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Travertine in bathroom

Article Number: 667 | Rating: Unrated | Last Updated: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM

I am contemplating installing Travertine tiles (18x18) on floor, walls and shower walls. These are of Turkish origin, Faberstone, sealed and "honed" I believe (they have a shiny finish). The back is fairly uniform (no cavities like you see on some tiles). Installation will be on concrete floor and walls Any issues you can think of? What about grout width? and sanded or unsanded? Thank you Pierre

Dear Pierre:

If they have a shiny finish they can't be hone-finish. Hone finished travertine is smooth and scratch-free but dull, not shiny. So I must assume that your travertine is polished.

“ The back is fairly uniform (no cavities like you see on some tiles) ”

Well then, are you sure it's travertine at all?... With that piece of information I kinda doubt it. It sounds more like polished marble or limestone. Not that there would be anything wrong, mind you, but it is just that you may have been misinformed about those tiles.

As for the grout width, 1/16” gap is a must and so is unsanded grout, to be pushed packed as deep as possible between the tiles. I would use caulk where the walls meet and where the walls meet with the floor.

Are you planning on doing the installation yourself? If not, make sure to hire a quality installer with good references. I would check out the find a pro section on www.stoneandtilepros.com.

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