Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/3/2008

Question
In a previous answer to ceramic tiles on a wooden stained tabletop,you gave two answers.The one I'm interested in was the second where you said to replace the table top with an mdf top.What type of adhesive to use and what type of grout,because I have the same problem with a table top that the finish has come off of.

Answer
Hi Mildred,

If you're using MDF as a base for a tiled tabletop, you don't need to be concerned about seasonal movement as much as using a solid wooden top. You can use a variety of adhesives - I like to use Liquid nails, but I've used silicone caulk, regular ceramic tile adhesive sold in a plastic tub, and PL-200, which is a construction adhesive. Honestly, it depends on what I have laying around my studio. I usually have a tube of something in my caulk gun.

As far as grout goes, from what I understand, there are two types - sanded and unsanded. Then there is a whole range of colors. I like the sanded look, but because of the size of the sand particles, it's not suitable for small grout lines. So when choosing a grout, you have to consider the spacing between the tiles. Like I said, I like sanded grout, so I have to space my tiles accordingly. Bags of grout will have a lot of information on it, so read them carefully when choosing them. Also, I used to mix mine with an acrylic modifiers to make them bond better, but many of the newer grouts have that mixed right into them, so you don't need to add it separately like I used to do.

Here's a suggestion- go to a dedicated tile store and ask them. See, I used to live in Ohio, and there was a brand of grout there that I used to purchase all the time. When I moved to Nevada, I can't find it anywhere. So I'm stuck using whatever is locally available, unless I want to order it by mail, which I don't. So I think there are regional differences in what's available and I have no way of knowing what's available where you live.

Just remember - for smaller grout lines, you have to use unsanded. For larger grout lines (1/8" or bigger) you have to use a sanded grout. The sand adds strength. For smaller lines (1/8" or less) you have to use unsanded.

I've found this website helpful: http://www.floorstransformed.com/materialselect.html

Good luck, write back if you need more information.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com