They lie on the window sill, reminding us of the last beach vacation or straining our children's pockets. They are plain, gray with light stripes, white, cream, marbled, brown or red, long and thin, thick and round, or flat like buttons. This is how nature formed the pebbles.Strong sea waves or a fast river current initially carried away angular pieces of rock, which rubbed against each other and scrubbed the sand.In the end, the smoothed pebbles were thrown onto the shore of the sea or river, so that the most beautiful could be in our hands.
The variety of small pebbles is so large that they have become a perfect material for often elaborate mosaics, usually strengthening horizontal surfaces.Various shades of colors, sizes and shapes are the basis for interestingly invented patterns or images.Interesting, eye-catching effects can be created by a carefully thought-out, targeted arrangement of the basic mosaic elements.
Examples to be followed and recreated in a mosaic can be found everywhere. Even the shapes and colors of stones bought or collected by yourself can be an inspiration. If we have an artistic sense, it is certainly quite easy to find interesting topics in our closer or further surroundings.We can also get inspiration from works of art.The idea is worth consolidating, even in the most general terms, by sketching the composition on a sheet of paper or even directly on the smooth surface of beach sand.
Solid and durable construction
The basic condition for the durability of a stone mosaic is its stable structure.We remove the parent soil up to the compact subsoil.The minimum depth is 25 cm, with more vehicles loaded.
1. The stabilization of the entire structure is ensured by a strong rim made of concrete blocks.In case of high loads, they should be additionally concreted;
2. The load-bearing layer is made of gravel and grit, min. 15 cm. It should be placed with a slight side slope and compacted with a compactor;
3. Pebbles of not too large sizes should be pressed tightly next to each other into the binding layer (mixture of dry sand and cement) 10 cm thick.
It is best to start trying to arrange a mosaic from small surfaces. Put a small motif on a cement-sand mixture, which will only be fixed by contact with water.When the mosaic is ready, press the board against the stones so that they are of equal height.If necessary, add the mortar - pebbles should protrude 5 mm from it. Then carefully but thoroughly sprinkle the surface with water. For two weeks, we protect the mosaic from sun and rain, until the mortar binds it.
