An easy and fun way to brighten up a table is to add some tile to its top. I've heard about tiling tables before, but until I experienced the process firsthand this past week, I didn't realize how big an impact tile can create and how approachable it is to people at all levels of crafting.
What you'll need:
- Mosaic tile
- Caulking Gun
- Tile Adhesive
- Grout
- Putty knife
The first step is finding the tile that fits your piece. For the table my student was working on, the small mosaic glass worked magnificently. This mosaic pattern was ready to adhere right out of the box. Simply place the tile ahesive in the caulking gun and apply a thin layer to your clean and dry table top. Place the tile on top of the glue, with the plastic sheet side up, and let it sit for at least 48hrs with something heavy resting on it (we used books).
Next step is removing the plastic from the tiles and applying grout. Grout can be purchased in many different shades, so make sure to get the one that fits with your project's aesthetic. Mix the grout with the appropriate amount of water and fill the mix onto the tile with a putty knife.
Let the grout cure for an hour, and then wipe off the excess grout on the top with a damp paper towel. The directions called for a nylon brush clean the grout off the tiles but the damp paper towel, and a bit of tedious wiping, did the trick. The grout has to dry for at least a couple of days. When it's done you've got yourself a new table with a beautiful water resistant top. SO EASY!
Images: Nick Siemaska
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don't listen to arroyo..! this looks so good.
i would like to do this on a similar side table but i am having trouble finding mosiac tiles at a decent price
Home Depot / Lowes usually have leftover tiles of boxes for cheap. You usually can't find more than 1-2 box of matching tiles in that section so it'd be perfect for a project like this
What would you rather see done to a table like this Arroyo? I'm personally diggin' it.
i wouldn't necessarily pick that particular table and color of tiles but i love the idea and will definitely give this a try! i this it will be perfect for an ikea lack side table.
I love the finished product. Personally, I would have painted the table green to match the tiles, but that's just me.
Check out good independent tile stores in your area. One of the ones near me has a whole room of small lots at good discounts. Or try the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I always see very small lots of tile for close to dirt cheap.
i like this! when i have my own place i would definitely try sth like this!
Home Depot has a small selection of glass mosaic tiles on 12"x12" mesh that are $4.99/sq. ft. You'd only need about 4 tiles for a table this size. My sister used them for a backsplash in her rental kitchen and they look great. We used adhesive tile mats instead of mastic or Thinset (like heavy-duty double-stick tape in 12x12 sheets) -- we were done in 45 minutes! Then just be sure to use unsanded grout.
I love this idea. I have always wanted to do a project like this and I think this article made me realize how easy it is.