How to Change an Outdoor Table Glass Top to Tile

Tiles are available in a multitude of colors, shapes and patterns and can be used to create almost any design imaginable. Although most people think of tile installations on floors or walls, you can also tile surfaces such as tabletops. Creating a tile top for a glass table is a way to instantly transform its look. Creating the tile surface is just like tiling any other surface and begins by crafting a new tabletop base and a creative design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Disassemble the glass top from the table base. Some glass tops simply lift off, while others attach via screws on the bottom. If screws are present, remove them with a screwdriver.

2

Lay a large sheet of 1/8-inch thick masonite board on the ground and lay the old glass tabletop directly on top of the board. Trace around the glass using a pencil to create an outline for the new tabletop.

3

Set the glass top out of the way and put on safety glasses. Place the masonite board on top of a work table with one side hanging over the edge so you can cut it. Cut along the pencil line using any power saw, such as a jig saw, turning the board as needed until you arrive back at the starting location.

4

Open a can of polyvinyl glue and paint a thin coat onto the masonite board using a paintbrush.

5

Place the cut masonite board on top of the table base and mark the location of the screw holes, if applicable. Drill pilot holes using a drill and 1/4-inch drill bit and then secure the original screws through the masonite to hold it down.

6

Lay out the tiles on top of the board until you arrive at a desirable design and insert 1/4-inch plastic spacers in between each tile.

7

Remove each tile one at a time and spread a 1/4-inch layer of ceramic tile adhesive on the back using a putty knife or trowel. Insert the tiles back into position and press them down gently. Replace each of the plastic spacers as you apply the adhesive.

8

Place a flat wooden board, such as plywood, on top of the tiles and place one or two heavy objects on top of it. Wait 24 hours to allow the adhesive to dry.

9

Whent he adhesive dries, remove the heavy objects and board and open a tub of grout. Press the grout into the gaps between all tiles using a grout float. Then wipe the surface of the tile using a damp sponge to remove the haze.

10

Wait 24 hours and apply a grout sealer to all grout lines using a paint brush.