Have you ever fallen in love with a tile? I kid you not; it was love at first sight when I first saw these ever so beautiful Laura Ashley, Heritage Collection Mr. Jones Charcoal Floor tiles. So I really wanted to work out how to recycle leftover tiles to create something beautiful. Thus I decided rather than let the tiles go to waste I would Up-Cycle A Garden Table with them.
What To Do With Leftover Tiles?
Last week when we were busy preparing the garden for summer we had the idea of transforming our decking table and using the waste tiles to create a tiled table top out of my left over Laura Ashley porch tiles. They are seriously too beautiful not to make use of.
It was a glass-topped table and just totally unpractical with clumsy boys. Joe insists the table was slippy, hence why he spilled almost every drink he placed on it. The table was also far too light and was easily knocked, thus all drinks on it spilt.
Why We Decided To Up-Cycle A Garden Table With Leftover Tiles
As part of national tile week, a nationwide celebration of tiles and in conjunction with The House of British Ceramic Tile we decided that we would up-cycle our garden table and create a new tiled top with our leftover tiles.. This would not only create a bit of weight and make the table sturdier. It would resolve Joe’s slippy surface problem and give me an excuse to use my beautiful Laura Ashley tiles.
I am going to be totally honest here, because if I don’t I will never hear the last of it. Chris is the hands on person in this house. And I am totally happy with that arrangement, thus my involvement is purely on a creative and supervisory capacity!
How To Up-Cycle A Garden Table With Leftover Tiles
Here is how we up-cycled our table in 5 easy steps with spare floor tiles.
- A. Firstly remove the table top, once the glass tabletop is removed measure the top of the table and cut a piece of wood to the correct size and attach to the table with a bonding agent.
- B. Now decide on a tile arrangement and measure for any cuts needed.
- C. You also need to decide on an edging, we went for a metal edged strip. This is available from any hardware store.
- D. Cut the tiles to the correct shape with a tile cutter, ensuring you wear goggles and use a guard.
- E. Position tiles and use tile cement and grout to secure. We went for grey for a more contemporary effect. Once the tiles are dry cut the silver strip to the correct length ensuring you cut the corners on an angle to meet neatly on the corners, and now attach with a bonding agent.
I am thrilled with how the table looks now. I always felt the table let our decking set down a little. However now it is super stylish and looks so much more substantial.
It just goes to show what a huge difference an up-cycle project can make. And that tiles are just not for floors and walls. They can be used in a variety of creative ways its just about being a little open-minded. If you thinking should I Up-Cycle A Garden Table or indeed any other piece of furniture I would say do for it.
Wow, this looks great, and well done tackling the tile cutter! Lovely finish.
This is so clever, Sarah. Love the tiles you chose. Chris did a super professional job x
Great way to make something hard wearing and quirky for the home.
Looks great wish I was this creative :/
Oh I love this Sarah! I have the same sofa set as you and I am always worried about the boys breaking the glass table. I might have to do something similar as it will look beautiful and more practical
Wow, what a difference! Glass-topped tables always worry me, this is a really clever idea. I can see why you’re in love with those tiles, they’re just gorgeous. #HomeEtc
Yes it really worried me too Catherine but I just love it now x
This looks fantastic Sarah, I love what you’ve done with the table. We have a similar one, and you’ve got me thinking that we could do something more with it to jazz it up! #homeetc
Ah thanks so much Becky, I am so thrilled with it as I was not keen on the table at all before x
Looks great, and what a clever idea.
What a stunning upcycle project! And I love love those tiles, we’re thinking of tiles for our hallway so they may be just the ticket. I wish Pete was more hands on, he’s great with electrics and hanging things but not so great with creative DIY projects Xx #HomeEtc
Great look and so professional you should be very proud
Great results, looks like it has been purchased fro a high end shop!
Oh Sarah!!! I think this is my fave upcycle ever — it looks fabulous!! Love the tiles too — I’m wanting something similar for our ensuite. There is actual CARPET in there at the mo!! LOL!! Who has carpet in a bathroom?? Apart from me of course 😉
Caro I just love the tiles they are so beautiful, and look amazing on the table. Thanks so much my lovely x
Wow what a fab idea. I love the idea of having a tiled table top and those tiles are just gorgeous.
I did laugh about your neighbour! I think mine thinks exactly the same! #HomeEtc
Ha ha yes I must look mad, I live the infinitude result Carly it looks so great x
This looks brilliant and you’re so right, glass is dangerous with kids. A few weeks ago, Elodie cut her head open on one of ours. Safety aside, the tiles look much nicer anyway! Xx
Oh no thats awful, there is the exact reason to do this, it is so much prettier and safer x
Wow what a superb idea – and it looks so effective! I absolutely love it. You’ve made it look really stylish and so chic! Thanks for sharing xx
#HomeEtc
Ah thanks Jess I am so thrilled with how it has turned out x