Installation Guide: Travertine

Introduction

Elon® ALWAYS recommends that all installations be done in accordance with local building codes and adheres to Tile Council of North America specifications.

Preparation

Prior to installation of Natural Travertine:

• All cartons should be opened, and material should be separated to allow the installer to layout all pieces and blend them together to give the final installation a uniform color blend, known as "Dry Laid."
• On large jobs, always blend material from multiple pallets when dry laying the stone.
• When laying out the installation, DO NOT set travertine with a "Butt Joint." Tile Council of North America suggests a minimum 1/16” grout joint.
• Unsanded grout for joints 1/16”- 1/8" width.
• Sanded grout for joints 1/8"- 5/8" width.

Installation

When installing Natural Travertine:

• Use a white thinset when installing any light-colored natural stone.
• Using grey thinset could show trowel ridges or shading through the travertine and affect the finished installation color of natural stones.
• On travertine with a fiberglass backer, always use a quality Latex Modified Thinset to ensure proper adhesion to the fiber mesh.
• Many manufacturers recommend using latex modified thinset for travertine over mastics, which may stain and discolor many natural stones.
• Always follow the manufacturers' limitations and instructions.
• Test for compatibility.

When used in showers or tubs, Natural Travertine should never be set with the bottom course extending into the shower base or tight to tub lip. Always leave a minimum gap of 1/4” above and perpendicular to the floor or lip of the tub or shower base and use a waterproof flexible sealant where they meet per TCNA specification B412-23.

This will prevent water from wicking up the body of the travertine and causing discoloration and water lines to be seen on the stone's surface along the base.

For travertine shower floors, recommend installations that incorporate a Complete Water Management System.

• Bonded Waterproof Tiled Shower Assemblies (Schluter) vs. Traditional shower installations (Mud job).
• When using a sanded grout, always do a test sample first.

Grouting

When grouting Natural Travertine:

• The use of products like Aqua Mix's Grout Release or pre-sealing marble prior to grouting helps prevent pigments in grout colors from staining natural stone.
• Pre-sealing makes for easier installation cleanup of grout residue.
• When using High-Performance grouts, ones which don't require that the joint be sealed, natural stone should be pre-sealed prior to grouting with 2 coats of products like Aqua Mix's Sealers Choice, Enrich n Seal or Grout Release. This will minimize the polymers in the grouts from discoloring the natural stone.
• When using Epoxy, Urethane, Sanded or Unsanded grout, always conduct a test sample first to determine compatibility with the stone.

Sealing

Sealing Natural Travertine and Grout Joints after installation regardless of the finish:

• Always use a high-quality penetrating sealer like Aqua Mix® Sealers Choice® Gold to leave the stones' natural color or a high-quality color-enhancing penetrating sealer like Aqua Mix® Enrich ‘N' Seal™ to enhance the natural color of the stone.
• When sealing natural travertine, apply each coat in a different direction. This will apply the sealer to all edges of the pores within the stone.
  • First coat: Left to Right
  • Second coat: Front to Back
• Multi-sided or 6-sided sealing of material 48 hours before installing will help minimize darkening of Travertine on shower floors caused by water absorption or to help minimize effervescence and rust from forming.
• Use on material in areas with excessive moisture exposure: shower floors, marble walls along the base of the shower or tub flange, soap niches.
• As per National Tile Contractors Association Reference Manual, Custom, or Mapei technical articles.

Common Problems

Common problems in Natural Travertine:

• Holes in the surface of travertine found during or after the installation can be repaired by filling the open hole with a color-matched cement grout or color-matched epoxy.
• Stain Removal in Natural Stone: Sealing travertine will help reduce staining; sealing only slows down the absorption of a stain and doesn't eliminate staining.
  • ALWAYS clean up spills promptly.
  • Many minor stains occurring in natural travertine after installation can be removed using a product like Aqua Mix® Poultice Stain Remover per the manufacturer's directions.
• Etching in natural stone: Sealing Travertine after installation helps minimize etching.
  • Enhancing sealers may help hide the dullness of some etched stones, but professional repolishing may be required to eliminate it.
• Many times, lippage or uneven surface height issues are a result of improper installation.
• Always inspect material for uniform thickness before installation.

Acceptance

Installation is Acceptance

Disclaimer

This Tile Installation Guide provided by Elon® Tile & Stone is intended solely for educational purposes. Users must understand that the information herein is not a substitute for professional advice. Elon® Tile & Stone does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes resulting from the application of the guidelines provided. Users utilize this guide at their own risk. It is imperative to consult with qualified professionals and adhere to specific product guidelines for optimal results. Elon® Tile & Stone, its employees, and affiliates expressly disclaim any liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of this guide.