Flooring Tile - Installing tile over metal

Hello. I have an old metal table that has been sitting outside my house for years. It is rusty and needs some repairs, but is a strong table and could be of some use. I was given some free tiles by a friend and have no idea what kind they are, I'm guessing ceramic, and would like to some how install the tiles over this metal table and use it for a patio table outdoors on my deck. I live in a cold climate area where it does freeze a few times a year. Could someone tell me if this project is at all possible or would it just be a huge waste of time? I would appreciate any suggestions or advise. Thank You!

Might be a waste of time if the tiles are not porcelain. Most ceramic absorbs too much water to be used outside in cold climates, porcelain is pretty much non-absorbant so it passes that test ok. If the metal is so thin that it would sag under the weight of the tile and whatever (bottles, dishes, elbows) the tile would crack or come loose. Not sure what kind of thinset(maybe epoxy based?) should be used over meatl in cold climate. Maybe someone else will have some input for you.

I agree that porcelain is the way to go for cold climates. However, if the table isn't too big, you could easily buy porcelain tiles for cheaper than you could buy a nice table...You will also need to mix latex or acrylic in with your thin-set mortar to allow it some give. But again, I'm not sure if this will adhere on top of metal or if you could somehow adhere some other type of backer on top of the metal first. Hope you find out and have a successful project. Good luck : )