Pebble tile bathroom brings a sense of natural beauty into the home with its unique and organic textures. Pebble stones make an excellent choice for bathroom tiles due to their durability, easy maintenance, and visually appealing look. In this article, we will explore the beauty and benefits of using pebble tile in bathroom designs.
What are Pebble Tiles?
Pebble tiles are made from small, rounded stones that are naturally smoothed by flowing water. They come in a variety of natural colors like white, tan, gray, brown and beige. Pebble tiles are available in different sizes, ranging from tiny pebbles to larger stones around 2-3 inches across.
The small rounded shape and organic texture of pebble tiles create a one-of-a-kind visual effect that is difficult to recreate with ceramic or porcelain tiles. The varied colors and irregular stone shapes give a pebble tile installation depth, dimensionality and natural appeal.
Benefits of Pebble Tile for Bathrooms
There are many excellent reasons to consider using pebble tiles in bathroom designs:
Natural Beauty
The organic shapes, varied colors and textures of pebble tiles bring a sense of natural beauty into the bathroom space. Pebble tiles add visual interest and give the bathroom an earthy, spa-like feel.
Durability
Pebble tiles are very hardy and able to withstand the wet conditions of a bathroom. Made from natural stone, they are impervious to water and not prone to cracks or chipping like some ceramic tiles. Pebble holds up well to foot traffic and is suitable for flooring.
Low Maintenance
The smooth surface of pebble tiles prevents dirt, soap scum and hard water stains from accumulating. They are easy to clean using mild cleaner and require no special maintenance like sealing.
Non-Slip Surface
The naturally bumpy texture of pebble tiles provides grip underfoot, even when wet. This makes pebble tile a good anti-slip choice for bathroom floors, especially in wet areas like the shower.
Unique Look
Since no two pebble tiles are exactly alike, pebble tile bathroom has a one-of-a-kind look you can’t replicate with mass manufactured tiles. It brings uncommon personality and beauty to the space.
Visual Depth
The multi-sized pebbles and mottled colors create visual depth and dimension that draws the eye. Pebble tile bathtubs and walls make a stunning backdrop that steals the focus.
Design Versatility
The organic neutral tones of pebble tiles pair beautifully with any color scheme or design aesthetic. Pebble works equally well in traditional cottage, modern, minimalist, eclectic or spa-style bathrooms.
Affordability
Pebble tile is an affordable tile option compared to stones like marble or granite. The irregular cut sizes also result in less wasted materials. Pebble mosaic sheets make installation simple.
Popular Places to Use Pebble Tile in the Bathroom
Here are some of the best places to install pebble tile in the bathroom:
Shower Floor and Walls
Pebble tile is an excellent choice for shower floors, walls or to clad the entire shower enclosure. The variated texture provides grip underfoot and the natural stone is water resistant. Mixing pebble sizes and colors creates visual interest.
Bathroom Flooring
Pebble floor tile brings anti-slip security and a visually appealing backdrop. Use pebble tile throughout the bathroom floor or integrate pebble patterns into ceramic or porcelain flooring. Keep grout narrow for easier cleaning.
Backsplashes
A pebble tile backsplash behind the vanity creates a textural focal point. Contrasting pebble colors can accent the countertop. Extend the pebble backsplash to tile the entire wall behind the vanity.
Bathtub Surround
Cover the walls around a bathtub with pebble tile to create an earthy, spa-like vibe. Use pebble sheets or a mosaic pattern as an accent stripe to tile just below the tub rim.
Bathroom Sinks and Countertops
Pebble makes a lovely countertop material resistant to water damage. Or use a pebble tile mosaic to decorate the front of a vanity or surface of a vessel sink.
Accent Stripes or Borders
Add thin bands of pebble tile mosaic as accents along the top or bottom of bathroom walls. Use borders to frame mirrors, niches and transitions between other types of tile.
Choosing Pebble Tiles
With so many options, keep these tips in mind when selecting pebble tiles:
- Color – Select pebble colors that coordinate with the color scheme. Keep colors subdued for a soothing spa look or go bold with contrast.
- Size – Tiny pebbles work best for shower floors, while larger 2-3 inch pebbles make a statement on walls and backsplashes.
- Thickness – Thicker pebble tiles around 1/2 inch are best for flooring to withstand foot traffic. Use thinner pebble mosaics on walls.
- Texture – Larger pebbles have more variation in shape and color. Tiny mosaic pebbles create uniform texture. Combine sizes for visual interest.
- Sheet or Individual – Pebble mosaics mounted on mesh sheets are easier to install than individual pebble tiles.
- Sealant – Sealing is optional for maintenance but helps prevent pebble colors from fading over time from moisture.
How to Install Pebble Tile in the Bathroom
Installing pebble tile bathroom correctly takes a bit more time and skill than traditional ceramic or porcelain tile. Here are some tips:
Select Appropriate Substrate
Pebble tile floors require a concrete, cement board or very stiff mud bed substrate. Walls can use moisture-resistant drywall or cement board.
Prepare the Surface Properly
The substrate must be leveled and waterproofed to prevent cracks. Use a latex modified thinset mortar suitable for natural stone.
Apply the Thinset Mortar
Comb thinset mortar in small sections using the notched edge of the trowel to create ridges for the pebbles to adhere to.
Set the Tiles into Place
Press tiles gently but firmly into the mortar. Use tile spacers between pebbles and for consistent grout lines.
Cut Tiles to Fit
Cut pebbles as needed around outlets, pipes and edges using a wet saw or nipper. File any sharp edges smooth.
Clean Up Excess Mortar
As you work, wipe away any thinset from tile surfaces with a damp sponge before it dries. Rinse sponge frequently.
Allow Thinset to Cure
Let mortar cure for 24-48 hours before grouting pebble tiles. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Mist tiles lightly with water if they appear dry.
Grout the Pebble Tile
Apply grout along the pebble grout lines, letting it sink in fully. Buff off residue with a sponge, rinsing often. Allow grout to cure as directed.
Seal the Pebble Tile (Optional)
Sealing the tiles with a penetrating sealer will protect from stains and reduce surface moisture. Re-seal pebble tile every 1-2 years.
Following proper installation techniques will keep the pebble tile durable and beautiful. Consider having a professional tile installer handle the project if you lack tiling experience.
Stylish Bathroom Designs with Pebble Tile
Inspired to create your own beautiful pebble tile bathroom? Here are some stunning ways to put this tile to use:
Serene Spa Bathroom
- Creamy beige pebble tile floors
- White pebble mosaic shower walls and bench seat
- Soothing gray blue mosaic tile tub surround
- Floating wood vanity with pebble mosaic backsplash
Tropical Bathroom
- Sandy colored pebble floor in an ocean wave pattern
- Green glass vessel sink on driftwood vanity
- Palm pattern pebble mosaic as shower border with aqua ceramic tile walls
- Rattan accessories and greenery accents
Rustic Cottage Bathroom
- Mix of tan, brown and white pebble tile floor
- Clawfoot tub with multicolor pebble mosaic skirt
- Vintage ladder holding woven baskets for storage
- Distressed wood vanity with copper sink
- Farmhouse sconces and cottage window treatments
Minimalist Bathroom
- Large format creamy travertine tiles on floor and walls
- Floating vanity with inset sink and integrated lighting
- Frameless glass shower with linear pebble mosaic floor
- Concrete look tiles in shower niche
Modern Bathroom
- Wide plank porcelain tile flooring in grey
- White quartz floating vanity
- Rectangular undermount sinks
- Grey mosaic pebble tile behind vanity
- White subway wall tile with minimalist fixtures
FAQs About Pebble Tile Bathrooms
Is pebble tile suitable for bathroom floors?
Yes, pebble tile makes an excellent bathroom flooring choice. The pebbles provide grip to prevent slips when wet. Use larger pebbles and proper installation techniques for floors.
How durable is pebble tile in showers?
Pebble tile holds up beautifully in showers when properly sealed and maintained to prevent water seepage behind tiles that can cause loosening or damage from freezing.
Do you need to seal pebble tile?
Sealing is an optional step that helps protect the look of pebble tile by preventing stains from water deposits and soap. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
Is it hard to clean pebble tile?
Pebble tile is easy to maintain. Simply use a mild pH neutral cleaner and soft scrub brush for routine cleaning. Grout can collect more dirt, so keep grout lines narrow.
Can you use pebble tiles on the ceiling?
Pebble mosaic can be installed on bathroom ceilings. Use a lightweight stone and thinset mortar suitable for overhead application. Individual pebbles are not recommended.
How can I cut pebble tiles?
Cut pebble tiles to size using a wet saw with a diamond blade. Cutting pebbles individually can be tricky, so opt for sheet mosaics whenever possible. Use nippers on corners or curves.
Should pebble tiles be laid in a pattern?
Pebble tiles look best when installed randomly in a natural layout without any obvious repeating pattern. Mix pebble sizes and shapes for optimal results. Offset grout line spacing.
Final Thoughts
With endless options for creativity, pebble tile bathroom makes a beautiful, low maintenance and affordable design choice. The stone’s organic texture and soothing colors bring the relaxing essence of nature indoors.
Pebble tiles come in a variety of natural shades to match any design aesthetic. They make a durable choice for shower and flooring while adding visual depth and interest. Installing pebble tile bathroom does require skill and proper technique to allow the stone to last for years of enjoyment.
Pebble tile is the perfect way to add natural character to your bathroom space with unique visual appeal. Let your imagination wander with the creative possibilities of pebble!