How to Make a Pebble Mosaic

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Sand and scrap plywood to make a box in which to lay out the mosaic's design. (Or spread the sand on a plastic tarp.)

2. Mosaic stones. Choose flat pebbles or cobbles in colors you like. We used green and slate black from the Signature Stones collection at Stone Decorative

3. Paver base

4. Stone dust

5. Concrete mix, such as Quikrete.

6. Topping mix. Also known as sand mix, it's finer than concrete mix and contains no aggregate. Quikrete and other companies make it. You'll add it like grout between the joints after laying the stones.

7. Pavers, bricks, or bluestones to surround the mosaic and hold it in place.

8. Plastic tarp or sheeting

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Spade to dig out the base
- 2x4s to screed the concrete and hold a tarp in place as the mosaic dries
- Garden sprayer or hose with fine-mist attachment
- Two large nails and string
- Garden spade
- 4x4 to set and level the stones. It should be about the length of the mosaic's radius so that you can work on one small section at a time.
- Rubber mallet
- Paint brush to spread the topping mix.
- Stiff-bristled brush to shape and dress the topping mix.
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Product selections for this project
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Mark Powers covers his pebble mosaic with a plastic tarp weighed down by 2 4x4s in order to cure the finished mosaic

Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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12. Let the Mosaic Cure

Cover the mosaic with the plastic tarp to hold in moisture while it cures. For a harder cure, uncover the mosaic and mist it a few times over the course of a day or two as it begins to set. Full curing may take a couple of weeks, depending on the weather. When it's complete, buff the stones with a damp cloth to remove concrete residue.