How to Install a Travertine Tile Floor

A travertine tile floor can provide you with both an old-world look and a durable flooring surface. The process of installing this type of tile is not especially complicated, but it does require a certain amount of knowledge and patience. Follow the simple steps below to effectively install a travertine tile floor.

Measure

Measure the room to get the dimensions of the length and width. Multiply these two dimensions together to get the exact square footage of the room. Add 10 percent to that figure to provide you with enough material for the job. You will have some waste when you make cuts, so this should give you enough to cover the floor and account for mistakes.

Layout

Use your tape measure to determine the center of the room, and then snap a chalk line in both directions. When you start laying tile, you can begin in the corner of where the chalk lines meet. This will allow you to center the tile and create a more professional look. Spend some time planning and laying out the tiles in the pattern that you want. It is best to spend some extra time looking at the layout now before you start installing.

Lay Tile

You can then begin to lay the first tile in the corner of the intersection of chalk lines. Use your trowel to apply some thinset to the floor. Make sure that the thinset is spread out evenly and that there are no gaps in coverage. Then you can place one of the travertine tiles in the thinset. Press down on the tile so that it gets firmly into the thinset. This will prevent any of the back of the tile from not touching the adhesive. Place tile spacers on all of the corners of the tile.

Now, place another tile in the thinset directly up against the tile spacers from the first tile. Put tile spacers around the new tile and continue laying tile in this manner.

Cutting the Travertine

When you get to the outside of the room, you will need to make cuts in the tile. Use your tape measure to determine the dimension that you need. Then place the tile on your wet saw and use it to make the appropriate cut. Place the cut piece of tile in the gap on the floor.

Grout

After you allowed the tile adhesive to dry for 24 hours, you can begin to grout. Use a grout float to apply the grout to the joints of the tile. Completely fill the joints, and make sure that there are no gaps in the grout.

Clean

Finally, wet a sponge and use it to wipe down the tile. This will eliminate any extra grout on top of the tile and smooth out your grout as well.