; from clay cones to pebbles until the Egyptians made use of the tesserae. People used it on floors, walls, and even columns, but this was only for the wealthy ones.

Today, we also use it in the same places but the waterjet mosaic is more accessible to everyone. It is decorative and adds to the durability of the area of installation.