BRING THE BEAUTY OF TILE TO YOUR PATIO
Dress up a drab table and add some buzz to your backyard.
Try it
Step 1: Gather supplies. We used an unfinished wood coffee table and tiles from IKEA, but you could transform any old table with tiles. We also used a pre-mixed tile adhesive product, which is a combination tile adhesive and grout to make the job easier. When selecting tile, ensure you measure the area that you plan to tile so you buy enough product. You’ll probably want to avoid having to cut the tiles, so measure first! Tip: The Habitat for Humanity Re-store is often a great spot to find tile. We used Fusion Mineral Paint for this project. Applying two coats of this paint will make the table outdoor-safe. Other paint products or stains may require a product to seal the finish. Purchase enough wood trim to fit around the finished tiled area of the table. Ensure the trim is the appropriate size to cover the edge of the tile. You’ll need: IKEA NORNAS coffee table Tile Paint, we used Penney & Co. collection in Soapstone from Fusion Mineral Paint. Wood trim Sandpaper Pre-mixed tile adhesive & grout Notched trowel for spreading adhesive Tile spacers (optional) for spacing tiles Rubber grout float for applying grout Hammer & finishing nails (optional) Gorilla glue (optional) Saw Painter’s tape Tape measure Paintbrush Sponge and bowl or pail of water Sealer for grout and tile (optional)
Step 2: Prep your surface. Prep the wood for painting by sanding the wood to remove any rough edges or sticky residue.
Step 3: Lay out the tile. Lay out your tile on the table surface. Allow space for grout lines (1/8” to 1/4”). Use painter’s tape to mark an outside border. Tile adhesive will be applied within this border. Using the tape ensures the tiles and adhesive are within the desired area.
Step 4: Apply tile adhesive to surface. Use the flat edge of the trowel to apply a thin layer of adhesive. Immediately add more adhesive and use the square comb edge to distribute the adhesive, moving in one direction. We applied the adhesive in sections rather than the entire surface area.
Step 5: Press the tiles into place. Starting in one corner, press the first tile in place ensuring it is straight and level. Repeat with all of the tiles, pressing into place and ensuring each and every one is straight and level. Make sure to leave space between tiles for grout lines. Since this was a small surface, we were able to keep the tiles straight. However, you may find it helpful to use tile spacers. When you’re done placing the tiles, remove the painter’s tape. Clean any excess adhesive from edges with a
Step 6: Apply grout. Using a rubber grout float tool, apply grout to the tiles, pushing it gently into the grout lines. Ensure that the grout fills the lines and is relatively smooth.
Step 7: Clean off excess grout. Fill a bowl or pail with water and use a damp sponge to remove excess grout from tiles. Let the grout set according to the product specifications before removing the cloudy looking grout haze from the tiles. Let grout dry for 24 hours before handling.
Step 8: Trim. Measure and cut wood trim to finish off the edging around tile. Paint the trim. Give it two coats for a good finish. Step 9: Paint the table. Apply two coats of paint to all exposed wood on the table. Let dry according to product directions.
Step 10: Finish off with trim. Fasten the trim onto the table with small finishing nails or use a strong glue such as Gorilla Glue.
Optional: If the trim doesn’t sit snugly to the tile, you may wish to apply a thin line of caulking to fill and seal any openings. To apply the caulking product, first apply painter’s tape along the edge of the tile. This will help provide a straight edge for the caulking product. Apply caulking. Gently run your fingertip (dipped in water) over the caulk to smooth it out. Remove painter’s tape. Let dry.