Cobbled Floors

sharp sand (available at home centers in the cement materials section)
cement
straightedge
floor tiles
hammer or mallet
river pebbles (use 75-100 pebbles for each average 8" x 8" tile area)
soft brush
watering can with fine-spray nozzle

Steps:

1. Mix equal amounts of sharp sand and cement. Pour this dry mortar on the entire flat surface to be paved with tile and pebble. Use straightedge to smooth and level area.
2. Position tiles to create a checkerboard effect. Make sure they are square, then hammer into level position and ensure that pebbles don't stick up over edges.
3. Arrange pebbles on an angle then press firmly into place. If the floor is to be smooth, add more mortar to even out the surface with the plain tiles.
4. Brush dry mortar evenly over entire finished surface between pebbles. Dampen with water to set.