Has anyone ever done (or had it done for them) - mosaic on your countertop(s)? I have a counter/bar that I would like to do in a mosaic either tiles or broken dishes.....

I have done some small things that didn't need to be completely flat (just decorative outdoor stuff). My concern is that I may not be able to get it flat using different dishes - this could be a problem in a kitchen (dishes, glasses, etc.).

Is it possible to get it pretty flat so things don't get spilled over? I don't really want to use a clear coat to make it smooth - I don't especially like that look. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks.

I'm pretty sure my aunt had a mosiac tiled table on her deck... it was broken dishes (it looked like it...maybe just old pieces of something else?) but it was kinda bumpy-not that much though, maybe it was gone over with a laquer? it was shiny from a distance. I'll email her and ask about it for you.

While it sounds like a great idea from a decorators view....it is not practical. You can not get the flat surface you need for counter top using various thickeness of crockery. Keep that to a table or such where variations do not matter.

I don't even like the hand made Mexican tiles because they are not even. Nothing is as dangerous as a wobbly cutting board....so make sure the counter surfaces are flat.

That if it has an uneven surface, I imagine it could make it harder to clean.

Another drawback about tile or mosaic - if anything heavy is dropped (which can happen easily in the kitchen or bar area), you could risk a tile or tiles breaking and requiring inconvenient repairs.

I also love tile, even just ceramic tile with grout for countertops - I just think they look so nice when clean and shiny. I've just always been afraid of breakage, mildew in the grout, etc.

I know what you all mean - - which is why I will likely will not do it. I love the look though. I guess that's why the "decorators" do it - it's pretty and they probably wouldn't use it - just look at it...

oh well..

Why not cut a piece of plywood, use decorative molding around the edges, and perhaps round balls in the bottom corners for feet. Now, you can use those broken dishes and/or tiles. You will have that wonderful "burst" of color if it sits on your counter (with a pot of basil on it) or outside on the patio (holding sandwiches etc.) or on the cocktail table (with cakes or fruit/cheese).

As long as there are not beverage glasses on it (because of the uneven surface) it will be a dynamite way to serve finger foods, plants, photos, and candles.

I don't suggest adding handles as the weight of the tiles and grout will make this a heavy enough project.

Lydia- here is a good site for some inspiration:

www.hgtv.com