How to Install Travertine Tile
Learning how to install travertine tile(stone?tile)?is a great way for you to upgrade the hard surface flooring in your home. Travertine flooring?is very durable and can be used for a variety of surfaces. It makes a very attractive wall tile, and provides much more secure footing that standard ceramic tile, which can become slippery when it gets wet.Aside from durability, the installation of travertine flooring creates a unique look that sets it apart from standard ceramic tiles and other man made products. The face of a travertine tile carries the natural texture that was formed when the travertine broke away from the face of the rock. This gives you the opportunity to install a truly unique flooring solution.What you'll need:The best way to familiarize yourself with how to install travertine tile is to begin compiling a materials list. The first thing that you will need to choose is the tile itself. Deciding what color, what size, and whether or not you want a repeating pattern are just a few of the key decisions that you need to make. These base decisions can be the foundation of the d??cor theme for the entire room. You will also need a few tools. You will need to rent a wet saw and get a basic pair of nippers.Aside from these basic materials and tools, you will also need the following materials if you are going to know how to install travertine flooring. Thinset is the product that you will use to glue down the tile. Make sure that your trowel has ?"teeth so that you can spread the thinset to the appropriate depth.GroutingOnce the travertine tiles have been set into the mortar and have been allowed to dry the floor must be grouted. Grout is the masonry product that fills the gaps between the tiles and holds them into place. For travertine, make sure that you use sanded grout. Grout is available in a wide variety of colors, so take the time to select a color that will complement not only your tile but the rest of your decor as well.The final step in learning how to install travertine flooring is the application of sealer. Properly sealing your travertine flooring is a vitally important step. Travertine tile is very porous and can be easily stained by things like wine and coffee if it has not been sealed with the correct product. Wide varieties of sealers are on the market, so make sure that you read the labels carefully and get the product that is designed specifically for travertine. Remember, even though the travertine is porous, it is actually quite durable and very hard. Even though it is virtually indestructible, make sure that you keep a few extra tiles once your job is complete in case you ever drop a piano on your floor and need to replace a few.