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Travertine Lippage problems

Article Number: 736 | Rating: Unrated | Last Updated: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Maurizio, I have a new travertine (honed and filled) floor that was just installed. I used the installer that was recommended by the the company where I bought the tile. Unfortunately there are several lips in the installation that I can not live with. The installer has tried replacing the tiles in question and has only made the problem worse. I have read that it is possible to grind down the lips and have the floor professionally resurfaced however I have not found anyone with any experience in doing this in my area (Albuquerque, NM). Is grinding and refinishing the floor something that I could do myself (I am experienced in many aspects of construction but tile is not one of them)? Do you know anyone in New Mexico that could help me with this problem? Thanks for your help! Chris

Dear Chris:

Unfortunately, as for DIY, you're out of luck. L

Of course it is indeed possible to grind the floor and all that, but regardless of the specialized and expensive equipment and abrasive means that you would need and that you can't fin at any rental place, the major problem is the skill necessary to do a job like that. No matter how handy one is, this is not – by far – a DIY job.

Just to give you a quick idea of what's involved: 1. you have to “flood” the floor with unsanded grout (the very same used to grout – hoping that unsanded grout was used, or else it will need to be replaced) to create “slopes” so that the grinding element will not hit the lips too hard. 2. After two days for curing, the grinding begin and there is were you separate the men from the boys: you screw up here and you're going to have so many waves on that floor that you will need to take some serious dose of Dramamine before walking over it! 3. After the second grinding cut and the first resin-bond one, you will have to refill the travertine, for the two grinding cuts will open up lots of holes by removing the filler applied by the factory. Filling travertine is easier said than done! And so on. All in all, if the floor is at least 300 sq.ft., figure something on or around $10/sq.ft. if there's no need to replace the grout.

Personally I don't know anybody in NM that does that. I suggest that you go to www.stoneandtilepros.com and search the Find a Pro section.

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!