How to Use Plywood As a Base for Tile Workbench

Tiled tops added to existing workbenches provide a decorative, personalized touch to your workspace. In addition, they make for a durable, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for garden workspaces, artists' tables and even roll-away kitchen worktops. Before you can tile a workbench, you will need to make sure the top is suitably prepared for receiving tile. The easiest way to do this is by using a plywood underlayment to provide a flat, durable surface that adheres well to mortar and is not subject to much movement, which can cause tiles to crack or pop loose.

3/4-inch thick plywood
Pencil
Saw horses
Safety glasses
Saw
Adhesive caulking
Caulking gun
Drill
Wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the piece of plywood on a flat part of the ground, such as a driveway or patio.
- 2
  Place the workbench upside down on the plywood so the top of the workbench rests directly on the plywood.
- 3
  Trace the outline of the workbench top on to the plywood. Hold a pencil against the side of the top so the tip of the pencil contacts the plywood and slide the pencil around the entire perimeter of the plywood.
- 4
  Remove the table and place the plywood on a sawhorse or other support. Alternately, you can place objects such as bricks under the plywood to lift it off of the ground so you can cut it.
- 5
  Cut along the line using a jig, circular or hand saw until you have completely cut the workbench top. Remember to wear eye protection.
- 6
  Place the plywood top on top of the workbench. Make sure the workbench is the upright position. The plywood top should be flush, or even, with the sides of the existing top. Use a saw to trim any part that overhangs the sides of the existing top.
- 7
  Remove the plywood top and apply a generous amount of adhesive caulking to the top of the table. Start by applying it in a continuous bead roughly a 1/2 inch in from the edge of the table. Apply additional beads roughly 3 inches apart. Place the plywood top on the workbench and align the edges with the edges of the existing top. Press firmly in place.
- 8
  Screw the top down using 1 5/8-inch exterior wood screws. Place them along the perimeter of the plywood top every 6 inches, keeping them 1 inch from the edge. Space them 10 inches apart over the rest of the table. The screws will clamp the plywood top to the workbench top and hold it in place while the adhesive dries. Let the adhesive cure for 48 hours and your workbench is ready for tiling.

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