How to Make a Shower Out of River Rock

River rocks are naturally smooth due to the tumbling environment of flowing rivers and streams. The smooth and sleek rocks lend themselves perfectly to a tiling application, such as installing flat river rocks instead of standard ceramic tiles on shower walls to create a natural- and rustic-looking shower space. Collect river rocks for free, where permitted, while on a nature walk, or purchase them inexpensively from a home-improvement store. Use 1/2-inch thick, flat river rocks for the project.

Electric sander
Fine-grit sanding belt
Shop vacuum cleaner
Medium grout
Trowel
Washcloth
Waterproof, polyurethane sealant
Paintbrush, 3 inches wide

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the surface of the bare shower walls using an electric sander with a fine-grit sanding belt. That task will remove debris and roughness from the surface.
- 2
  Vacuum the shower walls and surrounding areas with a shop vacuum cleaner.
- 3
  Spread a 1-inch thick layer of medium grout over the shower walls with a trowel.
- 4
  Press 1/2-inch thick, flat river rocks halfway into the grout, spacing the rocks 1/4 inch apart from each other.
- 5
  Spread a 1/4-inch thick layer of medium grout over the rocks. Scrape off excess grout with the trowel.
- 6
  Wipe off the surface of each river rock with a damp washcloth. Allow the river rock walls to air-dry for 24 to 36 hours.
- 7
  Provide ventilation for the shower area. Apply a layer of waterproof, polyurethane sealant over each entire river rock wall using a 3-inch wide paintbrush. Continue to ventilate the area well while you apply the sealant. Allow the sealant to dry for eight hours.

How to Make a Drop Curtain

How to Scribe a Door

Windows, Doors & Walls