Three decades ago, a group of surfers dropped pebbles into the big pond of tile manufacturing, and the ripples they created continue to wash over the industry today.
These friends met on the Bali coast while in search of exciting breaks, but along the way discovered a second, unexpected source of stoke: the incredible craftsmanship of Indonesian artisans, including with natural stone. Among the works that made an impression were hand-laid pebble mosaics, which could be seen in settings such as walking paths and verandas. The group was so taken by the colors and textures that they wondered if it could be made into a tile – a form in which it could be admired in homes and landscapes every day.
They started by playing with some simple arrangements of pebbles on a table to see how combinations looked. Over time, they tried various glues and resins, using mesh and brainstorming techniques to successfully create a mosaic that had a good aesthitic but would also hold together until installed. Several months later, after ample trial and error, they had a product in their hands that they felt was ready for the market. Island Stone was born, with pebble mesh-mounted tile as its signature offering.
“I think the guys were surprised at how well they could get the pebbles to hold in the initial trials, which was probably when they knew, or at least hoped, they had a product,” Island Stone Director of Business Development Nigel Eaton said. “From a technical point of view, they thought, ‘Hang on, we might have something here – I never thought that would stick.’”
It was around that time that Eaton, an Australian who had moved to Bali to also prioritize surf and lifestyle over his corporate engineering career, joined the emerging company. The small Island Stone team knew from the start that delivering a product that authentically captured the essence of Indonesian stone work was critical to its success. Each piece of tile was handmade with Indonesian pebbles, and still is today.
“Indonesians are very artistic people,” Eaton said. “They do a lot of stone carving and hand-crafted work that is very labor-intensive. The attention to detail and skills at piecing each tile uniquely together, combined with structured processes, resulted in the best-looking pebble tile possible.”
Bathroom with Perfect Pebble French Tan Natural flooring, showcasing natural light and outdoor scenery.
Entering The Luxury Tile Industry
Breaking into the crowded and competitive field of tile manufacturing is no easy feat, but it started to happen 4,000 miles away in New Zealand. There, an initial group of interior designers and architects saw something fresh and new in the pebble mesh and tried it in their projects.
One memorable, if unlikely, early adopter was a Burger King in New Zealand. It was gratifying for Island Stone to see a fast-food chain known for rigid standardization, from its wrappers to its Whoppers, recognize the uniqueness of the pebble mesh. Eaton said the tile is still in place, over 20 years later, and holding up well under the restaurant’s significant foot traffic, a strong indication of its durability and longevity.
Word of mouth took over after a succession of installations in homes, pubs, and public spaces. It began showing up in showrooms, first in New Zealand, then in Australia, and next across the oceans in the U.S. and France.
The pebbles formed a strong foundation for Island Stone’s business. The success of the pebble mesh tile opened the door for further innovation with materials like wood, ceramic and glass.
“We went from pebble tile into all things that look cool and all things that are great for interior and landscape design,” Eaton said. “Island Stone now has a global network of suppliers working with our materials.”
Open-air shower featuring Island Stone’s Bird’s Egg Natural pebbles.
Moving Forward With Our Natural Stone Mosaics & More
A rolling stone gathers no moss, and Island Stone’s artisans have continued to lead the industry and build from the original tile designs. Today the company offers a rich variety of pebble tile mosaics, each crafted from individually selected stones and organized into interlocking, puzzle-like mesh sheets. The collections are suited for indoor and outdoor use, including pool or shower floor applications, and are easy to install. Key lines today include:
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Cobbles: A smooth, flat surface available in a multitude of color options.
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Level Pebble: Featuring a uniform thickness and low profile for a smooth walking surface.
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Perfect Pebble: An iconic rounded, flat river-stone mosaic, available in multiple color blends.
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Spindrift Marble: Sculptural and elegant, these mosaics mimic water-worn pebbles but are made from marble.
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Stacked Pebble: Varying pebble heights uniformly arranged in a sleek horizontal line.
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Strip Pebble: Individual curved stones set in a dynamic linear pattern, creating a uniquely modern design.
Island Stone can customize its products to suit individual project needs and customer ideas for both residential and commercial applications. Director of Product Management David Tovar points to Island Stone’s flexibility in working with such complex materials as proof of its innovation.
“We do what others think can’t be done, and figure out ways to accomplish things they give up on,” Tovar said.
Experience the tiles born from adventure. For over three decades, Island Stone has brought the spirit of Indonesian craftsmanship into homes worldwide. From our original Perfect Pebble to modern interpretations like Stacked Pebble and Spindrift Marble, every piece carries the same dedication to authentic, handcrafted beauty that started on a Bali veranda.
