Guidelines for Installation

Recommended tools and grout for installation.		Use a high quality thinset mortar.
Apply the thinset mortar with a 1/4" notched trowel. It is strongly recommended that waterproof membrane systems are used in all wet areas.		Set each tile close to the others on the thinset mortar. Lightly tap down the tiles without pushing the pebbles into the thin set cement. Wait the interval recommended by the mortar manufacturer before sealing and/or grouting to avoid dislodging the pebbles.
It is recommended that the pebbles be sealed with a quality impregnator before grouting and again after the grout has dried.		Apply a sanded grout on tile sections until the entire surface is covered.
Remove the grout on the surface of tiles.		Prepare sponging off the grout. While wait the grout goes down to the edges of the tile.
Repeat sponging off the grout untill the desired look is reached. Once the grout has completely cured, seal the tiles with a good quality penetrating sealer. Color and shine enhancers can also be applied to vary the finish of the pebbles.

INSTRUCTIONS

General

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 products.

The tiles are sold in a 12” x 12” size and they interlock on all sides.

The pebbles and stones are a natural product, meaning that no two pieces are exactly alike. It is not unusual to find veins and lines of separation in the pebbles. This is generally a desired feature of the product. To ensure an even color layout sort tiles before installing.

Before installation, please inspect your tiles for algae or yellow discoloration. This is a result of climate change and can be easily remedied by wetting the tiles and placing them outside in direct sunlight for eight hours.

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.

Substrate Preparation

The area of application should be flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants and firmly fixed in place.

Deflections should be a maximum of 1/360 of the span.

Waterproof Membranes for Wet Areas

Use in wet areas requires special attention involving appropriate substrates (e.g.- concrete, cement boards-compressed sheet-and treated plywood).

It is strongly recommended that waterproof membrane systems are used in all wet areas. Waterproof membranes prevent the leakage of water through to framing and or habitable spaces behind.

Attention must be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall, outside of shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations.

Some systems involve the use of a primer.

In the case of flooring in wet areas, 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.

Select a product suitable for application with a 1/4 ” notched trowel and apply no more than 3 square feet of adhesive at a time. We recommend using a latex-modified thinset to adhere the tiles.

One brand in particular that is readily available at any Home Depot is Vesabond by Custom Blend, an acrylic-based thinset that is a highbond adhesive.

Lay a 1/4" layer of the adhesive and press the tile carefully into place, as the adhesive should ooze through the mesh and contact the back side of the pebbles.

It is important that each pebble be firmly embedded in adhesive. However, they should not be pressed deeply into the adhesive.

Laying

For best results, butt tiles together and do not leave the traditional 1/4" to 3/8" grout gap that is left for laying traditional ceramic tiles. Interlocking pebble liners are designed to create a seamless look.

Inspect tiles to make sure all pebbles are properly installed. Remove and re-adhere any pebbles that may have been placed incorrectly.

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.

Grouting

It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before sealing and/or grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebble and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of pebbles.

It is recommended that the pebbles be sealed with a quality impregnator before grouting and again after the grout has dried completely because porosity or water absorption in the pebbles varies and therefore staining may occur in areas that are subjected to water if the tiles are left unsealed

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. We recommend using DryTreat sealant, which is a non-yellowing sealer.

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.

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.

Grouting is optional for this product. For most applications, grout is not used, in order to emphasize the natural appearance of the stone.

Sealing

To protect the application and bring out the true color of the stone, it is recommended that the pebble tiles be sealed with a quality professional-grade sealant following installation.

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.

Cleaning

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.

The pebbles may be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent, a vinegar solution, or a 10% hydrochloric acid solution mixed with water. Apply with a stiff bristled brush and then rinse off with water.