How to create a tiled table

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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