How to Lay Pebble Tile Floors

Pebble tiles require twice the amount of grout of similarly sized tiles.

Whether you are trying to design a zen bathroom or you just want a floor that massages your feet as you walk, pebble tiles can be the answer. Made from water-smoothed stones, pebble tiles are mounted together on mesh sheets which interlock with one another on all four sides. Putting together a pebble tile floor is not unlike putting together a puzzle; careful consideration of the finished product is needed throughout the job.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade
• Cement mortar
• Trowel
• Stone sealer
• Sponge mop
• Cloth
• Sanded grout
• Soft rubber grout float
• Tile sponge

Instructions

1. Lay out the sheets of pebble tile directly onto the floor. Do not use mortar, but lay the sheets out dry. Rotate the sheets to interlock with one another, and play with the distance required between the sheets to produce a seamless look.

2. Cut the mesh on the sheets that edge the room to trim the sheets to size with a razor blade. Pull the individual stones off of the leftover mesh, and set them aside.

3. Spread cement over the floor a little at a time. Key or groove the mortar with the trowel until it is an equal depth in all areas. Smooth the keys out with the flat edge of the trowel before laying the stones.

4. Press the sheets of stone into the mortar evenly, wiggling the sheets together until they reach the distance between them you predetermined. Take the loose stones saved from the edges of the sheets and use them along the perimeter of the installation to fill any large gaps between the floor and the walls. Press them individually into the mortar for a tight fit. Let the pebbles dry in place undisturbed for a minimum of 24 hours.

5. Use a sponge mop to apply a stone sealer to the tops of the stones prior to grouting them. The sealer will act as a grout release and keep the grout where it belongs. Mop only the tops of the stones lightly, wiping away the excess sealer after 10 minutes with a soft cloth.

6. Pour grout onto the pebbles and spread it over them with a soft, flexible rubber grout float. The pebbles should round up and out of the grout very slightly; continue pouring and smoothing the grout until it reaches this level. This may take several passes.

7. Carefully wipe the tops of the pebbles with a grout sponge to clean away the excess grout. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid respreading the grout.

References

• Big Sky Flooring: Installing Pebble Tile