The Genius Way To Use Leftover Tile From Your Pool Build

Due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic versatility, tile is an excellent material to work with. Tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces, since they are resistant to wear, stains, and moisture. Additionally, tiles come in a wide range of designs to suit various styles. When there are excess tiles from your pool build, you can reuse or repurpose them to create something new. One genius DIY project for excess tiles is to upgrade the look of an outdoor table. The advantage of covering the table with tiles is that it becomes more durable and waterproof, while adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Before starting, ensure you know the best way to clean and reuse tiles for your next home improvement project. For this DIY, you'll need a small rectangular wooden table that's ready to have tiles attached to it. Alternatively, you can use other table designs and outdoor furniture pieces that are old and in need of an update. You'll also need a bag of mortar mix, a bottle of tile mortar additive, a small bag of grout, a drill with a paddle attachment, a plastic pail, a trowel, a metal spatula, and a large sponge.

When attaching tiles to wood, it's important to consider the factors that can affect wood in the long term. These include thermal expansion, which makes wood expand or contract due to changes in temperature, and the effect of exposure to humidity and water, which can cause it to swell, warp, or potentially rot. To achieve the best results, it's important to know about waterproofing wood before attaching the tiles, ideally using a sealant.

To begin, prepare the mortar by emptying the mortar powder into the pail. Slowly pour a little over half a gallon of the mortar additive, using the drill to mix it thoroughly. Once the mix is ready, use the trowel and spread an even layer of mortar mix on one side of the wooden table. Next, place and gently press the tile pieces onto the wet mortar to ensure the tiles are level and stick properly, repeating the same process for all sides, and let it dry for 24 hours.  

Lastly, prepare the grout by mixing it with water, with a ratio of 10 pounds of grout to 1.1 quarts of water, and use the drill to mix it. Next, use the metal spatula to scoop and spread the grout on all sides of the tiled surface, with at least 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters grout in between each tile. Use the wet sponge to remove excess grout, and allow it to dry. 

Repurposing old tiles is a great way to save on costs and exercise creativity. While this is a simple project for excess tile from a pool build, there are other genius ways to use leftover tiles. A DIY project reusing old tile helps contribute to sustainable practices and is a more environmentally responsible method of home improvement and beautification, reducing landfill waste and cutting down on resource use.