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How to create a tiled table

The finished tiled table between two lounge chairs holding a small plant pot

Overview

Create a striking new addition to any space with a tiled table. This simple and affordable D.I.Y. project is stylish and useful (it’s great for holding a cup of tea and a biscuit), plus it adds storage space to your outdoor dining area.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

  1. 1

    Measure and mark

    Place two mosaic tiles onto your plywood above one another. This is the height we’re after. Using a pencil, mark the plywood at the top and along the side edge of the tile so you’ll know where to cut. 

    The surface of a table being measured and marked using a pencil and a sheet of tiles as a guide

    Repeat this step until you have marked up four rectangular sides (two tile lengths) and two square sides (one tile length).

    The surface of a table being measured and marked using a pencil and a spirit level
  2. 2

    Cut table base to size

    Now’s the time to put on your protective safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and mask). Cut each piece of plywood to size at the marked point with a saw. Once cut, sand each edge until smooth. 

    A circular saw being used to cut a panel of wood
  3. 3

    Adhere with wood glue

    Add wood glue to the side of the plywood you’re about to drill into. This will create a strong continuous bond along the entire wood pieces.
    Wood glue being laid along the edge of a panel of wood
  4. 4

    Pre-drill holes

    Start with two long pieces of plywood. Pre-drill a hole in the side of each piece of plywood. This is where the screw will go to secure them together. Pre-drilling the wood will ensure it doesn’t snap when the screws are added. Ensure you evenly space out the holes so that the plywood stays firm and secure.

    Holes being pre-drilled into a piece of timber
  5. 5

    Screw together

    To complement the wood glue, we’re going to use screws to provide a clean bond between all of the pieces of plywood. 

    Drill the two pieces together.

    Repeat Steps #3 – #5 for the other pieces until you have a rectangular 3D shape.

    Screws being drilled into a wood join using a power drill
  6. 6

    Prime the plywood

    Coat your plywood with a layer of primer. This ensures you have the best possible surface for the adhesive. It also adds a layer of long-term protection to the plywood. Allow to dry overnight.

    An assembled wooden table being primed for the application of grout and tiles
  7. 7

    Add tile adhesive

    Following the product instructions, mix the tile adhesive. Using a trowel, apply tile adhesive to one side of the table at a time. 

    Tile adhesive being applied to the surfaces of a wooden table
  8. 8

    Lay tiles

    Lay the tiles ensuring they meet the edges of the plywood. Work in sections to avoid the adhesive drying. Wipe away any excess tile adhesive with a damp sponge and leave to dry overnight.

    Tiles being laid onto tile adhesive on the side of a table
  9. 9

    Grout tiles

    Once the tiles have dried overnight, apply small sections of grout using a rubber trowel. Make sure all of the joints are filled with grout. To accomplish this, make several passes over the same area from different directions. Once completed, gently remove excess grout using a damp sponge and leave to dry for 24 hours.

    Grout being spread into the gaps between tiles on a table
  10. 10

    Sit back

    All that’s left to do is place your tiled table where you want it, and sit back and relax.

    A finished tiled table, positioned between two outdoor lounge chairs on a verandah.
  11. 11

    Ready to get started?

    Explore our wide range of tiles for your next tiled table project.

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.