Hi all,

I really like this end table I ran across while web surfing, and I
think I'll try to make my own version.

http://www.americanmissionfurniture.com/endtable.html

It seems that the differential expansion between the wooden part of
the top and the tile/grout part of the top could create cracks in the
grout or tile. Perhaps this could be avoided by:

1. Using enough latex additive in the grout so that it has a bit more
tensile strength and flexibility.
2. Using quarter-sawn oak, like they did, because qswo has little
cross-grain expansion.
3. Leaving a little gap between the grout and wood and fill with
matching caulk.

I'm hoping #1 and #2 would be suitable solutions.* #3 sounds ugly.
Anyone know if differential expansion in a piece like this is likely
to be a problem? If so, any solutions?

Thanks!

Kevin

"Kevin" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I really like this end table I ran across while web surfing, and I
think I'll try to make my own version.

http://www.americanmissionfurniture.com/endtable.html

It seems that the differential expansion between the wooden part of
the top and the tile/grout part of the top could create cracks in the
grout or tile. Perhaps this could be avoided by:

1. Using enough latex additive in the grout so that it has a bit more
tensile strength and flexibility.
2. Using quarter-sawn oak, like they did, because qswo has little
cross-grain expansion.
3. Leaving a little gap between the grout and wood and fill with
matching caulk.

I'm hoping #1 and #2 would be suitable solutions. #3 sounds ugly.
Anyone know if differential expansion in a piece like this is likely
to be a problem? If so, any solutions?


I think that what I would do, Kevin, is use a plywood substrate and/or
some one quarter inch backer board under the tile.

Dave in Houston

* * I think that what I would do, Kevin, is use a plywood substrate and/or
some one quarter inch backer board under the tile.

Dave in Houston

Thanks Dave, I guess my concern is whether the oak "frame" around the
tiles will move in and out, towards and away, from the tiles and crack
the grout.

Kevin

Kevin, I built a buffet about 24 inches deep, 70 inches wide, and
put a tile top on. The top has a 3 inch oak border around, and a 4
inch divider piece in the middle. The tile is 6 inch square (matches
the entry hall), each half is 2 rows of 8 tiles I think. I stuck the
tiles down with some type of glue, and when dry, filled with the same
grout used in the hall. The border is white oak, 3/4 inch thick, and
the center where the tile is is about 1/4 inch thick. All glued up
before the tile went in. I built this 2 years ago, and it is in the
dining room at approx 70 degrees. Not a crack to be found anywhere.
I did the same thing for a backstop to the buffet, 12 x 70 inches, and
no problems there either.

Hope this helps.....