How to Make a Side Table With Ceramic Tiles on Top

Prepare an old wooden side table for the ceramic tiles by sanding the top of the side table surface with low grit sandpaper. The surface should be rough enough to provide good adhesion for the mortar. Remove the dust from the table top with a damp cloth.

Lay out the tiles on the top of the side table. Place tile spacers between the tiles to account for grout lines. Move the tiles around until you are happy with the tile layout. Write down or mark layout lines on the table before removing the tiles from the table-top.

Place the side table on a drop cloth or newspaper to keep any mess off the floor.

Scoop out thinset mortar with a notched trowel. Apply the mortar to the top of the side table with the trowel. Press the ceramic tiles into the mortar. Set plastic or rubber tile spacers between the tiles as you go. Let the side table dry overnight.

Remove the tile spacers from the side table top. Grout the joints of the ceramic tiles with grout and a grout sponge. Squeeze the grout into the joints and then remove the extra grout from the table top with a grout sponge. Allow the grout to dry overnight.

Cover the edges of the table with wood trim. Cut the trim on a miter saw and nail the trim directly into the wood portion of the table top. The trim should cover the raw edges of the ceramic tiles. Paint or stain the trim as desired.