Diy travertine install

A professional installer is equipped and experienced in handling problems when they arise. If you do choose to hire a professional, look for a contractor who is insured and bonded. Many contractors are also registered with professional associations and the Better Business Bureau; take the time to check their credentials before hiring. Word of mouth from friends and family can often be the best reference a contractor can have.

Additionally, you can ask potential contractors for references and request to see pictures of past completed projects. Before hiring anyone to install your travertine tile, get estimates from multiple contractors.

Look over the proposed project contract and get everything in writing; the last thing you want is to discover a hidden cost. In addition to the monetary cost of installing tile, think about your time as well. Do you have the time for such a project?

It takes a certain amount of information about tile and natural stone when installing stone tile. Without the proper knowledge, you could add additional costs to your do-it-yourself project. For instance, a gloss finish travertine tile may be more difficult for a do-it-yourself project, as the surface needs to be flawlessly level.

In the long run, you must choose which option is best for you and your budget. Quality travertine will be consistent in its size and finish and will show in the finished project. Properly installed travertine stone tile can add longevity to your home as well as beauty and market value. July 25, at July 7, at Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Remove any previous covering. Regardless of whether you are tiling a floor or a backsplash, you will have to remove any previous covering.

This can include pulling up carpet or vinyl flooring, removing previous tile flooring, taking down wallpaper, etc. Measure the area you intend to tile. Take exact measurements of the area you plan to tile. You will need to know the total area in square feet or square meters , so you can purchase the correct amount of tile. Purchase all the supplies. Consult with the tile vendor or a home improvement store regarding how much thin-set you will need for your particular job.

Inevitably, you will lose some tile to breakage dropping, cracking, chipping, etc. Prepare the surface for tiling. Once you have your previous covering removed and all of your materials on hand, you should prepare the surface for tile. Make sure to use a damp rag to remove any dust from the wall after sanding. For a wood rather than concrete subfloor, lay down 0.

Part 2. Mark the midpoint of the area to be tiled. For flooring, you want to mark both the X and Y axis along the flooring in order to find the exact center of the room. Lay out the tile design. With the floor prepped and the center marked, you can lay out the design of the tile.

Start with the center gridline s and place additional tiles leaving the appropriate amount of room for the spacers, which will later be grout lines. For floor tiling, you can use the space you left for the grout to chalk in an entire grid for the project if you so choose. Mix your thin-set mortar. You will not be able to mix the thin-set for the entire project at once. Instead mix small batches in a five-gallon bucket. Whatever you mix must be used within two hours. Apply the thin-set to a small area.

Start with the area where you measured your initial chalk lines and spread enough thin-set to place two or three tiles to start. Use the edge of a V-notched trowel at roughly a degree angle to spread the thin-set. You want to have an evenly, thinly covered space before putting down a tile. They are supposed to be there as they help air escape as the mortar sets. Apply the first tiles. Place the first tile flush with your chalk centerline s. For a backsplash, the process is easiest to do in rows.

Place spacers. Check for level placement. If you want to take extra precautions to maintain the level surface, you can also purchase a leveling system, which consists of threaded pegs that go between the spacers and knobs that you can gently tighten down against the tops of the tiles to help perfectly level them and hold them in place.

Wipe excess thin-set as you go. You can use a damp sponge to wipe it away. Pour about 1 to 2 inches of sand over the compacted crushed limestone, spread it equally, and check for the level again. Then, check the level and adjust if needed. After all is properly leveled, tamp the edge pavers with a rubber mallet.

Start laying the pavers over the sand bed following the pattern of your choice, and make sure that their edges fit adequately together. If necessary, you can cut the pavers with a masonry saw in order to fit.

After all the pavers are laid, tamp them down with a plate compactor at least three times in different directions to make sure that they are properly pressed into the sand.

Sweep the sand into the cracks with a broom and when there is no sand left on the surface, water the area with a garden hose to set. You can, but remember that hiring a professional to do it for you is a guarantee of quality and longevity for your project.

As you could see through this article, there are too many details to get right in order to install travertine pavers, and the chances of something going wrong are high when you do it all by yourself. From the design of your project to its execution, we can handle everything. All about pavers and hardscaping. Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on pinterest.