Can a Metal Table Be a Base for a Mosaic Top?

Metal Bases

• Metal tables make excellent bases for mosaics. Large metal tables look nice outside on the patio or porch. You can easily eat or entertain around them. Smaller metal tables make great side or coffee tables in the house. Pick a metal table base that you love and add a beautiful mosaic to the top. Be sure the metal table top is heavy and sturdy. Adding the tile or glass, plus the grout, adds quite a bit of weight, so the table top and legs must be strong enough to hold it up.

Wood Toppers

• If you don't feel the top of the table is sturdy enough, add a layer of wood to the table. Thick plywood works well for adding strength and thickness. Cut a piece that perfectly fits on top of the table. It may be tempting to make the wood larger to enlarge the size of your table but that makes it unsteady. Secure the wood to the metal table using screws or clamps and then adhere the tiles or glass to the wood topper.

Other Table Ideas

• Metal is not the only material that looks good with a mosaic. Wood is a very popular and easy medium to use when making a mosaic table. It is extremely porous, making the glue adhere very well. Concrete backer board is also a good mosaic base that can be added to the top of any table. Simply glue the board to the table top to keep it secure.

Basic Mosaic Instructions

• Put a small amount of glue on the table top. Add your mosaic pieces one at a time, firmly pressing each in to the glue. Continue gluing and adding tiles until the entire table top is covered. Allow the glue to dry completely before adding the grout. Fill in the cracks with the grout, wiping excess grout off the top of the tiles or glass. Allow the grout to dry completely. Seal the table, especially if it is going outside.