How to Make an Outdoor Mosaic Table

This project is an inexpensive way to make a one-of-a-kind outdoor table from discarded and broken china plates. After the table is prepared or refinished, if necessary, the tabletop is quickly and easily covered with bits of china you will break yourself. Apply mastic and grout to finish this interesting table.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal table
• Rust remover (Rustoleum)
• Fine wire brush
• Newspaper
• Newspaper
• Work gloves
• Sponge
• Rust inhibitor
• China plates
• Dish soap
• Safety goggles
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• White glue or mastic
• Grout
• Trowel
• Grout cleaner
• Cotton swabs
• Lacquer

1. Remove rust from your table with a rust remover, such as Rustoleum. Place the table on newspaper, use work gloves to protect your hands, apply the product according to directions and remove rusted bits with a fine wire brush. Wipe the table clean with a damp sponge, and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply a rust inhibitor, according to package directions, for extra protection. This is important because your table will be exposed to the elements.

2. Choose a selection of old china plates in pleasing patterns and coordinating colors. Local thrift stores and garage sales are good places to find inexpensive china. Use regular dish liquid and water to thoroughly remove grease from each piece. It is best to smash your plates outside, so lay newspaper on the driveway, place a plate on it, and cover with a double thickness of newspapers. Wear your safety goggles and gently break the plates into bits with a hammer. The mosaic pieces will be random sizes, but pick pieces that are approximately 1 to 2 inches for your table.

3. Measure your table to determine the center. Mark it. Begin by placing a dab of glue or mastic and place your center design piece on that spot. Begin to develop your design by lightly gluing other pieces of china to the table, approximately 1/2 inch apart. Glue makes it easy to move your design around before grouting it in place.

4. Add an edge treatment, if desired. Assemble enough of your edge pieces and tack them down, once you have developed half of the interior design. Then, fill in the space between with the remainder of your interior design pieces. Use pieces of china in a complementary or coordinating color for the edge.

5. Apply a craft grout between the glued-down bits of mosaic to permanently adhere them to the tabletop. Working from the center to the edge of the table, smooth grout on with a small trowel, making sure grout completely fills the spaces between the china. Press firmly to release air bubbles. Wipe away the excess grout with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry.

6. Use grout cleaner and a cotton swab to wipe away bits that have adhered to the surface of your china.

7. Cover the table with a coat or two of lacquer to protect it from outdoor elements. This step is optional, as the china and grout are already impervious to rain.

Tips & Warnings

• Add pieces of sea glass or other natural items like shells to your tabletop design, if desired. Consider the durability of each item; thin shells could break.
• Always use safety equipment when working with glass or china. Use work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

Resources

• Q&A About Mosaic Work
• Start with a Plywood Top