Tile mosaic table centrepiece

[kimamery]

A table centrepiece made from old tiles, secured with grout and covered in finishing wax.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• More inspiration for your mosaic project

The project

I love to create mosaic tables and here I made a centrepiece using leftover tile and scrap timber I had at home. I made this while doing a larger project, so I was able to use up the left over tile adhesive and grout too. 

Steps

Step 1

Firstly, I found a piece of scrap wood and got everything out that I needed. 

Step 2

I then got to work setting the tile pieces down in a pattern I was happy with. I broke a few pieces up using a hammer to create smaller tiles when needed.

 

Step 3

When I was happy with the pattern, I transferred them off the board so that I could apply the adhesive. I taped around the edge of the board to hold any loose adhesive in place. Then using the adhesive scraper, I applied the adhesive and scored lines down the centre like this. 

 

Step 4

 

Step 5

Then I placed each tile back on the board. This is so satisfying to do.

 

Step 6

Once all the pieces were in place, I left it to dry for 24 hours. 

 

Step 7

After the adhesive had set, it was time to grout. Once mixed with water, the grout is a thick paste. I applied it using my gloves and pushed it into each crevice. I then used a damp sponge to smooth it out and remove the excess.

 

Step 8

I then left it to dry overnight. The following day, I used an orbital sander with fine grit sandpaper to smooth off any rough edges and blend the grout into the timber. 

 

Step 9

I then waxed the entire piece using white wax. This sealed the grout and tile and makes it easier to clean.

 

Step 10

And then I set this in the middle of my dining table. It makes a nice setting for flowers, candles, picture frames, or could be used to serve a bowl of chips and dip. I love this travertine tile, and love how it ties in with my outdoor area tiles. 

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

•  Tiles
  
  
• Sanitized grout
  
  
• Finishing wax
  
  
• Grey one pot premixed tile adhesive

• Sponge

• Tape

• Fine grit sandpaper.

Tools used in the project:

• Orbital sander
  
  
• Hammer
  
  
• Rubber gloves
  
  
• Bucket (of water)
  
  
• Adhesive square notch floor spreader.

More inspiration for your mosaic project

An upcycled mosaic tile table by Workshop member lifestylebymari was created out of old, weathered furniture.

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[Dave-1]

Afternoon @kimamery 

That looks great! Usually I scroll past tiling (scared to do it really ) I have seen a few different moasics and thought maybe, but yours is the closest to showing how to and what to do.

So is there a reason you straightened out the glue lines from the curves in the previous shot?

Inspiring work.

Dave

[kimamery]

Thanks @Dave-1 

No reason in particular, maybe a little OCD? 🤣