Standing Pebble
Standing Pebbles can be used in an extensive range of design applications, indoors and outdoors. Applications include kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, fountains, water features, pools, pathways, feature walls, fireplaces, borders, floor accents and entertainment areas.
During manufacturing, pebbles are center-cut and hand sorted into correct sizes and glued onto a mesh backing. These interlocking tiles can be cut to any seamless shape and are flexible to allow contouring to various surfaces. Since pebbles are natural stones, each piece will be different. It is normal to find occasional flaws, veins and lines of separation within the pebbles. This variation is a considered to be desired feature in the product.
Curved Surfaces
Pebble sheets can be easily fitted around gently curved surfaces.
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants. Wet areas need special attention and appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and treated plywood. The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is recommended.
Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to sub-floor framing and or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall, outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers and sealing around penetrations. It is recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas, including exterior suspended decking. Some systems involve the use of a primer.
The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. A cement-based adhesive is suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads; a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. It is important that each pebble is embedded in the adhesive. An appropriate notched trowel can be used to apply the thin-set to no more than one square yard of adhesive at a time.
Grout is not necessary for the installation of the standing pebbles. For some wet applications, such as shower walls or floor accents where grout may become necessary. Grout should be suitable for joints up to ¾" in width and designed for external or internal conditions whichever may be the case. Sanded grout is recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8”. Grouts are ordinarily water mix but where some flexibility may be needed, a latex additive or similar product should be used. It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebbles and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of pebbles.
If you wish to leave the pebbles more exposed, you should constantly remove the excess grout from the joints with a medium bristle brush and sponge during the grouting process. It may be necessary to carve the excess grout from the edge of the pebbles with an appropriate knife.
Depending on the nature of the use, sealers may or may not become necessary. We do not recommend sealers for water features or some outside walls. There are various products available at local hardware stores, however we recommend contacting your nearest tile supplier for the most appropriate sealer for your application. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended method of application.
Standing Pebble tiles must be often cleaned and maintained to extend the beauty of the tile. The pebbles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. The porosity or water absorption in pebbles 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.
Not recommended for: Floors
