How to Make an Outdoor Tabletop With Tile on it

Lay the tiles on the tabletop with spaces for tile spacers between them. If the table doesn't hold a full row of tiles, center the tiles so there are partial tiles on both sides of the table. Mark the edges of the outside tiles on the table with a pencil.

Snap chalk lines between the marks, creating a grid to guide you as you lay the tiles.

Measure, mark and cut bullnose tiles for the edges with a snap cutter, if necessary. Bullnose tiles have finished sides that can be exposed, such as on the edge of the tabletop.

Spread thin-set mortar on a section of the table, staying within a set of chalk lines. Comb the mortar with the edge of a notched trowel.

Place the tiles on the mortar, using the chalk lines as a guide. Place tile spacers between the tiles to create room for even grout lines. Continue spreading mortar and laying tiles in sections until the entire table is covered. Let the thin-set dry overnight.

Remove the tile spacers. Spread grout over the tiles and into the spaces in between with a grout float. Scrape the excess grout off the tile tabletop with the edge of the grout float.

Press the corner of a wet sponge over the grout lines to create an even depth. Wipe the tiles with a wet sponge to remove the grout residue twice. Let the grout dry overnight.