Mosaic Tiled End Table

LOVE IT!!!

I had an old oak coffee table that had several rings and spill stains from drinks and it looked warn out.  I wanted to revamp it a little, so I decided to tile it with stone tiles in a mosaic pattern.  It cost me altogether just under $50 for the materials. (Would have cost me lessif I would have went with regular 12x12 ceramic tiles, as they are considerably cheaper.  The tiles I bought were $7.97 ea at Lowe's and I bought four 12x12 sections).



The is the before (Pretty wore out)

 



I got some 2x2 slate tiles that come together in a 12x12 tile with space separating each tile on a mesh backing.  (12x12 tiles can be cut down with a utility in 2" increments in the space between the tile to adjust to size needed).  I used a 1/8 groove trowel for the adhesive and a 1 qt container of mapei type 1 premixed tile adhesive.

1/8 groove trowel

1 qt premixed tile adhesive

 

First I taped off the outer edge of the table where I wanted the wood border to remain so I would not get adhesive on that part of the table.  Then I spread the adhesive with the trowel inside that taped off area.  Then I set my tiles into the adhesive, ensuring to push enough to sink them into the adhesive. Let dry.  Then I used a sanded grout in a caulking tube.  It was mapei brand also.  I squeezed the grout into each space and pushed it down into the spaces with a caulk smoother.  I then smoothed over the top of the tile with a caulk smoother for a smooth finish on the top of the tile.  Then I used a wet tile sponge to wipe the remaining grout from the tile.  (wipe at a 45 degree angle, not straight across or in circles).  Wipe water dry with a rag.  Then I let it dry for 2 days before placing anything on it.  I did not seal it with anything, although I will probably go in and seal the grout.