How To Make a DIY Outdoor Tile Table

“How To Make a DIY Outdoor Tile Table” was written by a paid contributor. All photos taken by Stephanie Watkins.

The warmer weather has me thinking of DIY projects that will make our outdoor space ready for relaxation and fun. The deck is our favourite place to lounge, especially when the kids are playing in the yard. But with so much seating, we needed more table space for drinks and snacks. Now, we have the perfect outdoor tile table for our deck, and it was made using Flex Glue!

As a DIYer and home decor creator, I appreciate when tools and materials are not only easy to use but can help me quickly create. Using Flex Glue for this project was great since it's super-strong and has instant-grab within seconds of applying.

Keep reading to learn how Flex Glue can help you create your own DIY outdoor tile table.

Materials

● (2) Flex Glue 28 oz MAX cartridges, white

● (6) 2x3” lumber cut to 16.5”

● (2) 2x3” lumber cut to 13.5”

● (2) ¼” plywood sheet cut to 18.5”x 16.5” for the table sides

● ½” plywood sheet cut to 16.5”x16.5” for tabletop

● (14) 12x12 tile sheets

● (1 box) 1 ¼” pocket hole screws or wood screws

● Container of grout

● Tile nipper

● 29 oz caulk gun

● Table saw

● Miter saw

● 18 gauge brad nailer

● Pocket hole jig

● Clamps

● Putty knife or grout float

● Sponge

● Bucket of water

● Scissors (to cut tile sheets)

● Tape measure

Note: Use caution when working with power tools and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before using Flex Seal products, read all directions and take proper safety precautions, such as being in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective gear while applying.

Steps

To create your DIY outdoor tile table, you’ll first need to build a simple table from 2x3” lumber. This project requires a miter saw, or you can ask your local hardware store to make the lumber cuts for you. Though my lumber lengths are listed, you can adjust the cuts to make your table higher or lower.

1. Add Pocket Holes

Start by taking four of the 16.5” length 2x3”s and add pocket holes to only one end and one side of each. These will serve as table legs. If you choose to use a brad nailer instead, you can skip to the next step.

2. Create Table Legs

Next, create a “U” shaped table leg by screwing (or nailing with a brad nailer) two of the lumber pieces with pocket holes into one of the 16.5” lumber pieces without the pocket holes. Then use Flex Glue to adhere one of the 13.5” length 2x3” pieces to the center of each “U” for additional table support.

Repeat the process above so that you end up with two “U” shaped table legs.

3. Add Plywood To Base

Use Flex Glue to adhere the ½” plywood that was cut to 16.5”x16.5” to the base of the two table supports. Then, use clamps to help keep the tabletop in place while the glue dries.

Flexpert Tip: While Flex Glue adheres quickly due to its instant grab, it takes at least 24 hours to fully cure.

4. Cut Additional Plywood

Cut two 18.5”x16.5” pieces of the ¼” plywood to adhere to the sides of the table. Please measure the sides of your own table, as lumber can vary. You may need to adjust the measurement of your plywood.

5. Use Flex Glue To Attach Table Sides

Use Flex Glue to adhere the ¼” plywood pieces to the two opposite sides of the table supports. You may add a few brad nails to lock the plywood in place or use clamps.

6. Add Tile to DIY Outdoor Tile Table

Now that your simple table is complete, you can begin gluing on the tile! I’m using a beautiful marbleized tile with touches of copper colour that I purchased from The Home Depot. Though this tile is attached to a mesh sheet, you can use individual tiles for this table if desired.

To adhere the tile sheet to the table, apply several rows of Flex Glue to the wood and carefully attach the tile sheet to the table. Hold in place for 15-30 seconds.

Continue applying the tile sheets to the table until it is fully covered. Use the tile nippers as needed to trim the tile.

Allow Flex Glue to dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

7. Apply Grout

Apply grout over the tiles following package instructions using a grout float or putty knife.

8. Wipe Down Tiles and Let Dry

Clean off the tiles with water and a sponge. Be sure to avoid the grout areas as you do not want to wet the grout. Be sure your grout is completely dry before setting your DIY tile table outside.

Creating this DIY outdoor tile table was a lot of fun! I’m tempted to make another tile side table to have a set or perhaps build a larger version for an outdoor coffee or dining table! With Flex Glue, the possibilities are endless!

By Stephanie Watkins

Stephanie is the vibrant, creative Latina blogger behind the globally inspired home and DIY blog Casa Watkins Living. She uses her Caribbean background to showcase how to bring color, heritage, and style into our homes. Her colorful designs and projects have been featured in several top magazines, including HGTV magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, and Pioneer Woman, among others. Stephanie lives in Maryland with her family and plans to launch her new Casa Watkins home line in 2022. Find Stephanie on Instagram and Facebook @casawatkinsblog!