DIY Network

Porch: Mosaic Tables From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-105

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, host Paul Wilson improved the look of this screened-in porch and ...
	improved the bumpy flooring by ...
	adding new tile that's easy on the feet and eyes.
	A tiled border adds color to the flooring.
	And with the leftover pieces of tile, Wilson created mosaic tops for the tables.

In this segment, host Paul Wilson will create beautiful mosaic tabletops with the leftover tiles.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor blade
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Two 5-gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust mask
Knee pads
Spacers
Wedges
1/2" drill motor
Rod type mixing paddle
Finished trowel
Rubber gloves
Rubber mallet and beating block
Chalk line and chalk
Clear lacquer
Knee pads

Specialty Materials (see Resources, below)

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Never throw those broken pieces of tile away. You can always create a mosaic piece of art to cover any surface, including your tabletops. This one is a perfect blend with the newly tiled floor!

Mosaic Tabletops

1. We started with wrought-iron glass-topped tables (figure A). Remove the glass tabletop.

   Safety Alert: When working with broken pieces of tile, be sure to wear gloves because the edges are sharp.

2. Cut a piece of plywood the same size as the tabletop, and attach a piece of backerboard to the plywood.

   Note: Backerboard is needed in order to receive ceramic or stone tiles. Tiling straight to plywood would fail quickly due to moisture penetrating the wood.

3. Install a v-cap trim (figure B) to the table's edge using thin set and a trowel. You may need to backbutter the v-cap to bring it up to the same height as the tile.

4. Clean off the residual thin set from the tabletop.

5. Do a dry run with the tile pieces to create the design you want.

6. Pre-moisten the backerboard with a damp sponge, and apply the thin set just as you did the floor.

7. Set the tiles in any pattern you wish. Have fun and be creative!

8. Use a beating block and rubber mallet (figure C) to help keep the tiles flat and to secure the tiles into the thin set. Be sure not to tap too hard or the tiles will crack.

9. Let the thin set cure for 24 hours before grouting.

10. Grout the tile surface of the table just as you did the floor, leaving the grout high to cover any sharp edges of the broken tile.

11. Seal the grout joints on the table just like the floor joints.

    Tip: If you still feel like the mosaic pieces on the tabletops are too sharp, you can add a heavy coat of floor polish to cover the surface.

RESOURCES :

Porch Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Artisan II Collection ("Titan")
13"x13"
Color: 300 Olive sheen
Model #: 384-058

Crossville Tile
Alamo
Model #: AV113.11212UPS

Crossville Tile
Grand Canyon
Model #: AV114.11212UPS

Crossville Tile
Rushmore
Model #: AV115.11212UPS

Grout by Custom
Saraha Tan (sanded)
Model #: 729-094 (25 lb. bag)

Level Quick by Custom
Self Leveler
Model #: 839-469

Modified Thin Set Mortar by Custom
Model #: 399-727

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com