kentuckytwostep

Would anyone happen to have some data on this?? I'm building a hall table and for the top I was thinking of building a mitered frame and using tile or slate as the center. However, i want to prevent any expansion/contraction interference. Any help would be great.

Thanks

firehawkmph

Kentucky,
I have a kitchen table made this way. The tile is set in the top with an 1/8" margin that is caulked instead of grouted. In fact between the tiles the same 1/8" spacing is caulked instead of grouted. The tile shops normally sell caulk to match all the grout colors. It comes in sanded and unsanded. For small joints like above you want the unsanded caulk. I have had this table for five years now and no problems. The rest of the table is oak.
Mike Hawkins

kentuckytwostep

hawk,
thanks for the info. I was afraid to leave an expansion (dust/dirt) gap because it could fill up and still cause problems. but if I fill the gap with caulk it should compress if needed and prevent frame busting problems... thanks for the info.

btw: i went to lowes today found some nice tile that came in 18x18 and 12x12 tiles. bothered some poor guy to cut them down to size for me (2 @ 10 3/8 x 10 5/8, 1 @ 10 3/8 x 15)... of course those tiles have a slight round-over at the factory edges so I had to have him cut all four sides! 12 cuts for free. they look really nice though and i think they work out.

firehawkmph

Sounds good two step,
Posts some pics when you are done.
Mike Hawkins