How to Build a Tile Top Table

Adobe tiles used on a table top

A tile top table can be a lovely addition to any room in your house. A table of this type can be built in an afternoon for a fraction of what it would cost at a furniture store. The dimensions outlined are for a kitchen table and can be changed to accommodate any needs. The materials for this project can be bought from a local building supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2-by-2-foot boards
• Two 2-by-4-foot boards
• One 5/8-inch sheet plywood
• Wood glue
• 3-inch long screws
• Drill
• Skill saw
• 1 box 4.5-by-4.5 ceramic tile
• 1 bag fortified thin-set mortar
• 1/8-inch tile spacers
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Measure with a tape measure and mark with a pencil four boards 36 inches long out of 2-by-2 wood for table legs. Use a skill saw to cut the table legs, and set them aside.

2. Measure and mark four boards 36 inches long out of 2-by-4 wood for the table frame. Use a skill saw to cut these boards to build the table frame.

3. Mark 2 inches from the ends of two of the 2-by-4 pieces. These boards are the width boards of the table.

4. Lay out and align the width boards. Place the length boards inside the width boards. Align the length boards so that a 90-degree angle is made at each corner. The width boards should pass the length boards by 2 inches on each end.

5. Apply wood glue to the ends of the length boards. Align the length boards with the width boards to make a joint where the previous marks were made. Screw the pieces together where they connect, to make a box. The assembled box will have 2 inches of wood sticking out at each corner.

6. Apply wood glue to two sides of the upright table legs at the ends. Insert the glued sides into the 90-degree joints at each corner of the table frame. Attach each table leg by drilling screws through each side of the table frame touching it

7. Measure 42 inches from the edge of the plywood and make a mark. Measure a line from this mark down the plywood 36 inches make a mark. Measure from the end of the 36 inch mark 42 inches to the outside edge of the plywood. Draw a line connecting all marks to make a square. Darken the lines and use them as a guide to cut a table top. Cut your table top with a skill saw.

8. Apply wood glue to the top of the table frame. Center the table top on the table frame, and attach it using a drill and screws.

9. Spread a layer of mortar 1/8-inch thick on the table top. Lay the tile using 1/8-inch tile spacers. Carefully align the tiles and correct any mistakes before the mortar sets. Apply grout with a trowel between the tile after they have set and dried. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge.

10. Apply paint or stain to the wood of your table in the color of your choice. Apply a sealer if your tile table will be used outdoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Ceramic tiles used for kitchen back splash are the tiles appropriate for this project.

• Size your table according to your needs.

References

• "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction"; Andy Rae; 2001