How to Build an Outdoor Tile Tabletop

Cover your tabletop with tiles and rearrange them until you are happy with the design. Leave narrow gaps between the tiles for grouting. Determine whether you need to cut any tiles to fit the tabletop and cut them to size with a tile cutter. Smooth rough-cut edges with a tile file.

Take a photo of the tabletop with a digital camera so that you can refer to it when laying the tile, or draw around the tiles with a pencil directly on the wood so that you can follow the outlines when laying the tile.

Paint a coat of wood primer over the tabletop with a paintbrush (refer to the manufacturer's instructions). Allow this coat to dry, then apply a second coat of primer.

Mix up the tile adhesive, following the manufacturer's instructions. Use a flexible knife to spread an even layer of tile adhesive over the back of each tile before pressing it into position, one at a time. Refer to your digital photograph or pencil lines for the layout. Allow the tile adhesive to dry for up to 24 hours, or the time recommended by the manufacturer.

Mix the tile grout, following the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the grout to all the gaps between the tiles with your fingers, working it into the gaps. Use an old dishwashing brush to scrub the surface and further work the grout into the gaps.

Wipe the excess grout from the tiles, using a damp cloth. Do this before the grout dries.