How to make a mosaic table

last updated 28 June 2022

If you’ve been debating what to do with an old side table, then we could have just the solution for you. Craig Collins, marketing manager for paint at B&Q, share his tips on how to breathe a new lease of life into a side table — simply by using a handful of tiles, adhesive and some paint.

With the country in lockdown, now is the perfect time to tackle any DIY projects or interior updates. So why not give this a try?

The best thing about this makeover is that you can personalise your table top with whatever tile design of your choosing. There's the option to mix different types of tiles or even break a few up a few to create a totally unique mosaic effect.

The tools and equipment you'll need

An orbital sander or medium grit sandpaper
Tape measure
Fine-tooth saw
A mitre box
Pencil
Nails and a hammer
Latex gloves
Sponge
Rubble sack (to smash up tiles)

The materials you'll need

Wooden trimming (for the border)
A side table of choice
Self-priming paint of your colour choice
Furniture lacquer
Assortment of mosaic tiles
Tile adhesive
Ready-mixed grout

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1. Sand all over

First things first, you need to make sure your table is free from scuff, scrapes or rough patches, so use either an orbital sander or medium grit sandpaper to create an all-over smooth effect. Make sure any gloss is removed and don’t neglect often-forgotten areas, such as the legs.

2. Create a border for your mosaics to sit inside

You’ll need to measure just how far you want the tiles to come out on the table top. Use a pencil and tape measure to mark out the area. Then cut your wooden trimming to size, using a mitre box and a fine-tooth saw — this will help to cut the borders corners to size at a perfect 45 ° angle, so they slot into one another.

3. Hammer borders into place

Put the wooden border trimmings in place and then use a nail and hammer to fix them to the table.

4. Paint

Once the borders are in place it’s time for the paint. Use a self-priming paint and apply a thin, even layer. Leave the first coat to dry, before applying a second. Then use a coat of furniture lacquer to help seal and protect your newly-painted surface.

5. Start the tiling

While the lacquer is drying, it’s time to focus on the tiling and you can get as creative as you want with this. There are two options - either use whole tiles or to break some up to make a unique moasic border.

This rustic broken mosaic look can be achieved by placing each tile in a rubble sack and hammering to break it up into 3-4 small pieces.

6. Stick them down

Once you’ve decided on a design that fits the table, apply a small amount of tile adhesive to the back and press each one down.

7. Apply grout

One the adhesive is dry, apply some grout. Wear gloves for this (because there could be some sharp edges), fill in the gaps and remove any excess grout before it sets. Our how to grout tiles guide has all the advice you need for this stage.

8. Sponge off any excess grout

Finally, take a damp sponge to it and wipe it across to clear any excess.

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Make sure to leave your table out overnight so the grout dries fully before putting anything on top of it. And there you have it – a unique side table you can be proud to say you made yourself.

How to make a mosaic table – upcycle a side table with tiles and paint, step by step