Things You'll Need:
- Wooden table
- Design pattern
- Marker
- Thinset
- Trowel
- Tile nippers
- Grout
- Float
- Sponge
- Grout sealer
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Step 1
Make a template of your design pattern and trace it onto a wooden table top. Indicate the colors of tile for each section or the names of each section before you begin your mosaic. For example, if you are creating an intricate floral design pattern, it will be helpful to know which sections are flowers and which are foliage. It may seem obvious, but when you are tiling, having a clear indication of your pattern is helpful.
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Step 2
Begin tiling in the center of your table and work your way outwards. Spread a thin layer of thinset mortar on a small section of your mosaic design. If a trowel is too big for the section, use an old butter knife or pie server. If you are making an indoor mosaic, you can use Weldbond to adhere the tiles to the wood.
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Step 3
Press the ceramic tiles into the mortar. Leave between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch of space between and around the tiles. Cut the tiles with tile nippers for a better fit. Insert the tile between the wheels on the tile nippers and squeeze wherever you'd like to make the cut.
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Step 4
Cover the top of the table with ceramic tiles. You can also add tiles to the table's edge, if you like. Continue to work in small sections. Let the adhesive dry.
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Step 5
Mix a grout color that coordinates with your tile design and spread it on top of the mosaic with a grout float. The grout float allows you to press the grout in between the ceramic tiles, but it also lands on top of the tiles. You must remove the grout from the face of the ceramic tiles before it dries or your tiles will have a cloudy appearance. Go over the mosaic several times with warm water and a sponge to remove the excess grout.
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Step 6
Apply a grout sealer within three days of grouting your mosaic. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for sealing the grout.
