Can You Tile The Top Of A Table?

Tiling table tops has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. While tile was commonly used for countertops in decades past, it fell out of favor as other materials like granite, quartz, and solid surface became more popular. However, tile is making a comeback for table tops and kitchen counters, offering pros and cons compared to other table top materials.

Tile is a versatile, affordable, and durable option for table tops. Ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone tiles now come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. Tiles are impervious to heat, moisture, and stains. They are easy to clean and maintain. The grout between tiles can be colored to complement or contrast the tiles. On the downside, the grout needs periodic sealing to prevent stains. The surface is not as smooth as other materials, and dropped items may break tiles or grout.

In comparison to materials like wood, laminate, or butcher block, tile provides a more durable and moisture-resistant surface that requires less ongoing maintenance and sealing. However, those materials provide a warmer, softer look. Granite, quartz, and solid surfaces create a seamless appearance, but tile allows more flexibility in replacing damaged sections.

Overall, tiling table tops provides an affordable, customizable, and resilient option. With proper installation and grout sealing, it can be a practical yet stylish choice for kitchen and dining tables.

Preparing the Table

Before you can tile a tabletop, you need to properly prepare the table surface. This involves sanding the table down and cleaning it thoroughly. According to Thrift Diving, sanding helps smooth out any rough spots or uneven surfaces on the table, which will allow the tiles to adhere properly. They recommend starting with a coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish or paint from the tabletop. Then follow up with a fine 120-220 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out (source).

It’s also important to fill any holes, gaps, or imperfections in the tabletop with wood filler before tiling. Allow the wood filler to dry completely and then sand smooth. Filling holes and gaps will provide the smoothest, most even surface for the tiles to adhere to. According to Apartment Therapy, any holes in the table that are deeper than 1/8 inch should be filled to prevent cracking of the tile above (source).

Once sanding is complete, thoroughly clean and degrease the tabletop using a strong detergent or degreasing agent like TSP. This will remove any dirt, grease, or grime so the tile adhesive can properly bond to the table surface. Allow the table to fully dry after cleaning before moving onto tiling.

Choosing Tiles

When selecting tiles for a tabletop, there are a few key considerations regarding tile material, size, shape, and style.

The most popular materials for tabletop tiles are:

• Ceramic – Durable, affordable, and available in many colors/patterns. May chip if very heavy objects are set on the tile. Cited from https://thriftdiving.com/how-to-tile-a-table-top-own-ceramic-tiles/
• Porcelain – Very durable and stain/scratch resistant. Heavier than ceramic and more expensive. Often has a polished look. Cited from https://www.pinterest.com/jjohnson1610/tile-top-tables/
• Glass/Stone – Gorgeous but very heavy and more prone to cracking/chipping. Natural stone has variations in patterning.

Standard tile sizes range from 1″ mosaics up to 18″ tiles or larger for special statement pieces. Square and rectangular shapes are most common. Consider the size of the table and scale of the tiles – larger tiles for big tables and smaller mosaics for accent tables.

Choose tile colors, patterns, and textures that complement the style of the table base. For example, an antique farmhouse table looks best with neutral, natural stone or ceramic tiles rather than modern glass mosaics.

Adhesives

There are generally two types of tile adhesives used for table tops:

• Thinset mortar – This is a cement-based adhesive that is mixed with water before applying. It provides a very strong, permanent bond and is resistant to moisture. It is ideal for outdoor table tops. You can purchase pre-mixed thinset or buy powder and mix it yourself. Thinset takes some skill to work with and requires letting it set before grouting.



• Adhesive caulk – Adhesive caulks like E6000 are much easier to work with than thinset. They provide a strong, flexible bond. While they aren’t quite as durable as thinset for outdoor use, they create a permanent bond indoor. Adhesive caulk is as simple as applying it to the surface and pressing the tiles in place.

Advantages of thinset mortar include very high strength and moisture resistance. However, it’s more difficult to work with and requires some skill. Adhesive caulks create a reliable indoor bond with ease of application, but may not hold up as well outdoors.

Grouting

Grout fills the spaces between the tiles and comes in a variety of colors. When choosing a grout color, consider complementing or contrasting with the tile color for the desired aesthetic. Typically, neutral grout colors like white, gray, or beige work well with most tiles. Dark grout can make small tiles appear even smaller, while light grout helps open up the space visually. For a vintage or rustic look, browns and earth tones are nice options.

It’s important to seal the grout, especially for tabletops which will come into regular contact with liquids. Sealing prevents stains from setting into the porous grout. Most grouts today are polymer-modified for increased strength and stain resistance. For even better protection, apply a penetrating grout sealer to the clean, dry grout once installation is complete and the grout has cured, usually within 72 hours. Reapply sealer regularly according to manufacturer instructions. Using a grout release on the tiles before applying grout can also make sealer application easier.

According to https://www.artsychicksrule.com/how-to-tile-a-table-top/, it’s best to wipe away excess grout haze with a damp paper towel to avoid scratching the tile surface.

Edging Options

When tiling a tabletop, you’ll need to decide how to finish the edges. Two popular options are using bullnose tiles or finishing the plywood edges before installing the field tiles.

Bullnose tiles have a rounded finished edge and are designed to cap the edges of a tiled surface. They create a smooth, finished look along the sides of a tabletop. Bullnose tiles come in materials that match your field tiles, like ceramic, porcelain or natural stone. Make sure to account for the bullnose tiles when calculating how many tiles you need to purchase. Lay the bullnose tiles last after installing the field tiles. Apply a thin layer of mastic adhesive to the edge and press the bullnose tiles into place [1].

If not using bullnose tiles, you’ll need to finish the plywood table edges before installing the tiles. Options include covering the plywood with trim pieces, veneers, or hardwood edging. Painting or staining the plywood edges is another simple finish. Be sure to seal and smooth any wood edging properly before laying the tile. Take care to make neat, clean cuts if the wood edges the tile [2].

Sealing

Sealing a tiled table top is an important step to protect the tiles and grout from damage. When installing tiles outdoors, they are exposed to the elements like sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes. Sealing creates a protective barrier against moisture, stains, and dirt.

There are a few common options for sealers to use on an outdoor tile table top:

• Penetrating sealers soak into the surface of the tile and grout. This helps prevent moisture from seeping in and causing cracks, chips, and stains. Silicone-based penetrating sealers provide good protection and last 1-5 years.
• Topical sealers coat the surface of the tile to create a waterproof barrier. These are best for resisting stains but need more frequent reapplication every 1-3 years as they wear away.
• Epoxy grout sealers are formulated to seal the grout joints between tiles. Using an epoxy-based sealer will help protect the grout from absorbing moisture and stains.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and choose a sealer designed for outdoor use. Applying a sealer to your tiled table top will help the tiles stay beautiful for many years.

Maintenance

Properly maintaining a tiled tabletop will ensure it stays beautiful and functional for years to come. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Cleaning Tiles

For regular cleaning, wipe the tiles down with a soft damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can scratch the surface. For more stubborn stains, a limestone cleaning gel can help lift dirt without damaging the tiles.

Re-Sealing

Over time, the grout between tiles may become dirty or worn. Re-sealing the grout every 1-2 years will help protect it. Use a grout sealer recommended for the specific tile material. Re-sealing the entire tiled surface can also help prevent stains.

Repairing Damage

For minor chips or cracks in a tile, specialty repair kits are available. Carefully follow the product instructions to fill damaged areas for an invisible fix. Replacing individual cracked tiles may be necessary for more significant damage.

With proper care and maintenance, a tiled tabletop can stay beautiful for many years of regular use.

Cost

The cost to tile the top of a table can vary greatly depending on the type of tile and materials used. According to Homewyse, basic tile installation for a countertop costs $16.92 – $28.64 per square foot. Tile prices themselves can range from as low as $1 per square foot for basic ceramic tile to $50 or more per square foot for high-end stone and glass tiles. Adhesives, grout and other materials will add $3-5 per square foot on average.

In addition to material costs, professional installation labor fees range $40-80 per hour. DIY installation can save significantly on labor costs but takes more time and skill. The size of the tabletop will also impact overall project costs. Small tabletops under 25 square feet may cost $300-800 installed, while larger surfaces over 50 square feet can cost $1000-3000 or more with high-end tile and professional installation.

When budgeting for a tile tabletop, it’s important to consider both tile prices per square foot as well as total labor fees based on tabletop size and installation difficulty. Consulting with tile showrooms and installers can help provide an accurate estimate for your specific project.

Conclusion

In summary, tiling the top of a table is a very doable DIY project for most homeowners. The process involves properly preparing the table surface, selecting appropriate tiles and adhesives, proper installation techniques like making sure the tiles are level and leaving room for grout lines, and then grouting and sealing the tiles. Tiling requires more skill and labor compared to some other countertop options like laminate or solid surface, but it can create a beautiful, customized look at a reasonable price point. The tiles bring durability, easy cleaning, and heat resistance. Just make sure to consider the pros and cons compared to alternatives before deciding if tiling is the right option for your next tabletop project.