Tiling, be it ceramic or glass amongst other options is a great weather resistant idea. Every few months use a little bit of your favorite tub and tile cleaner and you are back in business season after season. Click through the jump to for more ideas on how to get your project started.
We've been checking out a project in ReadyMade this month by Furniture Designer and Fabricator, Thomas Wold. We saw a similar project last October on the DIY Network's Freeform Furniture and remembered all over again how much we like the idea of tiling our outdoor furniture.
There are many practical applications for a piece like this in an outdoor setting. From the chair the article was constructed about, to benches, planters, stools, tables, flower boxes, storage containers, end tables... the list goes on and on!
You might try variations on the suggested theme and change up your tile or grout color. Although the white tile gives the things you decorate your outdoor space with (plates, food, candles) a blank canvas to pop out again, there are more than enough tile options out there to keep you busy.
No matter if you are using small recycled glass tiles or mini stainless steel tiles, your project is sure to be a hit.
Just remember, anything that could go in your bathroom... can go on your patio or deck.
(Please note, this rule doesn't apply to all items found in said bathroom.)
Top Photo by: Winnie Wintermeyer /ReadyMade Magazine
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I remember seeing this post in ReadyMade and thinking the chair was one of the ugliest things I've ever seen. The dimensions are way, way off.
view Molly Margarita's profile
looks like a toy
view little flower's profile
Would be great for poolside tables.
Stunning as minimalist benches, indoors or out.
Cushions could be added too.
Also could be a great project with the kids doing a broken tile mosaic. Or doing your own custom broken tile design.
Inspiration:
http://www.maxgarber.com/hobbies/furniture/index.shtml
http://www.stategazette.com/story/1286820.html
http://www.artemisspeaks.com/index.php?page=home
and
http://www.artemisspeaks.com/index.php?page=portfolio
Using those great encaustic tiles, that would be wonderful. If you have a favorite vacation place or place you come from or want to go to, use the COLORS and PATTERNS you associate with that area and create your own "vacation bench" for dreaming.
The "spa bench" for the pool or whirlpool.
The "garden bench" full of greens or bright flower colors so you ALWAYS have the appearance of something in bloom, even in the middle of winter.
The "bench as low dining table" for those small backyard gatherings, with a delicious array of foods and floor pillows and good friends.
Do your own image searches for tile mosaic...it's amazing and beautiful and there is no end to the styles and colors and designs you could make:
http://www.mosaic-tile-design.com/mosaic-floor-designs.html
http://www.johntunger.com/mosaic_tables/index.html
http://www.johntunger.com/mosaic/index.html
view TRUE BLUE's profile
Warning - one thing glass tile is not is impact resistant.
Our 1 year old bathroom tells the tale. In a home with two adults (only) cracks quickly form. We've had to replace four tiles already.
Order extras!
view juliek's profile
Oh, I wonder how affordable plexiglass (or any similar plastic) tiles could be (already cut to size or cut at a hardware store)? You know, so that the finished piece can not only be fun and colorful, but also lightweight. I am seeing a fabulous bench in my mind's eye!
view pinkninky's profile
Plexiglass will scratch like crazy.
The tiles can be weighty, especially the heavier cement and natural stone. It can be a very substantial bench you create.
You can use more than what has been mentioned so far. Look at the stone!
http://www.buystonenow.com/Slate-tiles.aspx
There's a bunch of ready to use borders:
http://tile-direct.com/cid/52/
This would make a COOL top surface for a bench!:
http://tile-direct.com/cid/184/
More ideas, mix up ceramic with stone (scroll down to table):
http://www.tileswithstyle.com/medallion.htm
If you check out Home Depot, they often have one day classes on DIY, for things like tile work. Take one class and see if you like it.
And when you make this fabulous bench, we ALL have to see the pictures. Please?
view TRUE BLUE's profile
Great resources True Blue! Should time permit, i'll be thrilled to see this thing in real life too! It may be quite a while though....at least 6 months before I can even try to start - i'll use my time until then to research and design said bench, so that no time is wasted.
view pinkninky's profile