How to Set Ceramic Tile on a Table Top

Clean the surface of your table and allow to dry completely. Measure the top of your table and cut the tile backerboard to fit. Brush adhesive on the underside of the backerboard and lay in place on the table. Use 1-inch wood screws on all four corners and every 12 inches around the edges to hold it in place.

Plan the layout of the tiles. You can lay from a single tile in the center, tiles grouped around the center, or any pattern that you wish.

Mix the thinset mortar, according the package instructions, in the bucket. Using a flat edge of the trowel, scoop up mortar and apply to the table top. Use the notched edge of the trowel to spread the mortar out to the appropriate depth. The notched edge leaves a grooved surface for the tile.

Lay the first tile in your plan. Place grout spacers at the corners of the tiles to help you place the next tiles the correct distance away. Continue to place tiles and spacers until the tabletop is covered. Allow the thinset mortar to dry for 24 hours.

Spread grout on the tiles using the grout float. Put the grout on the table top, and use the float to spread it out. Ensure that it fills the spaces between the tiles completely.

Use a wet sponge to wipe the grout off the tiles. You may need to do this several times to ensure that the tiles are completely cleaned. Let the grout dry per manufacturer’s instructions before using the table.