How To Tile A Table Top: Simple & Easy Way To Attach A Tile To Tabletop

Simple & Easy Way To Attach A Tile To Table Top

In order to attach the tile to a tabletop, the users need to follow the simple & easy step by step way that is mentioned below:

Step 1: Prepare The Tabletop

The first step is to prepare the tabletop surface to accept and hold the tile. Although some thin-set mortars which are the most common tile adhesives are a good option for bonding with wood, the backerboard helps a long-lasting installation. However, the backer board looks similar to the drywall but it contains the cement and has a textured surface. The sheets of tile backer board are installed by trimming it with a utility knife so that it will fit the shape of the tabletop, spreading thin-set mortar on the tabletop, after that laying the sheets on the adhesive and securing the backer board with the help of corrosion-resistant screws.

Step 2: Tile-Mounting Mats

Another option instead of backer board is the self-adhesive, tile-mounting mats. It is a new product, tile-mounting mats are able to stick on both of the sides. They bond easily with the tabletop and the tiles, which means it eliminates the need for mortar. If in case the table is very slick, that time sand the surface lightly using the medium-grit sandpaper before installing the tile mats or backer board to make sure a better surface for adhesion.

Step 3: Plan The Layout

There are numerous options of tile colors, shapes as well as materials available. The small, mosaic tiles are mostly mounted on flexible mesh sheets, which makes the installation very quickly because all the grout spaces are built within the sheets. It is very important to dry-fit the tiles on the tabletop then mark tiles around the edges of the table that may require trimming. If in case the tiles are not mounted on mesh sheets, then the user can use tile spacers between the tiles to help alignment and proper grout-line spacing.

Step 4: Thin-set Mortar

The thin-set mortar bonds the backer board sheets strongly to the tabletop, besides that it also bonds tile with backer board. Using a notched trowel spread a layer of thin-set over the backer board. If in case the tiles are translucent, then grooves that are left by the trowel may show through. The solution to this is to sweep the flat edge of the trowel across all the adhesive areas.

Step 5: Install The Tiles

After the above step is done then its time to arrange all the tiles onto the thinset. If necessary, use the spacers and then press down the tiles lightly to secure them into the adhesive. It may require a few hours or even overnight to dry it. If the user has chosen tile-mounting mats, then press tiles directly onto the mats without using a thin-set mortar. After mounting tiles using mounting mats they are ready to grout.

Step 6: Grout The Tiles

Unsanded grout, that has a smooth texture, is a common choice for tabletops. Mix the grout with water, make a foam- or rubber-backed grout float, then spread it across the tiles and also force it into the tile joints. With the help of the flat edge of the float remove excess grout from the table before it hardens. After 10 minutes, wipe the tiles with a clean damp sponge.