While it is widely used for flooring purposes in the home, many people are unsure about how to install travertine tile. This is a pity as travertine tiles look great throughout the home, whether in the bedroom, kitchen or bathroom. They are available in lots of different colours and formats and can also be used to decorate the walls in your home.
Many expensively decorated homes use this luxurious material but you need to know how to install travertine tile properly if you want to get the stunning appearance they can give to your home. Below are some tips as to how to install travertine tile correctly.
Before you begin fitting your travertine tiles, you need to make sure that they don’t come into contact with acidic substances as this will damage them. You should check that any tiles that you have bought have not been similarly damaged as this will dramatically affect their look once they are fitted as flooring or as a wall decoration. Before installing them, you should also check your travertine tiles for colour and thickness.
A cement board will give the floor the stability you need to lay travertine tiles properly. A big part of learning how to install travertine tile properly is getting to know what adhesives work with them and which don’t. This can be a question of trial and error at times so if you’re unsure it might be best to check with the shop where you bought them or a skilled tradesman experienced in fitting them.
Mix your mortar before spreading it with a trowel. Before you start grouting, make sure that the travertine tiles are properly sealed so your grout doesn’t stick to the floor. Before you grout, it’s a good idea to clear any tile sealer from the floor.
When grouting, start from one end of the room with a grout float made of rubber which will help you to spread the grout into the joints. When mixing the grout, make sure that the colour matches that of the travertine tiles. If in doubt, ask the opinion of someone expert in how to install travertine tile properly.