Pebble Stone Shower floor installation Process

January 26, 2024

This article provides a comprehensive guide to pebble stone shower floor installation , including surface preparation, tool gathering, layout planning, and installation steps.

Pebble shower floors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a natural and unique touch to their bathroom.

The collection of small, smooth stones creates an aesthetically pleasing, textured surface that enhances both the visual appeal and safety of the shower experience.

However, it’s important to cleaning a pebble shower floor is important .

This article will guide you through the process of installing a pebble stone shower floor. It will also answer any important questions about installing pebble shower floors.

Table of Contents

Preparing for Pebble Stone Shower floor installation

A pebble floor is a type of flooring made up of small, smooth stones arranged together to create a textured surface. It is commonly used in showers and bathrooms for both aesthetic and safety purposes.

The process of installing a pebble stone shower floor, beginning with preparing for pebble floor is important to know .

1. Surface Preparation:

Cleaning the Shower Area. Before beginning any installation, the shower area should be thoroughly cleaned and free of debris, old tiles, or any previous flooring material. Make sure the surface is dry and clean to ensure proper adhesion.
Leveling the Floor. Check the levelness of the shower floor. Any unevenness can lead to issues during installation, such as uneven gaps between pebble stones or water pooling. Use a leveling compound if necessary to create a flat, even surface.
Waterproofing. As pebble stone is commonly used in wet areas such as showers, waterproofing is essential. To create a watertight barrier, apply a waterproofing membrane to the shower floor and extend it several inches up the walls. This prevents water from seeping into the subfloor.

2. Gathering Tools and Materials:

Adhesive: Select an appropriate adhesive or thin-set mortar for your pebble stone installation. Thin-set mortar is typically used for pebble stone installations due to its strong bonding properties.
Trowels: To spread adhesive and create grooves for the pebble stones to adhere to, you will need notched trowels.
Pebble Stones: Ensure that you have enough pebble stones for the entire installation. Consider buying a bit extra to account for any variations in size or shape.
Grout: Select a grout color that complements both your pebble stones and your bathroom’s aesthetics.
Safety Gear: Safety is of utmost importance during the installation process. Be sure to have gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask on hand to protect yourself.

3. Planning the Layout:

Dry Layout: Before applying adhesive, arrange the pebble stones on the shower floor without adhesive to perform a dry layout. This will help you visualize the final design, make adjustments, and ensure a balanced distribution of pebble stones.
Creating Borders: Decide whether you want to create borders or patterns with different pebble stone colors or sizes. This should be planned during the dry layout phase.

How to install pebble tile shower floor ?

1. Mixing Grout:

Before placing the pebble stones, prepare the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The consistency of the grout is important; it should be thick enough to fill gaps but not too thick to work with.

Choose a grout color that complements the pebble stones and overall aesthetic of your bathroom.

2. Placing Pebble Stones:

To begin, apply a layer of grout onto the prepared shower floor, covering a small area at a time.

Gently press the pebble stones into the grout, ensuring they are level and securely embedded.

Use spacers to maintain consistent spacing between pebble stones and achieve a uniform appearance.

3. Filling Gaps:

After placing the pebble stones, use a grout float to press grout into the gaps between them. Make sure to completely fill all gaps.

To work the grout into the spaces, hold the float at a 45-degree angle and move it diagonally across the pebble stones.

Finally, remove any excess grout from the surface of the pebble stones using the edge of the float.

4. Cleaning Excess Grout:

Once the grout begins to set (typically within 15-30 minutes), use a damp sponge to wipe away excess grout from the surface of the pebble stones. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid spreading grout residue, and be gentle to prevent dislodging the pebble stones.

5. Curing Grout:

Allow the grout to cure for the recommended time, usually 24 to 72 hours, before exposing it to moisture. Cover the installation area to protect it during this period.

It is important to keep the shower area dry during the curing process.

6. Sealing the Grout:

Once the grout has fully cured, apply a grout sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing helps protect the grout from moisture and stains.

Ensure that the sealer is evenly applied and that all grout lines are covered.

7. Final Cleaning:

After the sealer has dried, use a damp cloth or sponge to give the pebble stone shower floor a final cleaning and remove any remaining residue or haze.

Finally, polish the pebble stones with a clean, dry cloth to bring out their natural shine.

8. Finishing Touches:

Reinstall any fixtures or hardware that were removed before installation, such as showerheads or drain covers.

Inspect the entire installation for loose or uneven pebble stones or grout lines, and make necessary adjustments.

How To Fix Uneven Pebble Shower Floor ?

If you have an uneven pebble shower floor, you can address the issue with these potential solutions.

Inspect the floor: When fixing an uneven pebble shower floor, it’s crucial to inspect the floor to determine the cause of the issue. This may involve removing some of the pebbles to get a better look at the subfloor.
Re-level the subfloor: If the subfloor is uneven, you may need to re-level it before reinstalling the pebbles. This can be accomplished by using a self-leveling compound.
Replace loose or missing pebbles: To fix an uneven pebble shower floor, you can replace loose or missing pebbles by removing the old ones and installing new ones with thin-set mortar.
Add more grout: If the unevenness is minor, you may be able to fix it by adding more grout between the pebbles.
Consider professional help: If the unevenness is severe or you are not comfortable making the repairs yourself, it may be best to hire a professional to fix the issue.

It is important to note that pebble shower floors may be prone to unevenness and drainage problems. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid these issues from occurring in the first place.

How To Grout Pebble Shower Floor ?

To grout a pebble shower floor, begin by ensuring the surface is clean and dry. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the gaps between the pebbles using a rubber float.

Remove excess grout with a damp sponge and allow the grout to dry completely. Once dry, seal the grout to protect against moisture and stains. Following these steps will ensure a durable and visually appealing pebble shower floor.

Best Grout For Pebble Shower Floor ?

Consider these recommended grouts when choosing the best option for a pebble shower floor.:

Sanded grout: For irregular natural stone, such as pebble shower floors, it is recommended to use a good, sanded, high-performance grout. Some notable options include Tec Power Grout, Laticrete Permacolor Grout, and Mapei Keracolor.
Cement grout: Cement grout is an excellent choice for pebble stone flooring due to its versatility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Recommended cement grouts for this purpose include Prism, Permacolor, and Ultracolor.
Epoxy grout: Epoxy grouts like Spectralock Pro Premium and Ardex WA may be suitable for pebble tiles, but it’s important to double-check with the product before purchasing.

Note that high-performance grouts may set too quickly, causing issues if the grout is not washed soon enough. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid single-component “urethane-type grouts” like Bostik Dimension, Fusion Pro, and Flexcolor CQ, as they may not be appropriate for pebble floor tiles.

Epoxy Grout For Pebble Shower Floor ?

Epoxy grout can be a good choice for a pebble shower floor due to its durability and resistance to stains and water damage. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using epoxy grout for pebble tiles:

Quirks of pebble tiles: Pebble tiles have their own grouting quirks, and for ease of application, a good sanded high-performance grout is recommended instead of epoxy grout.
Avoid urethane-type grouts: For pebble floor tiles, it’s important to avoid single-component “urethane-type grouts” such as Bostik Dimension, Fusion Pro, and Flexcolor CQ.
Double-check with the product: Always double-check with the specific epoxy grout product you are considering to ensure that it is suitable for use with pebble tiles.
Consider other grout options: For pebble shower floors, it is recommended to use standard cement grout or high-performance cement grout, such as Prism, Permacolor, or Ultracolor.
Fast-setting nature: Epoxy grouts can set up quickly, so it’s important to work efficiently and be cautious to prevent the grout from setting before you have a chance to wash it.
Potential for mold: Some users have expressed concerns about the potential for mold growth when using epoxy grout and pebble floors. Therefore, proper care and maintenance are crucial in preventing this issue.

Epoxy grout can be a great option for pebble shower floors because of its durability. However, it’s important to keep in mind the unique characteristics of pebble tiles and to double-check with the product to ensure compatibility.

Conclusion of Pebble Stone Shower floor installation

Pebble Stone Shower Floor Installation is a provides step-by-step instructions for creating a visually appealing, safe, and long-lasting shower floor using pebble stones.

By following the outlined surface preparation, tool gathering, layout planning, and installation steps, readers can ensure a successful installation process.

The article also offers valuable insights into grout selection, including sanded, cement, and epoxy options, and highlights potential quirks and considerations.

Overall, this article is an essential resource for anyone looking to install a pebble stone shower floor in their bathtub or toilet and also shower also you need a bathtub accessories and you need to know all other article bathroom floor it provides detailed guidance and considerations for a seamless and successful process.