One thing I learned about epoxy grouting river rock: you want to make sure a line is left at the edge for caulk (color matched) to be put in right at the plane change, or you risk cracking at the seams (I've heard of regular tile breaking, rather than the epoxy grout breaking, but in our case, I guess the rocks were flexible enough that the epoxy grout cracked instead). It's a bit tricky aesthetics-wise, because there's no natural break as there would be with a row of tile--we're just cutting a teeny groutline-sized line in and we've made sure to color-match the caulk to the grout very carefully. The lack of natural break with the rocks is why mongo has shown that he puts a row of tile around the outer edge of the floor of a rock shower--it provides you with a clear place to do the caulk plane change. But if you've already got the rock down, and no ability to edgeit, just make sure that there's a groutline's worth of space left around the outside and that caulk is put in there, rather than grouting all the way up to the beginning of the vertical.

Hi Cheri, You aren't nuts, but this will take some care. Ocean and river stones can have deposits which will inhibit the mortar's bond. The most obvious culprit with ocean stones is sea salt and organic matter, but there are oils and waxes that also get into the mix, sadly enough. ALL of your pebbles will need to be washed aggressively!! I'd use a solution of Tri-sodium Phopsphate (hardware-grade TSP) in a wheelbarrow and REALLY stir those rocks up. Use a garden hoe or some other long-handled "mixer" to churn the stones so that they rub against each other. Not only is the TSP working to remove "bases" from the surface and pores of the stones, but the abrasions of all the stones against each other will expose fresh surface area too. Be rough! :^) With all of that done, then rinse the stones very very well and then let them dry. If they dry chalky, churn them again in just plain water until the TSP is completely washed off. Then you can start setting them. Remember that you should wear protective clothing and equipment when working with TSP. It's caustic and will irritate your skin and can damage your eyes! Gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection are a must! Best of luck, Shaughnn

I don't know the answer to your question, sorry. I have a similar path and also have similar problems walking the lawnmower across/along the path. One thing I have which makes things slightly easier for walking is that instead of 18"x18" concrete tiles, I use larger (wider) pieces of flagstone (about 30"x18"), and I find that I can easily walk along the path because the flagstone is wide enough and appropriately placed so that I end up stepping on it, and not the pea-stone. Yes, the pea-stone is difficult to walk on, but most of the time my feet end up landing on the flagstone. However, the lawnmower is still a bit of an issue for me. I would suggest that if you can't find a solution to increase stability , you could try replacing the stepping tiles that you have with something larger similar to what I have, or put a second line of stepping tiles alongside the existing tiles. This would at least help with the walking because the stable part of the path is wider. It may also help with the lawnmower a bit because both wheels will run along the tiles for part of the time. Not a great solution, I know, but if you are stuck. Also you may find that the pea-stone over time works its way into the garden and the garden dirt, mulch works its way into the pea-stone, and then weeds start to grow in the pea-stone - you might want to consider putting something else along the edge of the path to better contain each side.

Oh my goodness, upon researching these same tiles from the "Tile Shop" I came upon this post. I too want to place them in my shower, than carry them around behind an old reglazed clawfoot tub. They are beautiful, the perfect color (soft white) and have a subtle sparkle that arises from them when light stikes their surface. I have looked at SO MANY, but always return to these tiles. Of course I am only looking at 4 tiles laid out on the door so an entire wall might look different. My tub is white with beautiful brushed nickel feet, salvaged from an old house. I have the flooring already, large beige/grey hexagon tiles. I have a double vanity, stained hickory wood on order. It is those darn wall tiles! The contractor will be here in 2 weeks, I MUST decide. We have had this bathroom torn up for almost 3 years so you can see I have difficulties making decisions. My house is your typical suburban tri level, located in the midwest. Love the mission style but not in Minnesota! Going to see this house in about 4 years so it needs to be something that appeals to everyone. HELP! Armyaaronswife, what have you done with your bathroom? Can you send pictures? Thank you everyone. Stay safe!