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How to Grout Pebbles for a Kitchen Backsplash

Pebble tiles are various-sized pebbles that are affixed to a sheet. These sheets are designed to be roughly uniform and can be installed next to each other. While the basic principles of grouting pebbles are exactly the same as grouting any other type of natural stone or tile, it does require some extra cleaning because the spaces between the pebbles are not uniform, and the pebbles themselves are not the same thickness. As a result more cleaning is required, and more time is needed to ensure joint uniformity.

Things You'll Need

  • Grout
  • Grout float
  • Tile sponge
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the grout across the surface of the pebbles with a grout float. Apply pressure while you spread the grout. Spread the grout in several different directions to ensure that the joints are filled sufficiently. Scrape away the excess grout, using the float.

    • 2

      Wait about 20 minutes for the grout to set up. Check to see if the grout is ready for removal by touching it with your finger. The grout will stick to your finger if it is still too wet, but if it's ready, your finger will come away dry.

    • 3

      Fill your bucket with room-temperature or cold tap water. Wet a sponge in the bucket and use it to dampen the grout on the surface of the tile. Move the sponge in a circular motion, and apply gentle pressure to begin cleaning the grout from the surface while at the same time smoothing over the joints. Rinse out the sponge regularly.

    • 4

      Let the area dry for 30 minutes after your initial cleaning to see if any grout streaks remain. Change the water in your bucket, and use clean water for the final wash. Wet the sponge and gently pull it across the surface of the tile with a single, sweeping motion to remove any haze. Avoid applying pressure, or you will remove grout from the joints.