How to Install Tiles on Wooden Coffee Tables

Measure your table to determine how many tiles you will need. You can choose larger single tiles, mosaic tiles or crush your own tiles to create a mosaic effect.

Lay the tiles on the coffee table to determine the best layout for the type of tile you are using and the shape and size of the table. Use a grease pen to mark off the exact points where you will have to cut any of the tiles. If you are using a mosaic tile sheet, mark off in the mesh where you will need to cut.

Cut the tiles to size using a wet tile saw or a utility knife if using a mosaic tile sheet, based on the markings you made with the grease pen. After all of the tiles are cut to size, lay them out on the table again to make sure that everything is straight, uniform and pleasing to the eye. Lay the tiles out, in order, on a nearby work surface or on the floor.

Clean the table with a gentle all-purpose cleaner and wipe it down thoroughly. Do not use a wood cleaner or oil, as this can interfere with the tile adhesive’s effectiveness. Let the table dry.

Apply a thin coating of tile adhesive to the table. Carefully lay each tile or tile sheet in the adhesive according to the layout you previously made, pressing the tile firmly into the table. If you are making your own mosaic tiles, crush a selection of tiles and lay the pieces out in a pattern all over the coffee table.

Place several large, heavy objects on the tiles once they are all in place. Let the adhesive dry according to manufacturer directions -- 24 to 48 hours is typical -- and then remove the heavy objects.

Remove any protective plastic coating from the tile or mosaic sheets. Mix a batch of grout in a metal tray, and apply an even coat of grout to the entire surface with a trowel or putty knife, making sure that the space between the tiles is filled in. Let the grout set for the recommended time on the packaging, and then wipe down the tiles with a damp cloth to remove the grout from the surface of the tiles, without removing it from between the tiles.

Let the grout cure for three to four days, or according to the recommended time on the product label, before placing anything on the table.