The Ins and Outs of Travertine Tile Installation
Travertine tile is a beautiful choice for your floors, countertops, or exteriors. The colors and textures of travertine tile lend itself to a variety of uses and applications. Travertine is usually installed as floor tile, kitchen countertops, and for bathrooms, patios, and gardens, among other locations.
Installing Travertine Tile – Choose your Location Wisely
The site of installation plays a key role in travertine tile installation. There are many things to consider when choosing to install travertine tiles in your home. For example, travertine used in wet areas such as bathrooms need to be sealed to prevent water staining. Homeowners starting a travertine tile installation in their kitchens need to consider the area in which they are going to install it.
Conditions to Consider when Thinking About a Travertine Tile Installation
Exposure to acidic substances may create future problems for travertine tile. Being a natural stone, it has a tendency to react with acidic products. Also, take note of the expected foot traffic that the particular area will receive, and if children or pets will be in that area. These are important considerations in determining what type of travertine tile to use.
Seek Advice of Travertine Tiles Experts
Choosing which type of travertine to install in a particular area in your home need to have the involvement of experts. You could ask retailers, stone tile experts, and even homeowners who have used travertine tile in their homes. The information you will get from them can be valuable and may save you from a lot of grief later on.
Travertine Tiles Installation – Important Reminders
Once you have decided to install travertine tiles in your home, here are a few more reminders to help you make the most of your travertine tile installation:
-Take the travertine tiles out of the box and lay them out on your floor. This will help you see the color variations and thickness of each tile, and help you spot any defects in the tiles. These defective tiles must be returned and replaced before they are installed. Once installed, no claims can be made.
-The type of sealer you use for your travertine tile is very important. For this, you can again ask the opinion of the experts regarding the correct sealer to used for your travertine tile installation. Follow the instructions on the labels to ensure the best installation possible.
-It is a good idea to lay out the tiles in their site of installation and arrange them in a dry run. Pay attention to the color variations, venations, and pores of each tile and determine where they will be placed. The tiles that stand out the most from the rest of the pack should be used in hidden areas such as closets or corners, or as a highlight in your own creative layout, depending on your taste.
-A very important reminder: Read the warranty prior to installation. This will help you know what can be replaced and what cannot, and under what situations. The warranty will also help you know how to best take care of the travertine tiles, and replaced damaged ones.
-Make sure to have all your materials and equipment nearby for a more efficient travertine tile installation.
Author Bio: Grant has over 20 years of experience in the home improvement field both as a renovation and repair contractor and working in building materials and flooring retail. Grant also writes for the Learning Center at http://www.builddirect.com/
Category: Home Management
Keywords: flooring, floors, travertine, tile, installation, advice