How to Make Your Own Stone Top for a Round Patio Table

Clean the round patio table surface with an all-purpose cleaner and a cleaning cloth. This gets rid of any dust or dirt that may prevent the stones from adhering well.

Collect enough stones to cover your patio table. They don't have to be the same color, but select ones that are approximately the same thickness and relatively flat. This enables you to use the table for items such as beverages.

Glue the stones on the round patio table with a thinset bonding mortar. Use a trowel to apply the mortar to one side of each stone and press it into place on the table. Keep the stones at a distance of approximately one-eighth of an inch from each other. This provides space for the grout to fit between them. If you want to create a design with darker or lighter stones, glue these stones on first. Another option is to glue darker or lighter stones on the table in a random pattern to enhance the natural appearance.

Add the remaining stones to fill in the space on the round table. Wait for the mortar to dry according to the label directions.

Prepare the bathroom tile grout as instructed on the label.

Wear disposable plastic gloves while forcing the grout in between the stones. Another option is to use a rubber grout float. Don't worry about any grout that gets on top of the stones; you can wipe this off later.

Wait for the grout to start drying. This takes about 10 or 15 minutes.

Saturate a sponge with water. Wring it out well. Wipe it over the stones on the patio table to remove the grout from the top surface of the stones. Use caution to prevent removing any of the material between the stones.

Wait about 15 minutes and go over the stones again with a clean, damp sponge. This removes any remaining hazing.

Read the drying instructions on the grout. Grout usually requires at least 24 to 48 hours before it sets.

Pick a tile and grout sealer to cover your stone patio table. The sealers are available in spray cans or brands you must paint on with a sponge brush or a paintbrush. Wait for the sealant to dry completely before using your patio table.