Plumbtile's Blog

How to lay Pebble Tile Like a Pro

June 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm plumbtile 1 comment

Pebble tile has become very popular among all types of designers, builders, and homeowners because it provides a perfect harmony of contemporary style with rustic and outdoor charm. It can often be found in spas, giving it a connection to luxury that many have decided to take home. Luckily, laying pebble tile is also very easy. Here are supplies and steps you will need to complete a pebble tile floor.

1. Determine how many tiles you will need.

First, measure the area which you will be tiling – whether it’s a shower, an entire floor, or an outdoor pathway. The measurements will help you decide how many tiles you will need, and it is a good idea to pick up a few extra just in case!

2. Layout your tile design.

Pebble tile has a very cool design in which the sides of two tiles will literally interlock with each other so there is no visible seam. Use this feature as you lay your tile out before you adhere them into place. As you do this, you may find some area where pebbles hang over your tile line, and some areas where there are gaps. Remove the extra pebbles, cut back the mesh to line up with your tiling edge, and then later use the individual stones to fill in the gaps.

3. Apply Thinset

Lay thin set evenly over the floor – you want it to be no thicker than 1/8” all over.  Depending on the size of the area you are working in, you may need to work in 3’ x 3’ squares of laying Thinset and then laying the tile. If your area is smaller than 5’ x 5’, you don’t have to worry about this. If Thinset gets on the tops of the pebbles, simply use a wet sponge to wipe them clean. 

4. Adhere the tiles.

As you lay the tiles, you should already have a good idea of how they fit together (from your earlier lay). Just follow this and make sure to firmly set each tile sheet in the adhesive. You may even want to use a rubber float to apply even pressure over the entire surface of the tiles to be sure they are all set firmly. Now, you can use those individual pebbles to fill in any gaps. If necessary, add a bit more Thinset directly to the back of the stones and press them into the gaps. Pay close attention to the edges, to create an even edge. 

5. Apply sealant.

Allow 24 hours for the Thinset to dry, then apply a coat of sealer to top of the stones to prevent  them  from absorbing any grout. Try to apply the sealant just to the top surfaces of the pebbles, as coating the sides will make it difficult for grouting later. The best way to do this is get an even coat on a paint roller and use it to cover the tiles.  

6. Grout

Once the sealant is dry, use grout over the tops of all tiles. Make sure you use enough so that it fills the grooves between the pebbles, and use a float and even your (gloved) hands to guide and gently push it into the cracks and grooves.

7. Clean excess grout.

Allow the grout to set for about 15 to 20 minutes, then use a clean bristle brush to softly brush away the grout on top of the stones. Don’t push too hard or you’ll start digging at the grout between the pebbles! Next, use a  wet sponge to wipe the rest of the excess grout away. Rinse the sponge often in a bucket of clean water. You will probably need to wipe the pebbles down several times before they are completely clean.  Finally, let the grout set for 24 hours and you’re done!

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