Steps to install travertine tile

The installation steps include: preparation, laying the tile, and grouting it to keep it all together. Travertine can be installed for countertops, flooring, and walls.

Installation is considered a medium to high difficulty job, and will require a wet saw is required to cut the tiles to the appropriate size. It is a good idea to pre- seal the tile to avoid potential staining with mortar. When the installation is complete, seal the tile with the appropriate type of sealer. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts.

Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Remove any previous covering. Regardless of whether you are tiling a floor or a backsplash, you will have to remove any previous covering. This can include pulling up carpet or vinyl flooring, removing previous tile flooring, taking down wallpaper, etc.

Measure the area you intend to tile. Take exact measurements of the area you plan to tile. You will need to know the total area in square feet or square meters , so you can purchase the correct amount of tile. Purchase all the supplies. Consult with the tile vendor or a home improvement store regarding how much thin-set you will need for your particular job. Inevitably, you will lose some tile to breakage dropping, cracking, chipping, etc.

Prepare the surface for tiling. Once you have your previous covering removed and all of your materials on hand, you should prepare the surface for tile. Make sure to use a damp rag to remove any dust from the wall after sanding. For a wood rather than concrete subfloor, lay down 0. Part 2. Mark the midpoint of the area to be tiled. For flooring, you want to mark both the X and Y axis along the flooring in order to find the exact center of the room.

Lay out the tile design. With the floor prepped and the center marked, you can lay out the design of the tile. Start with the center gridline s and place additional tiles leaving the appropriate amount of room for the spacers, which will later be grout lines. For floor tiling, you can use the space you left for the grout to chalk in an entire grid for the project if you so choose. Mix your thin-set mortar. Any movement in the substrate can cause the tile to crack or break.

Even though travertine is commonly used around pool decks, it is important to note that this material can be slippery when wet. September 12, at I really hate dirty and discolored grout which is why I am thinking of installing travertine.

For some reason I believe I can install it indoors without grout, similar to pavers. Or am I misinformed about installing travertine like pavers?? If I must use grout, I understand that a rectified edge gives you a small grout line — does chiseled give you a zero grout line? September 13, at Thank you for getting in touch!

You will need grout for all travertine tile, no matter if it is rectified or has chiseled edges. Chiseled edges just give you more of a jagged edge to make the grout lines look more natural. With rectified edges you can use the smallest grout line possible, but you still need grout. To avoid having the grout change color you can seal it, we also have pre-sealed grout available to skip that step after installation.

August 10, at We are having travertine installed by our pool. Can it be installed directly into concrete with no underpayment or is it better with a sand base?

August 17, at You will need a sand base beneath the Travertine. There will be too much friction between the concrete and Travertine if you lay it down without the sand. June 28, at I have considering purchasing Travertine tile for our kitchen and entrance way. I have what is the best way for cutting the tile? Does this tile break clean with a good scoring? I have a dry tile blade for my circler saw would I be better off renting a wet saw? June 29, at You will need to use a diamond blade on a wet saw to cut the travertine.

You will not be able to just score and break the tile. June 2, at Hi John. Thanks so much for reaching out to us! Yes, concrete really is the best option to use. A big part of proper installation is having a subfloor that is smooth, level, dry, clean and has no movement to it. Any movement in the subfloor will transfer to the tile and cause it to crack.

Please let us know if you have any other questions. February 22, at What is the best adhesive to use on floor install of travertine. Insofar as adhesive I have read recommendations to use a white adhesive.

March 4, at For Travertine tile you would use a stone thinset and the best advice is to make sure it is a light colored mortar or a color that matches the stone. Travertine is a very porous stone and if a colored Mortar or Grout is used then it can actually be absorbed into the stone discoloring it. As for sanded vs non-sanded grout. Be sure to spend time preparing the surface properly: Remove any older floor covering, i. Repair any cracks in a concrete slab or cover them with a quality crack suppression system.

Rotten wood needs to be replaced and reinforced appropriately as necessary. Lay out your Travertine tiles before installing them. You read that right - lay your tile out before installing them! Make sure both Travertine tile and substrate are completely dry! Use a white thinset with Travertine tile. By the way, be sure to mix the thinset to a sticky peanut butter consistency. Seal the Travertine tile Some installers recommend sealing Travertine before and after installation, and others recommend before and after grouting.

The most common sealers are Enhancing and Natural sealers. Natural sealers offer the same protection without changing the stone's appearance. How to Install Travertine Tile Home Guide organizes the installation process as follows: Surface preparation, setting wall tiles, Installing Travertine, floor tiles, and apply grout.