How to apply pebble tile
Tiling a shower floor with pebble tiles gives a rustic, customised look to any remodelled shower and is no more difficult to do than installing standard tile.
YOU WILL NEED:
Pebble tile mosaic
Tile adhesive
Tile grout
Notched trowel
Piece of scrap board
Sponge
Disposable gloves
Masking tape
CONTINUES BELOW
HERE'S HOW:
Preparation: Use masking tape to protect the drain before beginning the tile work. Also place tape around the shower stall just above the height of where the tile will sit to protect the shower surround.
1. Mix the tile adhesive according to the package instructions. Mix small batches that can be used in about 20 minutes. The tile adhesive should be about the consistency of toothpaste. Start in a back corner of the shower and spread tile adhesive on the shower floor with the flat edge of a square-notched trowel. Then use the notched edge of the trowel to create ridges in the material holding the trowel at about a 45-degree angle. Cover an area equivalent to about three sheets of the pebble tile.
2. Press the first sheet of pebble tile into the tile adhesive, butting the sheet as close as possible to the walls. Wiggle the sheet of tiles slightly to settle it in the tile adhesive. Continue to spread tile adhesive and add sheets of tile to the floor, butting the sheets as close as possible. Mix more tile adhesive as necessary. If there isn't room for a full sheet, remove tiles as needed from the sheet and set aside, then trim the mesh backing with a utility knife and set the remaining portion of the sheet normally. Also use this technique to set the tile around the drain.
3. On top of the tile, place a straight, flat board that spans many tiles and gently tap it with a mallet to thoroughly set the tile and ensure the faces of tiles are all at the same height.After tapping the tiles down with the mallet use a putty knife to remove any excess tile adhesive that has oozed up between tiles.
4. As each sheet is set, fill in any gaps with individual pebbles. When finished, let the tile adhesive cure completely according to the package instructions before grouting.
5. Natural stone tiles must be sealed before grouting. Check the manufacturer's instructions and seal the tile if needed before grouting. Following the manufacturer's instructions, mix the grout. Spread grout across the tile using a grout float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle, working the grout into the gaps between the tiles.
6. Let the grout dry for a few minutes until it begins to form a haze on top of the tile. Taking care not to pull grout up from between tiles, wipe away the haze with a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge often to keep it clean. Let the grout cure completely according to the package instructions. Use a clean cloth to wipe any remaining haze from the surface of the tiles. Allow the grout to cure following the grout package instructions.
7. Seal the grout for easier cleanup later. For the best results, follow the instructions for the specific sealer used.