Kitchen Makeover, Pt. 4: Breakfast Nook; Tile Mosaic Tabletop

Materials and tools:

multicolor tiles (100)
flat steel stock (20 linear ft.)
mastic
grout
rust finish spray paint
vinyl fabric for cushions
tile saw
welding equipment
grinder with flap wheel
sewing machine
drill
mixing bit
electric table saw
grout float
hammer
measuring tape
tile snips
trowel
bucket
painting supplies
safety glasses

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when using power tools or pneumatic tools.

1. Using the table saw, cut the existing table to the new dimensions.

2. Since this table design calls for welding a metal surround around the edge, attach a 1x3" oak strip to the edges of the old table to serve as a border (figure A).

3. Using a hammer, break the tiles in a five-gallon bucket (figure B) and shake vigorously to remove the sharp edges.

Safety Alert: Be sure to wear safety glasses or other eye protection when breaking the tile into pieces.

4. Decide on a design for the top. For this table, we applied four-inch tiles as a border around the outside and, using a mosaic design, surrounding a four-tile square in the center.

5. Lay down a layer of mastic, then begin creating layout. Set the square tiles around the outer edge and the center square first. Then arrange the broken tile pieces to create your mosaic configuration (figure C).

6. After all pieces are down, allow them to set and for the mastic to dry overnight.

7. When the mastic has dried, mix your grout to a peanut-butter consistency. Using a grout float, apply to the tabletop. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to work the grout into all the crevices. Allow for at least 4 hours so the grout can cure.

8. Use a tile sponge to gradually remove the haze off the tiles until only the grout between the tiles remains (figure D).

9. Measure the dimensions of your table, and use a welder and some flat steel stock to create a metal edge. Use a grinder to take off any rough edges. Then use the rust finish spray paint to cover the outer edge. Use a paper towel to blot off some paint to create the desired effect (figure E).

10. To update the cushions, we simply applied a new vinyl over the existing cushion to revitalize the look. Using the measurements of the existing pad and the sewing machine, we sewed a slipcover and simply slid it over the seating area.

11. New sheer curtains softened and completed the look of the newly revamped breakfast nook (figure F)

12. To complete the new look of the kitchen we painted the walls. No primer is necessary when applying latex over latex, as long as the old color won't bleed through. Just put the paint on, step back and enjoy!