I have these stone things that I find when I go to the beach. They are usually about 1 1/2 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. They are smooth stones with rounded edges and are usually really pale colored and have sort of a grain to them (but they're still smooth) and have rounded edges. If I get enough could I tile a floor with them or a backsplash maybe? Also, do you know what these things are even called?
2006-10-03 04:07:11 · 5 answers · asked by BeeFree 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Your stones sound like some sort of river stone. You can actually buy these in "tiles" of 12"X12", all held together on a mesh backing. They are beautiful, but extremely difficult to apply evenly for a floor. For floors you have to think of safety, and the irregularities in thickness can be a bit of a danger -- plus if you're walking around in socks, you run the risk of going flying because the stones are exceptionally smooth, actually they seem to have a naturally polished surface. They work amazingly for backsplashes, as you mentioned, and also for decorative purposes like borders on the wall, and arts and crafts projects (picture frames, and the like). If you really want to use them on a floor, I would suggest that you do a border around the room with them (maybe about 6 inches wide) or use them in some other combination with regular tiles.
The epoxy-based tile adhesives are most efficient for securing these down. Doing the grout will be a very challenging task because the shapes are so irregular. But the end result will be worth the hassle. Good luck!
2006-10-03 04:56:16 · answer #1 · answered by interior designer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what type of stone they are, but they have been smoothed by the waves and the currents of the ocean. They can be used to tile or make a back splash, it just takes some extra work. You will need to get the right kind of mortar. The flooring will be very difficult to maintain because of the spaces in between the stones, but a back splash would be really unique. If you are close to a Home Depot or Lowe's hardware store, they offer classes in tile and flooring. They can help you get going on your project. The classes are free, and they are supposed to experts!
Just one thing to try before making this decision. Try scraping the stones with something, like a screwdriver or knife. Does it flake or break off? If so, it could be sandstone, and that is not an ideal flooring medium. If it keeps its integrity, then it is a harder stone and will do fine.
2006-10-03 04:27:55 · answer #2 · answered by soccer mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. they are river stones. i did my backsplash and shower in them. i wasn't about to pay those prices at the stone quarry so i went to the river and kept bringing some home. they look great and i get all kinds of compliments, too!
2006-10-03 07:59:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just put several layers of a clear gloss sealer over the top
2006-10-03 04:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
sure y not
2006-10-03 07:41:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋