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Pebble & Flat Rock Tile
Our Pebble Tile collection uses all natural pebbles from Indonesia that are hand sorted for flatness, thickness and then individually pieced together and bonded onto a mesh backing to produce interlocking pebble tiles and borders of various sizes, ready to install. This unique interlocking system installs much like tiles, and the result is a completely seamless field or border. We offer a wide variety of color options in both polished & unpolished pebble tiles.
Our Flat Rock collection consists of all-natural pieces of stone from Indonesia are tumbled for smoothness, hand sorted for flatness and thickness, individually pieced together and then bonded onto a mesh backing to produce interlocking tiles and borders of various sizes. We offer an excellent variety of color options in our Flat Rock line.
Our Standing Pebble Tile collection uses the same natural pebbles from polished & unpolished pebble tile line, but adds an expressive design element by stacking each pebble on top of the next to create even more depth. These stones are also hand sorted for flatness, thickness and then individually pieced together and bonded onto a mesh backing to produce interlocking vertically stacked pebble tiles ready to install. This unique stacking system installs much like other tiles, and the result is a completely seamless field or border. We offer a wide variety of color options in both polished & unpolished Standing Pebble Tiles.
The Otago tile series are stunning 1/4 inch thick marble that is hand cut into 5/8 inch wide bars in varying lengths of 1½ to 3½ inches length. The pieces are then tumbled and hand placed in a unique brick layer pattern on 12×12 tiles. Each tile has an interlocking pattern so as to easily maintain a continuous and seamless application. Rich in color and pattern, the tile can be easily manipulated to coordinate with many different materials by changing grout colors and potentially adding stone enhancers. Perfect for floors and feature walls or accent pieces, they are ideal for indoors or outdoors, wet or dry settings and in any climate.
Pebble & Flat Rock Tile Installation Guide
Pebble and stone mosaic tiles can be used in an extensive variety of installations. They are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor applications. Commercial applications include flooring, feature walls, bar surfaces, and walkways in projects ranging from restaurants to medical facilities, public parks, and corporate offices. Residential installations include pools and pool decks, patios, landscaping, fountains, water features, kitchen backsplashes, flooring, shower floors, bath and powder room floors, entryways, fireplaces and BBQ areas.
Preparation and Installation
Installation of these tiles is similar to any other natural stone product.
For best results, we recommend a qualified tradesperson who is experienced in the laying of natural stone product.
The tiles are sold in a 12” x 12” size.
All tiles interlock on all sides.
Sort tiles before installing to ensure an even color layout.
For a vertical or contoured surface, smaller pebble sizes should be considered as well as a polymer based adhesive with a short hydration period, i.e.: glue setting time.
The area of application should be flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants. For wet areas the use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested. In the case of flooring, a fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches is required.
Adhesive
Use only a high quality thinset mortar. The manufacturer’s literature will outline if it is appropriate for indoors or outdoors as well as for floors and walls.
It is important that each pebble is embedded in adhesive. However, they should not be pressed deeply into the adhesive.
Select a product suitable for application with a 0.25” notched trowel and apply no more than 3 square feet of adhesive at a time.
Sealing and Grouting
It is recommended that the stones be sealed before and after grouting. For the best results use a good quality penetrating sealer.
These types of penetrating sealers ordinarily do not change or alter the color of the pebbles.
In order to enhance the color of the stones to a deeper matte or glossy finish, it is suggested you use natural stone color enhancer or natural stone color and shine enhancer prior to applying the penetrating sealer.
A sanded grout that is suitable for external or internal conditions (which ever may be the case) is recommended.
Generally grouts are a water mix, but a latex additive or similar should be used in the water where some flexibility is needed.
It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebble and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of pebbles.
Grout a small area at a time.
When grout has dried, use a stiff bristled brush to scrub excess grout.
After removing most of the grout with a brush, use a grout sponge to continue removing grout until the desired finish is achieved.
Control Joints
Joints can be easily formed with two angles, sealant and bond-breaker between them.
Designers may show points at which joints are needed and they are certainly required where tiles join walls or some other building material in the substrate.
A tile saw may be used to fit edges or corners.
You can also flip the tile over and cut the desired edge or shape with a sharp cutting instrument or take individual pebbles off the mesh to fill the gaps.
Ordering extra sheets of tile may be useful for this.
Sealers and Cleaning
It is recommended that the pebbles be sealed with a quality impregnator before grouting and again after the grout has dried completely.
To maintain ease of maintenance of natural stone, it is recommended that sealants be applied every 2-3 years.
Whenever using sealants and cleaners, ensure you follow the manufacturers recommended method of application.
The pebbles can be cleaned with neutral mild detergents.
The porosity or water absorption in pebbles (natural stone) varies, and therefore staining will occur in different degrees if the stone is unsealed. Consequently, any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain and sealers are highly recommended.
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