How to Create a Tile Patio Table Top

Preparation

• 1

  Trace the outline of the table top onto a piece of backer board. Score along the outline with a utility knife and snap the board along the score lines to cut the backer board to size.

• 2

  Sit the backer board on top of the patio table top and secure it with backer board screws driven every 8 to 10 inches around the backer board into the table top. The screw heads should be below the level of the backer board.

• 3

  Snap a grid over the top of the table with chalk line. The grid should represent the tile pattern that you are using. Each square of the grid should be the size of one tile.

Tiling

• 4

  Smooth an 1/8-inch layer of thinset mortar over a square foot of the table top by using a trowel. Use the notched edge of the trowel to make ridges or furrow the mortar.

• 5

  Set the tiles in place in the mortar by using plastic tile spacers to achieve a uniform space between each tile. Continue laying thinset and setting tiles until the table top is covered.

• 6

  Spread the mortar onto backs of the edging tile and then set them in place around the edge of the table top. Let the tiles set overnight.

• 7

  Remove all the tile spacers and push grout into the joints between the tiles with a grout float. Hold the float so that it is at an angle to the joints of the tile. This is so the float doesn’t remove grout from the tile joints or pop out a tile as you grout. Wipe away excess grout with a sponge.

• 8

  Wipe over the faces of the tiles after 15 to 20 minutes to remove the remaining grout haze and then let the grout cure for 72 hours before applying a tile and grout sealant. Follow the instructions from the sealant manufacturer for number of coats and approximate drying times.