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Design Dilemma
bryan_vandenheuvel

Can I put small river rock/pebbles in a shower tray?

Bryan Vandenheuvel
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Previously some asked this as well ([https://www.houzz.com/discussions/can-i-put-river-rock-in-my-shower-dsvw-vd~700080[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/can-i-put-river-rock-in-my-shower-dsvw-vd~700080)) but they were looking at mortar instillation. I was thinking of gluing them down with silicone sealant. Would this work and not cause the shower tray to fail from stress?


I am aware this may not be ideal, and there are several things to consider like comfort and cleaning, but I'm specifically asking if by not using a hard set material you can line a shower tray?

Featured Answer
  • PRO
    U+B Architecture & Design
    9 years ago

    I would not recommend this installation technique to any of my clients, I would focus on finding the right river washed stone to put down that minimizes the gap between stones and go for a really tight grout joint. With this type of product you will find the stones come mounted to a mesh back like a lot of mosaic tiles, so product selection is very inportant to you being happy with your shower floor.

    Comments (17)

    • PRO
      West Point Home Center
      9 years ago

      Are you talking about no mortar at all? How would you ever clean around them? I would think the base would be covered with mildew, hair and shower gunk pretty quickly. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you mean.

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      No mortar and use silicone as my mortar substitute. I was even thinking of mixing some sand into some of the silicone to make a faux grout for between the stones.

    • PRO
      West Point Home Center
      9 years ago

      Or do you mean glue them down with the silicone, but then still grout them?

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      I'm just wondering if by using silicone and no hard set material if you can line a shower tray.

    • Judy Mishkin
      9 years ago

      unless you bury them completely they are pretty ouchy to stand on.

    • User
      9 years ago

      I don't know what you're talking about, but I do know that they are extremely painful to stand on. I lke the look but had to abandon the idea for my own shower.

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      nnigrt and adivra, I'm not asking about that, but thank you.

    • PRO
      Patricia Colwell Consulting
      9 years ago

      Silicone will not work for this application you need to get the proper material and for sure walking on stones in the shower would not be comfortable at all.

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      But from that the comments were saying in the link I added, you can't use a shower tray then. The tray will fair rather quickly. Thoughts?

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      Maybe a textured spray paint that makes it look stone...? But that probably wouldn't hold up to the water?

    • PRO
      West Point Home Center
      9 years ago

      So you're talking about adhering them, and grouting them both with silicone? And are you talking about an existing shower pan? Or a new one that is meant for tile?

    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago

      Yes, your understanding is correct of my use of silicone. I'm talking about an existing shower pan.

    • leelee
      9 years ago

      Just supposing you can do what you're asking...then how are you going to clean it? I think it will get very moldy. Yuck.

    • PRO
      West Point Home Center
      9 years ago

      It won't work. Well, it might for a week, or maybe a month. It won't last. If you pan wasn't designed to hold tile, replacing the thinset and grout with silicone won't help. Your pan will most likely crack at some point. I also don't think that the silicone would hold up that well over time either. The silicone element to this, I admit, is a little out of my area. But it seems like providing a water tight seal over a small gap is one thing, and filling an area and expecting it to be flood proof day after day is another. Just like with silicone caulking, at some point there is usually some separation where the silicone meets the surface, and it needs to be dug out and redone. What would you do then?

      Bryan Vandenheuvel thanked West Point Home Center
    • Bryan Vandenheuvel
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      Thank you West Point! That's exactly the info I was looking for! :D Suppose a epoxy textured paint would work to give the tray a more nature look?

    • PRO
      West Point Home Center
      9 years ago

      I'm not sure. I suppose an epoxy paint might work and hold up, but I can't say that I've personally ever seen one that has the look you are going for.

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