Design a Mosaic Table

Khatijah
by Khatijah
3 Materials
$50
2 Hours
Medium

The technology is simple, the result is impressive: mosaic tiles decorate simple tables and transform chests of drawers into real eye-catchers. A round mosaic table is a beautiful accessory for the terrace, balcony and garden.


The basis for the mosaic table is a special metal frame, available in hardware stores or online shops for mosaic accessories, into which a plywood sheet is inserted. Of course, you can also decorate existing tables or similar with the decorative small mosaic stones. However, you should make sure that both the tiles and the other materials used are suitable for outdoor use.


Apply tile adhesive and lay tiles


First you treat the plywood sheet on both sides with shower and bath sealant to protect it from moisture. After drying, apply the flexible adhesive with a smoothing trowel and comb through it with a notched trowel.


You lay the natural stone tiles from the outside in, preferably with the straight edge to the edge. The distance between the tiles should be two to six millimeters. The tile adhesive must then dry.


The self-designed table can be grouted after about three hours. Use a grouting board to add the mortar. Use this to stroke the joints diagonally several times until they are completely filled.


Peel off the remains of the grout. After about 15 minutes, use a sponge board to smooth the joints and wash off the mortar.


You can now polish away the last veil of mortar with a cotton cloth. So that the joint between the table frame and the mosaic can later be properly sealed with natural stone silicone, it must be cleaned. Remove any mortar residue from the edge joint.


Then apply the elastic silicone mass along the outer edge and smooth it out with a putty knife. Then let it dry!


Tip: Avoid discoloration


Many natural stones have a porous structure and are usually not sealed on the underside or the plate edges. That is why excess water from gray tile adhesives and colored grout can penetrate the stones through the pores and cause unsightly stains.


Special tile adhesives and grout for natural stone prevent the tiles from staining. The white, non-translucent natural stone tile adhesive and the natural stone grout dry much faster and prevent excess water from being deposited in the stones. The two products are also frost and water resistant.

Suggested materials:
  • Table metal frame
  • Plywood sheet
  • Decorative small mosaic stones
Khatijah
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Judith Judith on Oct 16, 2020

    Can you use a glass top instead of plywood?

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