Tiles may be used to decorate floors, ceilings, backsplashes or even furniture. Beverly DeJulio, host of HGTV's Homewise With Beverly DeJulio, shows how to use scraps of leftover tile to add a mosaic-tile pattern to a tabletop. When tiling a tabletop, it's important to use tile pieces of the same thickness to keep the tabletop level. If you don't have old tile pieces to use, buy new tile and break it by placing it between a few layers of cloth and giving it a few taps with a hammer. Or check out your local tile supplier for broken tiles left over from jobs. Materials: Table
Tile pieces
Tile nippers
Tile adhesive
Flat-sided knife
Grout
Grout float
Sponge
Clean rags
Grout sealer
- Arrange broken tile pieces in a mosaic pattern on the tabletop. Use flat-edged pieces along the edges of the table (figure A) for a smooth edge. If you need specific shapes, use tile nippers to cut the tile (figure B).
- When the pattern is complete, attach the tile pieces, one by one, to the tabletop. Use a flat-edged knife to spread tile adhesive onto the back of each piece (figure C), then set it in place on the tabletop (figure D). If you're doing a random pattern, spread a layer of adhesive on the tabletop with a notched trowel, then set the pieces in place. Glue all the tile pieces to the tabletop and allow to dry.
- Mix grout powder with water. If mixing instructions aren't included with the grout, Bev advises mixing it to a consistency a bit thicker than cake batter but not as thick as brownie batter. Pour the grout onto the tiled surface, and press in place with a grout float, making sure to fill all the cracks between the pieces (figure E).
- Let the grout dry for about 10 minutes, then wipe the surface with a damp sponge (figure F) to remove excess grout.
- When the grout is dry, use a clean rag to buff the film from the surface of the tabletop. When the table is finished and the grout is completely dry, protect the surface with tile sealer. Follow the directions on the sealer. It may be necessary to allow the tiled surface to cure for several days before sealing.
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