Tile Top Patio Table Makeover
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Have you ever wondered how to transform a dated tile-top patio table into something new and modern? You might wonder how to find just the right size replacement tiles or how to paint the table a fun new color to match. Well, I've done just that, and I'd love to show you how to DIY transform your tiled patio table into something you love.
Updating an old tile patio table
My tile-top patio table has been around for more years than I can count. The chairs fell apart last year, but the table is so durable it has held up great. I've just never gotten around to re-doing it.
Finding replacement tiles for a patio table
Why have I procrastinated? Blame the tiles. These tiles are 11-3/4" square, which is an unusual size, and therefore very hard to find replacements for. I've casually searched over the years, but never found any the right size that were even remotely pretty.
IKEA 11-3/4" tiles
And then, by a total fluke, Jo and I were in IKEA a few weeks ago and spotted their new MALLSTEN floor tiles in the outdoor section. As I paused to admire them, I noticed they were 11-3/4" square. Eureka! I could IKEA-hack my way to a new patio table!
The umbrella stand tile in the center of the patio table
When I got the tiles home, I got to work prepping the table. I removed all the ugly old tiles, of course, and found myself facing a decision about the umbrella stand in the middle of the table. It did not match the new tile at all.
Even though this center piece was spot-welded in place, there was an existing frame under it that I knew would hold a regular tile just like the rest of the table. I wasn't planning to use an umbrella anyway, so I just hit it from underneath with a hammer until I knocked it free.
Cleaning the patio table
Then I pressure washed every nook and cranny of the table, getting it nice and clean.
Finding replacement chairs for a patio table makeover
I scoured Facebook Marketplace until I found the perfect replacement chairs. I got a great bargain on a set of 6 metal chairs that were already primed and ready for me to add cushions and a pretty new color.
Speaking of which... I found the perfect gray cushions and navy blue paint to match my tile. The paint is Rustoleum 2X True Navy in Ultra Matte finish.
Painting an outdoor patio table
I never do a big spray paint job without my Rustoleum Comfort Grip handle, and this project was no exception. It saved my hands from cramping and kept my index finger free of blue paint.
I'm glad I got plenty of cans of paint — all those nooks and crannies on the chairs meant I ended up using nine cans of Rustoleum 2X True Navy for this project.
I did not bother to paint the middle frame of the table blue. Why? Well, let me explain...
Painting faux grout lines on the frame
See the dark gray faux grout lines on the IKEA MALLSTEN tile? It makes each big tile look like four smaller ones. If I painted the frame blue, then there would be random blue grout in between the dark gray grout, and the pattern would be all broken up and weird.
So I painted the frame with the same dark gray color as the faux grout on the tile.
I only needed to paint the raised edges of the frame, but I went ahead and painted the whole frame, just to give everything a nice protective coat. Plus, it looked prettier!
Adding replacement tiles to an outdoor patio table
When I put the tiles in, it was super clear that I made the right decision. The grout lines all matched and the tile pattern was seamless.
When the paint was all dry and the tiles in place, I tucked in my new seat cushions and it was ready to go.
The completed tile-top patio table makeover
Once I put everything together, I was amazed at the transformation!
The blue table and chairs match the blue in the MALLSTEN tile so perfectly, and the gray cushions keep everything light and airy.
The chairs were such a great find, and with a fresh new coat of paint, they look as good as new.
I can't get over how perfect the grout lines look within the tile and in between.
And that paint finish! The can said Ultra Matte, but it came out more like a dull satin, with almost a powder-coated finish. It's sheer perfection.
I could not be more pleased with the results. Garden party, anyone?
Where to find 11-3/4" tiles
Finding 11-3/4" tiles to fit a typical tile-top patio table can be very difficult, but the IKEA MALLSTEN tiles worked great for me.
Here are five sources to find 11-3/4" tiles:
- IKEA MALLSTEN
- SomerTile Techniker Der Farbe Ceramic 11.75" x 11.75" Tile
- Bleucoin Positano Peel and Stick 11-3/4" Floor Tile
- Affinity Tile Daiquiri White 11-3/4" Porcelain Tile
- Affinity Tile Manhattan White 11-3/4" Porcelain Tile
35 comments so far:
Thank you - thank you for sharing the tile info! I've been looking everywhere for those elusive 11-3/4 tiles. Wasn't planning on painting the table and chairs, but . . . you have inspired me!!
Kathryn, we're so happy we inspired you! We'd love to see what you create, so tag us @chicaandjo when it's done!
Hi, Love the make-over! I would like to replace the tiles on our table as well. I also found out that it is difficult to find tiles that are 11 3/4. What is the thickness of the Ikea tiles? The Ikea website says that they are 3/4 inch thick but I think that is with the plastic base. Thank you for your help
Tera, I just measured one of the tiles on its own, and it's 3/8" thick. They are a little on the thick size, presumably so they can be walked on without breaking when they are in the plastic frames. I think the website must be referring to the thickness in the frame, because they are definitely not 3/4" thick on their own!
I love this idea! I'm looking to transform my tile-top patio table! What kind of paint did you use to do the "grout" areas of the table?
Erin, thank you! For the "grout", I just used an inexpensive exterior paint tinted to match the lines on the tile.
Great info! And wonderful job! Thank you!
Ended up completing my tile table top and it turned out great thanks to the advice on this blog! Had some trouble with the IKEA tiles (couldn't get enough to show up not broken) so had to alternate one Ikea tile with a solid white one that we found in our home from an old bathroom tile from 16 years ago! But it turned out great! Wish I could attach pictures to show you! Thanks again!
I would like to buy the center piece with the hole for the umbrella. Bad storm broke ours and can't find a replacement. Is yours for sale? Thanks Marilyn
Marilyn, you're actually not the first person to ask that! I already sold the center piece to another person in a similar situation as you. Best of luck in your continued search for a replacement.
So... what did you do with the middle piece that had the umbrella hole? They are incredibly difficult to find -- if you thought finding tiles was hard, try finding that middle piece! You can spray paint it either blue or grey, and when the weather is cold, you can replace the middle tile with this, so you can attach a tabletop fireplace (hole is for the gas line or cannister). Or, you can put it on eBay. I've been looking for one forever after I misplaced mine...
Ioana, I had no idea until posting this tutorial that those middle pieces were so rare! I actually sold it to another reader in your situation soon after posting, and have had several others like you ask about it since. I wish I had a dozen of them to share!
Thanks for the post - your table looks great! I am inspired to try it too - how many cans of paint did you end up using?
Kristen, I'm glad we could inspire you! I don't recall how many cans of spray paint I used, but I can tell you that with almost any spray paint project... you'll need more than you think. :)
Love how you transformed your patio table! May I ask which brand or store you bought it from? Thanks!
Erika, thank you! I actually bought that table from a yard sale years ago... no idea the brand or where it came from originally.
The wind blew over our table and broke all the tiles. Trying to fine replacement tiles
Tim, that's so unfortunate! Good luck on your search.
Thank you so much for the information, I raced to my local Ikea and found the mallsten tile in the black and white pattern. I couldn’t wait to get home to insert them into my table, I’m happy to say they look marvelous. Thank you, Thank you!!
Sammy, we're so glad to see that the tiles are back in stock at IKEA for the season! I love the new black and white pattern. Glad we could inspire you to restore your table into something beautiful.
I got the same table I bought it new at Sam's club some of the tiles were broken so I have been looking for 11.75 tiles everywhere were the tiles expensive and can you get them online at Ikea.
Bob, these tiles are a seasonal item at IKEA but they are available right now. You can order online but shipping can be quite pricey since they are very heavy tiles.
Did you need to replace any of the rubber push bumpers that sit under the tile and if so where did you find them?
Russ, I did not add any bumpers, and there weren't any on the original tiles. I think they would have actually raised the tile up above the frame, unless they were super thin (or your new tile is too thin).
OMG!! trying to find that size tile was driving me crazy. I spray painted the tiles I had and the paint peeled off. Hoping Ikea still has them. thank you.
Affy, we're so glad we could help! Fingers crossed they still have them for you :)
I'm having to replace my tiles and going with the gray/blue ones. May I ask what brand/color of the dark gray paint did you find to match the faux grout lines in the tile? I'm thinking of repainting the entire table since its several years old and showing some age. Thank you!
Margie, I wish I could tell you the exact color, but this was actually a "mis-tint" can I found on clearance at Lowe's, and there's no color name listed.
Hello, I have what I believe to be the same brand of table but my 3 middle (length wise) pieces are all one mesh non removable piece. Any advice on removing the whole center too? Also - what was the size of the rubber stoppers under the tiles, a few of mine need replacement.
Sean, my center piece was not really removable either, but I could see it was spot-welded in place, so I just banged it pretty hard with a hammer to knock it loose. Look closely at yours and see if that might work for you. As for the rubber stoppers, you'll need to measure for your specific replacement tiles and table to see what works best.
I have this exact table with the center piece removed. I’m willing to sell it to help offset the cost of the table restoration if anyone interested?
Your tiles look like they have some blue shades in them but when I click on the IKEA link they look to me that they are only shades of gray. Wondering if they’ve changed this in the past few years since you did your project. Not that you’d know but are my eyes playing tricks on me???
Lynda, your eyes are still good! There is definitely blue in my tiles, but it looks like the version they offer this year has no more blue, and just shades of gray. I guess they wanted to have a more versatile pattern.
I hope you’re still answering these questions. I plan to pick the tiles up next week I just wanted to make sure that you didn’t use the plastic bases, just the tiles themselves, is that correct. They sell them with or without and there’s a $20 difference so I don’t want to get them if I don’t need them. Thanks so much I’ve been looking for this size for 10 years!!
Resolyn, I did not need the plastic bases for my table, just the tiles.