[The d&b Groups]

Hey everyone. I have a question in reference to sealing travertine tile. Do you apply a standard tile/grout/marble/granite sealer to the travertine? Same application process as normal ceramic tile? What or how would you recommend sealing the seams? I do not plan on putting any grout in the seams as were going to abut the tile together. The travertine tile has chiseled edges and the customer would like to keep that appearance. Should I use a silicon sealant between the tiles before we abut them together? Thank you for the help!

 

[JazMan]

Hi D&B,

You'll probably use a penetrating sealer which will not change the appearance of the stone. Follow directions on the bottle.

I do not plan on putting any grout in the seams as were going to abut the tile together.

That would be a big mistake. You will not be able to maintain straight lines. The tiles are not perfect, and neither are the tile setters. They need a little le-way plus the grout will compress as the tiles expand or the floor shrinks. Any movement will cause the tiles to spall.

The travertine tile has chiseled edges and the customer would like to keep that appearance.

As I said, big mistake. They'll change their tune if the tiles spall or tent. They will blame you cuz you should know better.

Jaz

 

[The d&b Groups]

Thank you for the advice. So, 1/16" spacers would suffice? My concern then becomes keeping the appearance of the chiseled edges while grouting. Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

[JazMan]

Thank you for the advice. So, 1/16" spacers would suffice? My concern then becomes keeping the appearance of the chiseled edges while grouting. Any suggestions? Thank you.

1/16" gaps is the smallest recommended for natural stone tiles, but generally only if the tiles a nearly perfect in size and 12" or less. Large format tiles are likely to required minimum of 1/8" if perfect. You need to figure out how much difference is size those tiles are by carefully checking tiles from a representative number of boxes. Multiple that difference by at least 3 and that's the correct gap.

Jaz