Installation Guide

WWW.SOLISELECT.COM
Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or a hand grinder with a masonry blade. The
mesh back can be easily cut with a utility knife. Some pebbles may need to be removed
and replaced by hand to make the installation look more seamless. For certain
applications cuts may not be necessary. As there are no straight lines in the product,
when approaching a straight edge the last row of pebbles can be removed from the
mesh and adjusted by hand.
ADHESIVE
Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one
brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for
alternative and comparable products.
The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors
and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and
polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing pebbles. A cement-based
adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is
anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a
modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is
recommended for most applications.
The use of a gray thinset mortar may be desired if you are using the dark pebbles, and
a white thinset for lighter colors. It is very important that each pebble is embedded in
the adhesive. To make sure there is 100% coverage, tap the sheets into the adhesive
gently with a rubber float and try to avoid having the thinset come up from in between
the pebbles.
GROUTING
Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4" in width and designed for external or
internal conditions whichever may be the case. Sanded grout is generally
recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8”. Grouts are ordinarily a water mix but
where some flexibility may be needed, a latex additive or similar product should be
used. It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer
before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebbles and avoid the opportunity
for dislodging of the pebbles.
In the event that one desires to better expose the pebbles, it is strongly suggested that
during the grouting process, the installer repeatedly removes the excess grout from the
joints by the use of a medium bristle brush and sponge. During this process, it is also
recommended that, if necessary, the excess grout is carved from the edge of the
pebbles by use of an appropriate knife.