River Rock Floor Mat **WITH TUTORIAL and added suggestions**

[brandnewday]

I saw this somewhere else and figured that I could recreate it!!


So Hubby and I went for a little trip to 'the Depot' to collect our supplies.
* 1 roll of that rubbery shelf liner stuff in a neutral color(about $3-$4).
* 1-2 bags of river rocks from the garden center (the 1 to 3 inch variety was about $3 a bag)
* 1 tube of Landscaper's adhesive - I bet you could use silicone, but hubby was with and he's all about making things STRONG. (about $3)
* 1 can of polyurethane

First, I poured out all the rock on the back patio and rinsed them off and let them dry for a day.

Second, I took a roll of that rubber shelf liner stuff and cut it to the size that I wanted.

Third, I started scavenging through all the rocks to find ones that fit together in a cool pattern. It took a while, but I got them all situated. We bought two bags just so that we could find all the 'perfect' rocks.

Fourth, I laid down wax paper underneath the mat, WHICH I DO NOT SUGGEST DOING!, so that the adhesive wouldn't stick to the floor. NEXT TIME, I would use something more durable or easily tearable, not sure what at this point. EDIT: Someone here suggested using polyurethane plastic sheeting, the cheap drop cloth kinds because nothing sticks to that!!

Fifth, I started glueing the rocks down to the mat using the adhesive in a caulk gun. I ended up changing my design a little just because I couldn't keep it all in order as I transfered the rocks from the floor to the mat. EDIT: Also someone suggested using outdoor silicone because the landscape adhesive is really meant to stick rocks together, not really for rocks to plastic. I can say that it's been a while since I originally posted this and about 4 rocks have fallen off my mat, but it's also been moved in and out many times because of the hurricanes and moving to a new house.

Sixth, I waited for two days before I started messing with it. I cut the waxed paper off the back and it was a real pain.  I had to cut around ever dot of adhesive because I couldn't peel the paper off the adhesive. BUT...live and learn right?! Like I mentioned earlier...use the plastic sheeting to avoid this head ache.

Seventh, I trimmed the extra rubber backing off the edges so that it looked cleaner.

Eight...to be completed... I am planning on putting glossy polyurethane on the top to seal it too!

Hope you like it.  Comments appreciated!!

[beastbunny]

That is absolutely wonderful!  I want to make one so badly, I bet it feels so good on your feet!  One question-how do you pick it up?  Do you have to hold both sides? 

[brandnewday]

That is absolutely wonderful! I want to make one so badly, I bet it feels so good on your feet! One question-how do you pick it up? Do you have to hold both sides?

It's a little floppy when you pick it up.  You pretty much just have to grab on to both sides when you move it. It's a mat so I don't plan on moving it all that much, also it's pretty heavy with all that stone on it.

[gangstabilly]

Very, very nice! My hubby works for Depot,sooooo guess what he's bringing home!!

[Natural Starlet]

That is very creative and unique!  I like it!  Maybe I'll make one one day.

[sweets4ever]

Very unique!!  And quite cheap   Where are you going to put it?

[justanyothergurl]

All i could think when i saw that, is that it will be heaven when the sun warms the stones....i love the feeling of hot rocks/tar... ok maybe i'm weird. I like the idea. turned out pretty cool

[djungelorms friend]

That is such a neat idea!  I really like it...  Thanks for sharing the great tutorial too, really clear and inspiring.   

[SKN725]

According to a friend of mine, your hubby is totally correct about using the landscaper's adhesive.  Silicone, HE says, is a sealer, not a glue.  So do you suppose they're right, or is it just a guy thing?  Anyway, it turned out great!

[Milly]

that looks totally awesome! does it hurt to stand on or have all the rocks been eroded and curved? bet you saved yourself a load off retail price