FT NEWS

Pebbled tile floors offer a blend of subtle bumpiness and smooth surfaces, which gives them a rustic appeal and lots of character. Standing barefoot on them reminds me of a river bank and induces a sense of closeness to nature. Here is an overview on pebbled floors, with their pros and cons.

What are pebble tiles?

Pebble tiles, also known as river rock tiles, are a form of natural stone mosaic. They are usually mesh-mounted in a patented interlocked pattern for a seamless pebble floor or wall. Generally found on islands, mountains and riversides, the pebbles are quarried from the source site and sorted by size, thickness and colour.

Types of pebble tiles

There are three main types of pebble tiles. The first are the basic or natural pebbles, which are round and uncut. The second type is the sliced pebble tiles, which are a sliced or cut along the top so they lie completely level and flat.

The third is the standing pebble tile, also known as stacked pebble tile or stacked stone tile. The pebbles are cut in half, with the flat side on the bottom and the rounded side on top. The pebbles are larger in this kind of tile.

All these variations are available in both polished and unpolished finishes.

Benefits of pebble floor tiles

These tiles exude simplicity and give a natural vibe to the decor. Along with its aesthetic appeal, they have some advantages too.
 

• They are versatile

A pebbles-tiled floor of a bathroom can be designed to be smooth or with slightly elevated pebbles for a rustic, rugged finish – walking on which is almost like massaging the feet. A flat finish is suggested for high-moisture areas, as it prevents water from settling in the gaps.

The tiles are available with shapes of pebbles (oval, round, triangular and so on) and colours (ranging from beige to black). There are also tiles with mixed pebbles (which looks very natural and goes with every decor). So, you have options that give plenty of design flexibility.

• They are anti-slip and water resistant

Pebble-tiled floors in showers provide an anti-slip surface, which is a boon. The slightly rugged texture helps the foot get a firm grip of the floor, preventing it from slipping. Plus these pebbles are water-resistant, which makes them suitable for backsplashes or walls – giving a sense of continuity and flow.

• They are natural and offer health benefits

These little rocks give the feel of a spring spa at home. They are often used to create reflexology footpaths, which are specifically designed to massage and stimulate acupressure points and neurological reflexes. Made from smoother stones, walking and standing on these pathways help reduce pain and soreness.

Cons
The true river rock or raised pebble style of tiles do not let water drain properly. Since the pebbles are elevated, water may sit in gaps between them, resulting in the build up of damp and mould.

Are they restricted to just the floors?

No. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas, pebble tiles can not only be used as bathroom tiles but also for feature walls, bars, kitchens and so on, too. See how the walls in the displayed bathroom get loads of character and texture with the neutral tiles. When pebble tiles are used vertically the water drains off naturally, of course.

Pebble tiles work well for kitchen backsplashes. Low maintenance and easy to clean, they offer a perfect backdrop to both modern and traditional kitchen designs.

Pebbles are great as outdoor floor tiles – they are a great way to infuse personality in your walkways, gardens, patios, and other outdoor areas. Cement mortar is often used as an adhesive to hold and give a solid flooring to the pathways and walkways. Pebbles are also an integral part of Zen garden decor and blend well with lush green plants and water features.

An alternative to tile: DIY pebble floor

The easiest and most hassle-free way way to get pebble flooring is to spread them loosely, rather than mounted onto sheets or cemented into place. Just rake them frequently, as the stones tend to shift over time, leading to gaps.