How to decorate a table with a mosaic. We make a do-it-yourself mosaic countertop for the kitchen: the pros and cons

Mosaic is one of the first ways of artistic decoration. Traditionally, it is used for floors and walls, less often they lay out paintings from mosaics. However, the range of applications of this technique is much wider. For example, it is popular to make mosaic tables. Next, let's talk about all the subtleties of this process.

It is worth highlighting the most popular and frequently encountered types of mosaics:

Glass mosaic. It is the undisputed leader among facing varieties. A huge selection of a wide variety of textures and textures, the widest palette of all kinds of pure and combined colors provided glass mosaics with such popularity. It is environmentally friendly and resistant to moisture and chemicals, so it is recommended for coating in bathrooms.

The ceramic variety of mosaic is the same tile, because it is made using a similar technology, with a difference in size. A protective layer of glaze is required.
Stone mosaic. It is interesting primarily for the naturalness of the material, and is often made from minerals, as well as the remains of marble production. Often used in combination with ceramic and glass mosaics.
Metal mosaic. It is a blank coated or embossed, which are assembled into matrices and make up a pattern. Metal mosaic has not yet become widespread due to the tactility of the metal. In fact, such a mosaic is an excellent conductor of cold or heat, and therefore its use is more dictated by questions of taste than expediency.
Wooden mosaic. More often used for interior decoration, including even sanitary areas. Due to the naturalness of wood and its resistance to abrasion, such a mosaic will last a long time.
Ceramic granite mosaic. Obtained by cutting ceramic granite slabs. Since the elements are of considerable weight, it is more correct to use this type of tile for wall and floor cladding.

According to experts, the best choice would be a combination of colored tempered glass with flexible tiles, which are products made from marble chips processed to match the selected texture of stone or brick. Like glass, flexible tiles have:

moisture resistance,
high mechanical strength,
durability,
high level of frost resistance,
retains colors with prolonged exposure to the sun and moisture,
resistance to chemically aggressive environments.

Due to the high level of aesthetics of the material and the ease of its installation, it is this combination that will give the chosen object a spectacular artistic image.

Making a garden table frame

Many will rightly note that it is easier to buy a ready-made wooden or plastic table and start decorating it. However, the table that was made by hand and certainly from natural wood is most valued. Since the mosaic already involves the creation of an art object, it makes no sense to buy a typical base from the assembly line. The finished product will not look very impressive. It is not so difficult to assemble a garden table with your own hands, if you clearly define its design and dimensions in advance.

If you plan to create a small table on one leg, or a large one on a single base column, it is important to consider that the table will be less stable and durable. For the base, either a thick beam or, even better, a wooden pole is suitable. It is optimal if its diameter is at least 20 cm. Countertops for these models are made round or with a small oval. The easiest option is to knock down the boards and cut them to the desired shape. Minus - it does not look aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, it is better to use gluing technology. The finished tabletop is attached to the base using furniture corners on the inside and self-tapping screws on top, which must be placed so that they enter through the base directly into the leg. Of course, the place for the screws is pre-bored with a drill of the same diameter as the screw head, to a depth of 4 mm, so that they are securely hidden flush.

Making a table from mosaic and wood is quite simple. If you plan to assemble a structure with four legs for better stability, then 8 elements will suffice: 4 planks for the frame and 4 legs. In order to make it comfortable for people of different heights to sit at the table, it is necessary to choose a leg height of 75 cm, taking into account the thickness of the tabletop. That is, if its thickness is 2 cm, then the length of the legs will be 73 cm.

The wood for the legs is carefully sanded with sandpaper of different fractions, from two to zero. Then they are mounted in the frame using metal connecting corners. For a table frame designed for four people, an ordinary board 20 mm wide and 100 mm high is enough, the load is distributed according to the principle of columns, so the table can withstand a fairly large weight. The frame of the garden table should have indents of 20-30 cm from the edge of the tabletop on each side. The base is installed using furniture corners on the frame, after which it is securely fixed with wood screws.

However, that's not all. Of course, mosaic can give any object a spectacular beauty and it is for this reason that it is valued as a great way to decorate, but it hardly makes sense to make a full facing of the table from all sides, including the legs. Even a figuratively laid out tabletop with a base made of simple, albeit polished timber, will also not cause that ecstatic delight in people who see the finished product. To create something really original, it makes sense to spend some decoration and a wooden base.

Do it within your power with the help of a cutter and artistic skills. However, if there are none, then there is a way out. It is enough to take any pattern and make a template out of it - by printing the necessary pattern on paper. Then the main lines are carefully cut, and in the future, when applied to a wood surface, the drawing is traced along the lines with a simple pencil. Further, with the help of a cutter, the drawing is transferred to the tree. By changing the angle of inclination and position, you can create a complex geometric pattern. Those parts of the wood that will not be decorated with mosaics, it makes sense to cover with several layers of ship varnish, which will preserve the natural color of the wood without giving it yellowness, or cover it with stain, which will allow you to recreate the appearance of more valuable wood species. Such a garden wooden table will please the eye and will decorate any suburban area.

Foundation preparation

Wood is a rather complex and capricious material, so it is important to approach the laying of mosaics on it with special care and some points should be taken into account:

in relation to wood, it is impossible to use mixtures of a soluble type prepared on a cement basis,
excessive moisture content of the adhesive composition can cause swelling of the wood and subsequent deformation of the mosaic layer,

for laying the mosaic, it is necessary to use glue with a high degree of elasticity. For example, Atlas-Plus glue has just such characteristics, and at the same time its retail price is $ 12 per bag weighing 25 kg,
wood tends to dry out due to hot climates and swell due to humidity, so the base for the tile must have a primer layer,
mosaic elements can also be laid on ordinary liquid nails, but it is better to use a special mosaic adhesive, which is a more convenient and economical option.

Garden tables, photos of which are presented in the article, are an excellent highlight for any interior.

DIY mosaic table

When the countertop has been primed, it is necessary to mark with a pencil, according to which the drawing will subsequently be laid out. It is important to remember that all the details of the future composition should be large, and at the same time it is worth refraining from excessively right angles and lines. After the drawing has acquired completeness, it is necessary to choose one of the methods for how to produce the cladding.

1. The first way to lay out a table with mosaics involves using simple PVA glue or liquid nails and grout. Applied along the lines of the picture, the mosaic elements are laid on the glue. A day later, they move on to grouting the seams. Next, using a damp cloth, remove excess grout from the surface of the table. Mosaic should not be subjected to any load during the day, to give the material to acquire final strength.

2. In the event that there is no need to resort to complex artistic compositions to decorate the table and a pattern of mosaic elements of the same size and shape is enough, it makes sense to use the method of transferring finished drawings from a paper base to the tabletop surface:

carefully place the mosaic sheet on the pre-prepared adhesive mixture with the paper base to the top. Moreover, it is important to know that the use of a white mixture will help the glass mosaic get rid of the manifestation of shades on the surface;
gently blot the paper with a damp cloth until it begins to freely separate from the surface of the mosaic elements;
remove paper residues without applying force so as not to move the position of the elements;
after the paper base has been completely removed, it is necessary to give the laid out drawing a day to solidify before applying the grout;
further, when the seams are sealed with grout, you need to remove its excess with a damp cloth.

3. The third method involves laying mosaics using a grid. This is one of the simplest methods, which involves carefully dipping the mesh base with the mosaic laid out on it into the adhesive solution so that the entire mesh is evenly immersed to the same depth. Next, the drawing is left for a day to solidify and proceed to the finishing - applying the grout. In the event that there are traces of dried grout on the surface that cannot be removed with a damp cloth or sponge, it is worth using light solvents like White Spirit, but it is advisable to perform cleaning procedures with it no earlier than a week after the end works.

Each of the methods is good in its own way and demonstrates that a table with a mosaic will become a good and noticeable decoration of any country house. Moreover, the mosaic is not necessarily purchased, it is quite possible to create a beautiful pattern or picture from fragments of an old broken tile or bottles of alcohol.

Mosaic is one of the oldest ways to decorate a room. Traditionally, the material is used to decorate walls and floors, less often pictures are laid out from it. The range of application of technology has expanded significantly over time, and mosaic tiles have recently been often used for pasting tables. It is worth noting that making a tabletop with your own hands is not difficult, it requires minimal skills and a lot of patience.

There are a fairly large number of varieties of mosaics. The most common are the following:

glass;
Ceramic;
Stone;
metal;
Wooden;
Ceramic granite.

The most optimal option, according to experts, is a combination of colored glass with flexible tiles. Flexible tiles are products made from crumbs processed to a certain texture of brick or stone.

Benefits of flexible tiles:

moisture resistance;
Long service life;
Mechanical strength;
Frost resistance;
Resistance to aggressive environments;
Color retention under the influence of moisture and sunlight.

The spectacular artistic image of the mosaic is provided due to the aesthetics and ease of installation, the material is ideal for pasting the tabletop with mosaics with your own hands.

Mosaic countertop features

Mosaic looks great in the kitchen, this decoration option perfectly refreshes the interior and makes it more original and bright. With proper care, the countertop will retain its original appearance for many years. Mosaic tiles are not recommended to be glued to a not-so-new set - it is better to replace the old countertop with a new one.

You can buy a new countertop at a hardware store. Also, a board made of polyurethane foam of different thicknesses can be installed as it.

To simplify measurement and cutting, a centimeter grid is sometimes applied to the board.

A stainless steel profile can also be sold in the kit, which is glued to the edge of the product with the same adhesive as the mosaic. A standard elastic composition is used as an adhesive, a transparent or white adhesive is used for glass mosaics, which is suitable for mounting tiles of any color. This adhesive also acts as a sealant, which is ideal for kitchen furniture. Mosaic coating involves many connections, which can lead to the formation of mold. To avoid this, special antifungal cleaners are used to clean the countertop.

How to decorate a countertop with a mosaic

There are three main ways to make a tabletop with your own hands:

First way:

Stage 1. A countertop is cut out of the plate in accordance with the dimensions, and its edge of their profile is also prepared. The edge with the perforated part up is placed on the edge of the board;
Stage 2. The selected adhesive is applied to the surface and leveled with a notched trowel, the adhesive must also be applied to the upper edge of the profile;
Stage 3. The upper perforated profile is laid on the adhesive, which forms the edge of the tabletop;
Stage 4. After the glue dries, a tile cut in advance in the form of squares is laid on the surface. The same glue can be used as a sealant, a small part of it is rubbed on the surface of the countertop, so the joints are grouted;
Stage 5 Excess dried glue can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

The finished tabletop is polished to a shine with a soft cloth, no additional coating is required, it is only necessary to observe the conditions for the care and operation of mosaic surfaces.

Second way:

If do-it-yourself tabletop decor does not involve complex artistic compositions, it is recommended to use the method of transferring drawings from paper to the tabletop.

Stage 1. The mosaic sheet is neatly placed on a pre-prepared adhesive base, the paper layer should be at the top;
Stage 2. The paper is gently blotted with a damp cloth until it begins to easily separate from the surface of the mosaic;
Stage 3. Remains of paper are removed without unnecessary effort, which can provoke a shift in the position of the elements;
Stage 4. After removing the paper base, the drawing must be left for a day, after which the joints are grouted;
Stage 5. Excess grout is removed with a damp cloth.

Third way:

This method is considered the simplest, it involves laying the mosaic using a grid.

Stage 1. The mesh base is immersed in the adhesive solution, this must be done so that all its parts are evenly immersed to the same depth;
Stage 2. The drawing freezes for a day, after which the grout is applied;
Stage 3. To remove excess traces of grout that cannot be removed with a sponge or a damp cloth, it is recommended to use light solvents (such as White Spirit). Solvents should be used one week after completion of work;

Do-it-yourself mosaic laying in the kitchen (video)

All ways to make a countertop with your own hands have their advantages, with their help you can decorate any kitchen. Mosaics do not have to be bought, a beautiful pattern or paintings can be created from fragments of broken tiles or bottles.

Examples of mosaic countertops in the kitchen (photo)

Every year the cost of building and finishing materials increases, which means that not everyone can afford to change the interior when they want to refresh it. The same applies to furniture. It is no secret that kitchen furniture is exposed to mechanical damage several times more than in rooms for other purposes. But what a pity to throw away your favorite kitchen table just because its countertop has worn out and deteriorated!

If your tabletop has deteriorated, you can decorate it with mosaics to breathe new life into it.

There is no need to despair, there is a way out. It is enough just to decorate the countertop with a mosaic, and it will shine with new colors, giving the interior a fresh and original look. In order to create a mosaic, you will need to make a lot of effort, but they are worth it. The painstaking work will fully pay off by creating an exclusive thing with a minimum expenditure of the family budget.

What to make a mosaic?

For mosaics, you can use both finished tiles and pieces left after repair.

The ideal raw material for creating a mosaic is pieces of ceramic tiles left after repair. Often, the owners specifically purchase a slightly larger number of tiles, because in the process of gluing it can break or deteriorate. Some stores sell broken ceramic tiles at a recycled price or give away the remains of unclaimed collections for a reduced price. All these tiles are suitable for making mosaics.

Before starting work, the material must be crushed with your own hands. The easiest way is to cut the elements into small pieces with a simple glass cutter. In this case, the pieces can have a different shape and size. To create pieces of the same size, a tile cutter is usually used. When cutting a tile, the pattern should be taken into account: if in one case the geometric correctness of the elements is important, then in the other case the image will look more beautiful from randomly cut pieces.

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Preparing the base and material for decorating

When all the tiles are cut, and the resulting elements are sorted by size and color, you can start sticking the mosaic on the countertop. To work, you will need the following materials and accessories:

For mosaic you will need: glue, solvent, tongs, sandpaper and a brush.

latex-based glue;
spatula for applying adhesive;
rags;
paint thinner;
gloves;
composition for grouting;
soft spatula for grout removal;
sandpaper with different grain sizes;
furniture wax;
piece of canvas.

Before you put decoration on the table, you need to think carefully about the pattern. You can draw a sketch of the future image on a sheet of paper, the scale of which will be equal to the worktop being processed. Creating a complex picture the first time is quite problematic, so experts recommend starting with an abstraction that can be made from randomly scattered pieces of tiles.

Before applying the mosaic, you need to decide on a pattern and draw it on the surface of the countertop.

Then you need to process the countertop. First of all, it is freed from varnish or paint with the help of a solvent. It is enough to cover the wooden surface with a solvent and leave for a while. The composition will corrode the varnish, which will only be wiped off with a dry cloth.

After removing the varnish, the table is processed with sandpaper. First, a large abrasive No. 2, 3 is used, and then a smaller one - No. 1, 0. Sanding will make the surface rougher, which will significantly improve the quality of adhesion of mosaic elements and wood or plastic. With insufficient fastening, the pieces can easily fall off, which will spoil the whole result of the work.

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Algorithm for creating a mosaic

When the preparatory activities are completed, the process of creating a mosaic with your own hands begins. Here you will need to use the prepared sketch. From it, the drawing is transferred to the countertop with a pencil.

If there is no self-confidence, you can use a simple circular pattern that will look great on a round-shaped tabletop.

To create it, you need to draw circles diverging from the center. Each row of circles is laid out with tiles of a different color. It does not matter what geometric shape the mosaic elements will have. Only one rule must be taken into account: larger and even pieces should be located at the edges, and small ones should be closer to the center.

Then you can start gluing the tiles. Experts recommend starting work not from the center of the panel, as required when processing walls, but from the edges of the tabletop. Each element must be applied as tightly as possible to the other, sticking to latex glue. Unlike wall decoration, where the base is covered with adhesive, tiles are smeared with glue when processing countertops. Each particle is covered with glue with a spatula and pressed tightly against the base. Excess glue is removed immediately with a dry soft cloth.

The result should be a flat and smooth surface with almost imperceptible seams. After that, the countertop is left to dry completely. It is not recommended to use a hair dryer and other heating devices for drying. It usually takes about 24 hours to dry.

A beautifully designed interior depends on many details. One of the difficult moments was and remains the decor. It is the decorative elements that make the design style unique. Many people think that decoration is only figurines, dishes and textiles. However, furniture decoration is also considered decor.

An interesting design idea is a mosaic countertop. Such a finish will not only decorate, but also update the kitchen set. Mosaic will make the interior luxurious and exclusive, adding Italian flavor.

Advantages and disadvantages of mosaic countertops

Mosaic in the kitchen interior looks very organic. This cladding will be a real highlight. But the most important thing is mosaic tiles have excellent performance which allows it to be used in any type of premises.

Peculiarities! Mosaic is a durable material that is not afraid of mechanical damage and external influences. It perfectly tolerates high temperatures, so the finish is used for surfaces near stoves, sauna heaters or fireplaces.

Like any decorative design, mosaic has its pros and cons. Consider the advantages of the material in more detail:

The features of the mosaic are really impressive, but there are still disadvantages:

Laying complexity. It is required to monitor the correct location of each element. If one tile is laid even slightly unevenly, then the whole pattern will be disturbed.
Lots of seams. This leads to a long and painstaking cleaning, because dirt likes to accumulate in the seams.

Despite the small disadvantages, the mosaic countertop will serve the hostess faithfully for decades.. The work surface will not only protect the headset, but also decorate it.

Manufacturing features

Mosaic pieces are made in different shapes and sizes.. They can be not only square, but also round, diamond-shaped or hexagonal. Before choosing a shape, you should pay attention to the material of the cladding.

Attention! Laying mosaics in the kitchen is a painstaking task. To make the process easier, tile manufacturers have created chips, or in other words, tesserae. These are separate modules, the size of which varies from 10x10 to 100x100. There are several small plates on them at once, which form part of the overall pattern.

Mosaic types - dozens. Consider the most common of them:

glass. Glass tiles have a unique structure. Thanks to decorative inclusions, the surface of the tabletop will surprise you with the depth and color saturation. The brighter the color of the mosaic, the higher its cost, since it is more difficult to create a rich shade. Budget options include beige, gray and pale blue material.
Smalt. Smalt is a type of glass, but with a modified composition. In the manufacture, instead of sodium salts, potassium salts are used, which makes the surface of the tile absolutely matte. Smalt mosaic is characterized by increased impact resistance, resistance to temperature extremes and resistance to aggressive cleaning agents. Facing will turn the countertop into a work of art, because thanks to a special production technology, it is impossible to find two identical tiles.
ceramic. Such a tile is similar in characteristics to a tile - it is, in fact, its miniature copy. Ceramic mosaic is made from clay, quartz sand and other natural ingredients, so it strikes with a variety of colors. The material is wear-resistant and durable. The tabletop will not lose its brightness under the influence of ultraviolet light or aggressive chemicals.
metal. This type of mosaic was created for modern interiors, but this did not stop it from being introduced into various styles. The material harmonizes well with dishes and household appliances, which makes the cladding universal. Chips are made from copper, brass, bronze, aluminum and stainless steel. The tabletop looks original and makes the interior shine thanks to the iridescent surface.
Wooden. Mosaic made of wood will fit almost any headset. The material looks stylish and unusual, creating the effect of wooden parquet right on the table. Among other things, the peculiarity of the tile is that it brings warmth and comfort to the interior, which is important for creating a special homely atmosphere.
mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl is used much less often than the listed materials. This finish looks truly magical, creating the effect of "underwater". A mosaic is made from uncut pieces of mother-of-pearl shells. It shimmers and plays with different shades even in poor lighting.
Stone. Stronger than a stone mosaic is not to be found. The finish is beautiful and durable. Tiles are made from natural marble, tuff, granite, onyx and other rocks. For countertops, do not use porous rocks. They will absorb moisture. To protect the surface, a special composition is used, which fills the pores and creates a dense coating.

Experts advise using a mix of materials. The combination of colored glass with flexible tiles is considered optimal. This is a product made of crumbs processed to look like a brick. Due to its elasticity, flexible tiles allow you to design a surface of any shape.

Finishing Benefits:

resistance to moisture, mechanical damage, frost and ultraviolet;
long service life;
strength.

This material is ideal for do-it-yourself countertops.

Do-it-yourself mosaic kitchen worktop

"Nothing lasts forever" - says the well-known worldly wisdom. No matter how hard we try, kitchen furniture sooner or later falls into disrepair. First of all, the working surfaces are under attack.

Changing furniture is completely expensive, as its cost increases every year. You should not be upset: it is not difficult to carry out the reconstruction with your own hands. Mosaic tiles will save, refresh and update the countertop. Finishing will not only decorate the product, but will add originality to the entire interior.

Important! Remember that a mosaic countertop has a lot of weight. Pay special attention to the stability and strength of the base. The design is made of wood or metal profile. It is preferable to use metal, as it is not afraid of high humidity.

Mosaic is used not only for decorating countertops.. It is perfect for decorating a living room, bathroom or creating a kitchen apron. With the help of mosaics, they mask the washing machine, decorate the walls, connect the sink to the screen.

It is advisable to lay the mosaic on a new set. The old one may not support the weight of the cladding, as it was not designed for such a decor. A solid construction can be made by hand. It is important to properly prepare the base.

Stages of work:

Creating a drawing. Any construction work begins with schemes and calculations. At this stage, it is necessary to provide for the presence of shelves and cabinets for storage. Then determine the amount of material needed. The finished drawing is transferred to the walls and floor with a ruler.
Frame manufacturing. To do this, use wooden bars with a section of 50x50 mm or metal profiles. The choice of material depends on the conditions in which the furniture will be kept. For rooms with high humidity, metal is used, since the wood will begin to rot.
Preparing the elements. The beam or profile is cut into segments of the desired length and fixed to the floor and walls. Vertical guides are screwed to the contours of the frame, connecting them with the upper contour. Then the countertop is given the desired thickness.
After installation work, the frame is sheathed. Professionals advise using moisture-resistant drywall or DSP. The details of the cladding are cut out according to the scheme and attached to the frame with screws in increments of 10-15 cm. Holes for the sink, stove or communications are created in the plane of the countertop.
The final stage - countertop finish.

Mosaic pasting

Before decorating the countertop with a mosaic, prepare everything you need. Work will require:

grout;
primer;
putty;
antiseptic;
tools: spatula, rag, sandpaper;
containers for mixing grout and glue.

In order for the mosaic to be firmly fixed on the surface, use white plastic adhesive mixtures. For opaque tiles, any adhesive mixtures are suitable.

Consider installation process step by step:

Surface preparation. It is important to carefully process the countertop and rid it of irregularities. This will require putty. The surface is then cleaned and degreased. To protect against mold and fungus, the countertop is treated with an antiseptic.
Primer application. The surface needs to be primed in two layers.
Making a mosaic. Before applying glue to the surface, lay out the tiles on the table and make the necessary pattern. So you can evaluate the options and correct something in time. After that, you can safely use glue. The solution is applied in a thin layer with a special comb spatula.
Laying out the mosaic. To facilitate work, a special grid or paper is laid out on the countertop, and tiles are laid on top of it. Details are aligned and adjusted in level, forming a pattern. It is recommended to start laying the mosaic from the near edge of the countertop. Why? It happens that the details need to be trimmed, and it will be less noticeable near the wall. If you want to lay out a specific pattern, then work begins from the center of the tabletop.
Skirting sticker and grouting. The final stage is the most important, since the attractive appearance of the mosaic depends on it. Ceramic plinth is selected to match the tile, but if the joint with the wall is well sealed, then this detail can be dispensed with. The grout is also different in color. Apply it with a soft spatula, carefully working through the seams. High-quality grout will extend the life of the coating and make it more durable. Next, the countertop is left to dry completely. Do not use heating devices to speed up the process. The longer the tile dries, the more firmly it adheres to the surface.
Tile polishing. After drying, the excess composition is removed with a dry soft cloth. If the mixture has hardened too much, use sandpaper. Then the tabletop is polished with furniture wax and left for a day to dry.

Conclusion

Decorating furniture with mosaic tiles requires patience and painstaking work, but the result will meet all expectations. Originally designed surfaces will become the center of attraction for admiring glances and will cause a lot of compliments.

Mosaic looks luxurious and elegant on different surfaces, so do not stop your imagination on the countertop - do mosaic decoration on other interior elements.