INTRODUCTION
How to Lay Travertine – Durable, beautiful, and easy to work with, travertine is available in different colors and finishes. Today, travertine is used mainly for floors and counter tops. In addition, travertine may be used in shower and tub areas, as pavers outside around pool decks and gardens, and as pavers for outside pathways.
Travertine is a natural stone material from the limestone family. As a sedimentary rock, nature eventually transforms travertine into marble. Hence, travertine is sometimes referred to as marble travertine or limestone travertine.
Variations of ivory, beige, and rust colors are common in travertine. Travertine is available in different finishes including honed, polished, and tumbled. Honed travertine is smooth, with a matte finish. Polished travertine is smooth, and typically polished until shiny. Tumbled travertine has a rough, textured finish.
In the instructions below, readers will learn how to lay travertine floor tiles. Travertine colors and finishes are so unique that each project will have its own look and feel. Travertine was used in ancient architecture, and it is one of the most commonly used stones in modern architecture.
In ancient times, architects used travertine in the design of structures that have lasted for centuries. The Roman Coliseum, is the largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine. If the Roman Coliseum has lasted this long, just think how long these new travertine tile floors are going to last.
THINGS YOU’LL NEED
Rubber gloves
Hammer
Electric chisel
Travertine tiles
Thin-set mortar
Level
Grout, sanded
Caulk
Rubber grout float
Sealer
Roller
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1 – PREPARE THE FLOOR
Remove all existing flooring materials (usually vinyl or tiles) manually with a hammer and chisel, or use an electric chisel. Remove baseboards and other obstructions. Clean and vacuum the subfloor thoroughly before installing the underlayment on top of the subflooring.
Note: New travertine floor tiles can be installed over existing flooring (usually vinyl or tiles) if it is of a material and in a condition that will provide a clean, smooth, straight surface for installation of the underlayment and the travertine tiles.
STEP 2 – INSTALL THE UNDERLAYMENT
Install the underlayment on top of the subflooring according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
STEP 3 – PLANNING THE INSTALLATION OF THE TRAVERTINE TILES
Do not use the mortar for this step in the process. Begin in the middle of the room, and work towards the walls while arranging the travertine tiles on the floor. Leave 1/8 inch of space between the tiles for the grout. Mark the back of each tile with a number in a manner that will be helpful when the actual installation begins.
STEP 4 – APPLY THE MORTAR AND LAY THE TILES
Mix the mortar in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Begin in the middle of the room, and work towards the walls. Use a trowel to spread some thin-set mortar onto a 4-6 foot square area of the underlayment. Work the mortar with the trowel until the mortar is spread evenly. Lay the new, numbered tiles onto the mortar leaving 1/8 inch of space between the tiles for the grout.
Repeat the process until all of the tiles have been set into the mortar. Let the mortar cure in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 5 – GROUT THE JOINTS
Mix the grout in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Start in a corner of the room. Use a rubber squeegee or a rubber grout float to spread the grout onto the tiles and into the joints.
Notes:
1) Use caulk instead of grout for movable joints.
2) Moveable joints around new tiles require 1/2 inch of clearance for every 20 feet of new tile.
3) For joints greater than 1/8 inch use sanded grout; For joints smaller than 1/8 inch use unsanded grout.
4) To accommodate expansion, leave 1/2 inch of clearance between the perimeter of the new flooring and adjacent structures.
STEP 6 – CLEAN UP THE GROUT FROM THE TILES
Let the grout stand for 15 to 20 minutes until it begins to set. Using a clean sponge and water, gently clean the excess grout from the top surface of the tiles and around the edges of the joints.
STEP 7 – APPLY SEALANT (Recommended)
Let the new travertine floor cure for 72 hours. Apply the sealant with a brush or roller in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A sealant is recommended in order to make the new travertine floor stain resistant and to protect against damage. Let the sealant dry in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 8 – FINISHING THE PROJECT
Re-install or replace baseboards and other items as needed.
TIPS & WARNINGS
DO NOT use vinegar or citric acid substances to clean travertine. This will etch (damage) the surface of the tiles.
LIST OF SOURCES
“Travertine”, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
