How To Install Travertine Tiles and Pavers

Guide to Installing Natural Travertine Tiles and Pavers

Installing natural stone pavers requires precision and the right tools to ensure a successful installation. Here is a step-by-step guide along with a list of tools you will need:

Tools Required:

• Measuring tape
• Chalk or marking tool
• Rubber mallet or wooden block
• Level
• 12mm notch trowel
• Grout float
• Soft brush or sponge
• Bucket
• Damp cloth or sponge for cleaning
• Safety glasses and gloves (recommended for handling materials and using adhesives)
• Dust mask when mixing sand and cement or adhesive and grout.
• Wet saw (can be rented from Kennards Hire) for cutting stone pavers
• Cement mixer or wheelbarrow for mixing sand and cement (for larger jobs)
• Adhesive, grout, and sealer products as per manufacturer’s directions

Installation Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Assess the area where you plan to install the natural travertine tiles and pavers and ensure it is suitable for the intended purpose.
• If there is an existing concrete slab in good condition, proceed with laying the tiles or pavers in adhesive or sand and cement.
• If no concrete slab exists, remove existing materials and debris to a depth of approximately 150mm. Level off the area with a compacted 100mm road base. Proceed to lay the travertine pavers in a slurry of sand and cement.
• For 12mm thick stone tiles: Apply adhesive using a 12mm notch trowel onto an existing concrete slab. Remember to butter the back of EVERY tile during the laying process.
• For 30mm thick travertine stone pavers: Choose one of the following methods:

• Adhesive method: Apply adhesive using a 12mm notch trowel onto an existing concrete slab.
• Slurry or wet mix method: Create a slurry or wet mix of 4 parts sand and 1 part cement with 1 litre of bonding agent. Spread the mixture onto a prepared crushed rock base (100mm). We strongly recommend buttering the back of every tile or paver with adhesive prior to laying into the wet mix of sand and cement.

2. Laying the Pavers:

• Carefully place the natural stone pavers onto the adhesive or slurry, ensuring proper alignment and spacing.
• Use a rubber mallet or wooden block to gently tap the pavers into place, ensuring they are level and secure.
• If laying into adhesive, use a 12mm notch trowel and use plastic spacers of 5mm for grout joint spacing. Simply push and twist the tile into the adhesive bed. DO NOT use a rubber mallet.

3. Grouting:

• For all thicknesses: Fill the gaps between the pavers with a manufactured premix sanded grout or a 5:1 mix of sand and cement with an EFFLOC additive.
• Apply the grout using a grout float, making sure to fill all the joints completely.
• Remove any excess grout from the surface using a damp sponge or cloth, being careful not to disturb the newly installed pavers.

4. Curing and Cleaning:

• Allow approximately 5 days for pavers laid in adhesive or 2 weeks for pavers laid in sand and cement to cure before proceeding with cleaning and sealing.
• Clean the travertine tiles using a mild detergent and water, scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge to remove any remaining grout residue or stains. In case of stubborn grout marks, use a domestic gernie to clean the stone.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure all cleaning agents are removed.

5. Sealing (if required):

• Depending on the type of natural stone and desired level of protection, consider applying a suitable sealer to enhance the appearance and provide additional durability.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific sealer, applying it evenly and allowing it to dry completely before use.

Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific natural travertine stone pavers you are installing, as recommendations may vary. Following these steps and adhering to the directions on adhesive, grout, and sealer products will help ensure a successful and professional-looking installation of your natural travertine paving.