Create a Mosaic-Tile Tabletop

1. Determine the size of your tabletop. We expanded the size of our table by fastening a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood to the top of table. Cut the plywood to size based on the tile pattern you have created. To make it easier, try to create a pattern that requires no tile cutting. Use a pencil to mark out your design.

2. Nail a strip of 1x2 lumber around the underside of the perimeter of the plywood. This will create an edge to the new table top thick enough to support the back of the bull-nose tile.

3. Fasten the plywood to the existing table. Spread mastic on plywood using a notched trowel. Begin setting tile in the center, working out towards the edges. Add extra mastic to the backs of the bull-nose tile so there is no airspace behind the tile. Mount the bull-nose tile around perimeter. Let the tile mastic set up completely, probably overnight.

4. Use unsanded grout, which is formulated for smaller grout lines. Mix the powdered grout to a peanut-butter consistency. Spread grout on tabletop using a grout float. Scrape off the excess grout by holding the float at a 45-degree angle and dragging across the surface of the tile. Wipe clean several times with clean water until the excess grout is gone.

5. When the grout has completely cured, apply grout sealer to protect the grout and keep the color consistent.