You're wanting a stone mason to lay actual river rock within your floor? Let me guess: you have a maid do all your cleaning?

If not, hit the pause button and be sure any "river rock" flooring you install or create is a flat and mostly smooth and is an easily cleaned surface or a smooth and easily cleaned surface can be created over them such as these:

https://aardvarkpainting.com/epoxy-floors/epoxy-natural-river-stone-stone-flooring/

or are you thinking smooth flag stones such as these:

https://www.classicrockinc.com/landscaping-and-outdoor-projects.

There are vids that show DIY ... but, personally ... nope.

why are you asking? doesn't you tile guy know?

river rock comes on a mesh sheet and gets installed like any other tile.

I've installed it many times. (The tops of the rocks, and tops only) should be sealed before install.

Again, if you tile guy is an expert, he should know all of this.

I'd prob do the flat pebbles since they're easier to clean

now this, would be a nightmare to keep clean. the ones above? not a big deal. a scrubby brush and Stone Safe cleaner.

you could also do something like this

Thank you. I don't like the way the grout looks in river rock .... its too flat looking. I was looking for more of an organic look which is why I was going to use individual stones. That was what my question was inspired by,

This is a Tile setters job not a Stone Mason. I have never once sealed river stones prior to installation. Not that it can't be done but it is not required. I also would remove the stones from the mesh backing and install individually to avoid grid lines. Not being aware of your actual stone selection they may be individual pieces. Your qualified Tile Setter will know which installation method is required as there are to many project specific variables to consider. Depending on the thickness of your selected stones a perimeter build up or interior recessed area may be needed. As previously mentioned maintenance is not pleasant. I strongly suggest considering sliced river stone.

All the inspiration pics are highly stylized homes. How many are REAL? If they actually have people living/using those rooms bet there is a maid cleaning them!! Sure looks cool at first sight but how long until the novelty is worn off and the upkeep is killing you?

You DON'T. Unless this is an outdoor bath. Do a river rock wall instead. My heavens.......what an upkeep NIGHTMARE. ! Just because it's on the internet, doesn't make it a great idea.

Pick a wall and add flooring that is easier upkeep..........Below? Even prettier concept without the rock under the bub.

Horrible idea and honestly whay do you want this IMO bathrooms are best done in simple finishes that do not need to be ripped out when you decide this was a bad idea. I think I need to know where this addition of rock is going ans as for the actual install that will need to be decided with both the tile guy and the stone guy, good luck with that.

If we all liked the same things, it would be a truly boring world.

Do you mean you like the small smooth pebbles (rather than larger rocks or stones) -- because if so, you can use that look ... but perhaps not as a construction material.

If you truly like the "river rock" or any other non-conventional look, then consider using that look to to decorate rather than to build.

If you could find a decorative bowl you truly like, you could fill it with pebbles/rocks and place them in any room in your house -- even more than one room.

Does your bath get sunlight?

Does your yard get sunlight outside the bath window or elsewhere?

The reason I ask about sunlight is that there is now a solar powered water pump that could be put in a bowl or birdbath in the yard ... with small smooth creek/river pebbles below and around it to help hold the solar water pump in place for a water feature for your sunlight room or patio or yard.

Sometimes stores -- sometimes even the Dollar Tree-- will sell smooth pebbles for planters/pots and you may find some you like well enough to use for decorative purposes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Solar+water+pump+feature+for+fountain+bird+bath&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj4xtjBtqjqAhUej3IEHdRSChEQ_AUoAnoECA8QBA&biw=1366&bih=654

https://www.google.com/search?q=smooth+pebbles+for+planters+or+water+features&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF17Xzt6jqAhXlhHIEHa03A0kQ_AUoAnoECAsQBA&biw=1366&bih=654

Let us know what you decide -- do post after pics.

Thank you. Actually my tiler is going to install a plastic waterproof liner beneath the small river rock which will be placed in a very small oval area cut into the large tile around the base of my free standing tub. He said there is no reason to grout it in because the base beneath the stones will be slightly lower than the surrounding tile, so they will stay in place.

Good luck!!

loose stones is a really beautiful look, but like others said, how do you clean it? will there be a drain under them so you can hose it all off?

The first picture was my inspiration, We had a drain installed so that the pebbles can be sprayed with a cleaning solution and rinsed off. I am searching for these white pebbles to fill around the tub.

Barbara, your bath looks beautiful! Did you end up being happy with the stones? And cleaning?

HI Faith, did you end up putting the stones and how is it now?