How to Tile Round Tabletops

Measure the diameter of the round table. Multiply this number by itself to get the area of the table, as if it were square. Purchase as many tiles as you would need to cover the square area, as this will provide extra tiles in case of any damage to the tiles during shipping, cutting or installation.

Dry place the tiles on the table to envision more easily the pattern you intend to make. Remove all the tiles except for the center tile and use the chalk to trace around it.

Mix the thin-set mortar according to the instructions on the package. Only mix as much mortar as you can use in a half hour, as thin-set mortar becomes brittle if it is allowed to dry out.

Use the smooth side of the notched trowel to spread the thin-set mortar over the tabletop, covering the space of several tiles and leaving one edge of the chalk outline uncovered. Go over the spread mortar with the notched side of the trowel. This will create grooves in the mortar, which will help the tiles stick to the tabletop using suction.

Lay the first tile in the chalk mark you've made. Apply even and firm pressure with both hands, using a slight wiggle to remove the air bubbles from in between the grooves in the thin-set mortar.

Place plastic tile spacers on all sides of the tile. Continue spreading mortar and laying tiles until you have covered the surface with as many whole tiles as possible.

The remaining tiles will have to be cut to match the edge of the round tabletop. To do this, first mark where you will need to cut each tile with a wax crayon.

Next, use the tile scriber to etch a line over the wax line you've made. Go over this line several times to make a deep groove that will serve as a guide for when you nip the tile.

Hold the tile firmly in one hand and use the other hand to slowly and carefully squeeze the tile nippers blades against the tile. Use a slight twist while squeezing the nippers to help chip off a bit of tile in a controlled manner. Only nip very small sections of tile as this method easily leads to breaks in the tile. Nip all the tile up to the curve you've etched until a smooth edge is all that is left. You may want to use the power sander to clean up the edges so as to make them aesthetically pleasing, as well as safe.

Spread mortar and lay the remaining cut tiles around the circumference of the table. Allow the mortar to cure according to the instructions on the package.

Remove the plastic tile spacers from between the tiles. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package.

Use the rubber float to smooth the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe away any excess grout from the tile surface using a damp cloth.

Allow grout to cure and use a damp cloth in a circular motion to remove any haze on the tile surface that may have been left by the grout.