How to Install Travertine Wall Tiles

A decorative material that can accentuate the look of a bathroom, a kitchen or any area in the home is the installation of travertine wall tiles. The travertine tile is made of limestone. Travertine tiles are absorbent in nature, unlike other stones that are more dense and compact, making travertine tiles quite daunting to work with. However, with the right tools and materials you can easily cut, replace and install travertine wall tiles. Below are the materials that you need along with the instructions on how to install travertine wall tiles.

What you'll need

Trowel
Premix thin-set
Level
Measuring tape
1x2 lumber
Tile spacers
Cement board
Grout
Sealer
Grout float
Wet tile saw
Towel
Bucket
Water

Step 1-Preparing the Wall

Prepare the wall where the tiles will be installed by inspecting what materials were used on the wall like drywall, concrete or wood.

Step 2- Determine Tile Layout

Determine the design layout preferred for the travertine tiles so that installation will be properly carried on. Lay out the travertine on the floor exactly how you want travertine tiles to look like on the wall.

Step 3- Marking Center Line

Make a measurement of the top to the bottom of the wall and mark the center line with the use of the measuring tape and level. Attach securely a 1x2 board underneath the center line that will be the support for the row of tiles installed which will constitute the upper half installation.

Step 4- Apply Thin-Set Mortar

Apply premix thin-set mortar with a trowel thinly to the wall and to the back of the travertine tiles. It is important to use a white thin-set mortar on the tiles, not dark colored thin-set to avoid tile discoloration.

Step 5- Install Wall Tiles

Apply the travertine tiles to the location preferred by firmly pressing it to the wall making sure that the thin-set applied on the tiles and the wall will not get mixed. Check that tiles installed are at kept aligned using a level.

Step 6- Tile Spacers/ Adjustments

For even spacing of tiles, use tile spacers in-between each tile. Make necessary adjustments on the spacing of tiles. Determine the right size of the tiles if adjustment is needed on it. Mark the spot for the desired size of the tile and cut it along the marked line using a wet tile saw.

Step 7-Prepare Lower Half Installation

When the thin-set mortar on the upper half of the wall has completely settled, take out the 1x2 board from the wall. Determine the number of whole tiles needed on the lower half using a tape measure.

Step 8-Lower Half Installation

Installation of the lower part of the wall can be done following steps 4 to 6.

Step 9-Grout Paste

Combine water and grout powder in a bucket to make a thick paste. Scrape up grout paste using a grout float and evenly apply this on the space between the tiles. Clean up excess grout while it is still wet and allow for it to dry up.

Step 10-Sealer

Apply sealant on the travertine tiles. Make sure to allow the sealant to dry completely.


Source: www.DoItYourself.com