How to Tile Furniture

Using tile is an attractive and affordable way to add a personal design touch to your indoor and outdoor furniture. Tile can be used to reinforce a tabletop to make it more weather-resistant or to create a stable spot to place glasses. Tile can also be used to add visual interest to armoires, vanities, benches or any other piece of furniture you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Tiles
• Sanded grout
• Spacers
• Mastic adhesive
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Plywood
• Clamp (optional)
• Wet saw (optional)

Instructions

1. Wipe off any dirt from the furniture, using a warm, wet rag. If your furniture is wood, use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the area.

2. Arrange your tile on the surface. Include spacers between tiles if a clean pattern is preferred. Be sure you are comfortable with the design before proceeding. If needed, use a wet saw to cut any tiles to their needed size.

3. Remove your tiles one at a time, starting from the center to minimize any shifting. Apply a layer of mastic adhesive to the back of your tile and set it back in place on your surface. Replace any spacers used as you apply adhesive to your tiles.

4. Weigh down your tiled surface with a heavy piece of plywood. If possible, use a clamp to hold the board in place on your surface. Avoid pressing too hard, however, as this may cause your tiles to crack. Allow to dry for a full 24 hours before removing spacers.

5. Mix your grout as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Spread a layer of sanded grout over the top of your tiles, evenly covering the spaces in between your tiles to bind them in place. Grout over the surface, filling the gaps as you go along. Wipe up any excess grout with a damp sponge. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours or until completely dry.

References

• This Old House: How to Create a Vintage Tile Tabletop