Your go-to guide for installing Island Stone's mesh-backed pebble and marble tile products.
Inspection
No two pieces of natural stone are exactly alike. Tiles must be inspected prior to installation to ensure that no blending is required. No claims will be accepted by Island Stone after installation. Use of product implies acceptance.
Substrate
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants. Deflection should be a maximum of 1/360th of the span for walls or floors. Wet areas require special attention involving appropriate substrates (e.g concrete, compressed sheet, gib aqualine, H3 treated plywood), the use of reinforced waterproof membranes and, in the case of floors, a fall of the drainage point of not less than 1:60.
Adhesive
Cement-based adhesives (thin-set) are generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive (probably 2-part) should be used as a minimum. It is important that each pebble is embedded in the adhesive. Select a product suitable for application with a 1/4" notched trowel.
Control Joints
There are numerous reasons for building movement. Control joints are an effective way of minimizing potential damage. By dividing a larger tiled area into a series of smaller ones, joints can be easily formed with two angles; sealant and bond breaker between them.
Laying and Joint Hiding
Interlocking pebble tiles are designed to achieve a no-joint look. For best visual results, Island Stone recommends the tiler butt tiles together and not leave the traditional 1/4" to 3/8" grout gap when laying ceramic tiles. Before grouting, inspect that all pebbles are properly installed. Remove and re-adhere any particular pebble that may have been placed incorrectly.
Grout
The grout, whether it is for external or internal use, should be suitable for joints up to 1/2" wide. Generally grouts are water-mix, but where some flexibility may be needed, then a latex additive should be used in place of or with water.
Note: It is recommended that the grout level not be much higher than the maximum girth of the pebbles. In this way, more pebble is seen with less grout. The pebbles should be as visible as possible.
Sealing
It is recommended that the stone tiles be sealed with a quality impregnator before and after grouting. For use in and around water, a water repelling sealer is recommended to ensure longevity. A color enhancer may be applied to bring out the true color of the stone at any time after grouting. Do not use oil based sealers!
Discolored Pebbles
Before sealing, if any pebbles are yellowed from contact with glue, a solution of bleach and water applied to the surface will remove any discoloration.
Curved Surfaces
Island Stone pebble sheets can be easily fitted around a gently curved surface – a column, for example. If the sheet is turned around a right angle, some stones will need to be plucked off the mat where they are distorted at the corner point. They should be replaced with smaller pebbles to maintain uniformity.
Waterproof Membranes
These prevent water from leaking 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 strongly recommended that membrane systems are used in all wet areas.
T.C.N.A.
All installations of pebble and random tile should meet or exceed the guidelines and specifications as outlined by the Tile Council of North America. Refer to www.tileusa.com.