How to Tile an End Table

Though tiles are generally used on walls, floors and in shower enclosures, nearly any flat surface in your home can be tiled. This includes furniture with flat surfaces, such as tables. If you would like to change the look of an end table, tiling the surface is an option. Smaller tiles may be better for an end table tile job than the larger tile used on floors and walls, but the tile process is much the same. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the dimensions of the end table that you want to tile. If the end table has a recessed area on the top with edges that protrude above the level of the table, measure the area inside these edges, so that you can sit the board down inside the edges. If the end table does not have a recessed area on top, measure across the top of the end table in both directions from edge to edge.

2

Transfer the measurements that you made of the end table to a piece of masonite board. This Old House recommends a piece of masonite 1/8-inch thick. Cut the board down to the dimensions of the table using a circular saw.

3

Seal the masonite board by spreading wood glue or polyurethane over the entire board. Do one side first, allow the glue or polyurethane coating to dry, and then flip the board and coat the other side and edges. Allow the whole thing to dry and repeat the process to add an additional coat.

4

Place the masonite board on the table top, attaching the board to the top of an end table without recessed edges to hold it in place with wood glue or tile adhesive. Then, lay the tiles out on the board in the pattern that you want. Place at least 1/8-inch tile spacers between the tiles to keep them from touching directly.

5

Draw a pencil line across the bottom of theedge tiles where they hang off the table edge. Cut the edge tiles down with a wet saw. Try to fit the tile to the space. If it is slightly larger than the space, which it probably will be, This Old House recommends using a tile file to file the edges down to size.

6

Attach the tiles to the masonite board using standard tile adhesive. Remove the tiles in the center of the board, spread the adhesive over the surface and press the tiles back into place, keeping the tile spacers between the edges. Once all the tiles are secured to the table, wait 30 minutes and remove the tile spacers, and then allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours.

7

Apply grout over the tiles with a grout float to fill in the spaces. Wipe up any grout that gets on the tiles. Allow the grout to dry 24 to 48 hours before cleaning the tiles with a wet rag.