The area around the tiles is capped by top trim members and trim strips. After ripping a standard 1 x 6 to width for the top trim members, use the leftover wood for the trim strips. Glue these to the underside of the top trim, on edge, then mitre the ends of the assemblies after they're dry. For my project all four sides were mitred to a length of 25". This created a 1/8" grout space between wood and outer tiles, though exact sizes will be slightly different on your project. After gluing the trim parts in place, I sanded the top surfaces at a slight angle to shed the rain.
Before grouting between the tiles, apply finish to the exposed wood. I used three coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane on the top, and a flat black exterior latex on the plywood. When the finish has dried, grout the tiles using more thinset mortar. Apply a generous amount of mortar to the surface of the checkerboard and force it into the joints with a rubber-faced float. Make sure that the joints are completely filled so that there are no air bubbles or gaps. Remove the excess mortar by pulling diagonally across the tiles with the float. Rinse a sponge in clean water and wipe away any remaining mortar. Continue to rinse out the sponge and wipe away mortar until the joints are smooth and level with the tiles. After about 30 minutes a hazy film will appear on the surface of the tiles. Wipe this off using a soft cloth.
Installation
A 12" dia. lazy Susan bearing allows the table to be rotated so it can be adjusted to take full advantage of the sun. The bearing is sandwiched between two discs of 3/4" plywood. Lay out these discs with a compass and cut them out with a hand-held jigsaw. The bearing is attached to the plywood discs with 3/4" screws. Attach the bearing to one disc first, then drill oversize access holes to reach the screws to attach the other side. For my installation I used a 31/2" dia. steel post and attached the bearing assembly to the post with metal L-brackets. Another option would be to use a cedar 4 x 4 post set into a concrete footing to support the table. If you choose the 4 x 4 approach, make wooden support brackets using the template from the plan and secure them with biscuits and polyurethane glue. This treatment results in a more decorative look.
The final step is to add the game pieces. You could use traditional game pieces, but a local craft supply store provided something more appropriate for the garden—tiny wooden birdhouses. Paint the birdhouses to coordinate with your tiles and even between games, your outdoor games table will look great.
Read more in Woodworking Projects and Outdoor Furniture
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