A guide to installing Travertine Pavers

A guide to installing Travertine Pavers

30 Jun 2022

Table Of Contents

Travertine Pavers are well known for their durability, elegance, and ability to stay cool. They seldom fade under direct sunlight and are environmentally friendly. These features make them a popular choice for outdoor spaces such as patios, walkways, pool copings, and driveways. On the contrary, Travertine Pavers also are heavy and become tough to work with. Should that deter you from installing them at home on your own? Maybe not, because we have got you covered. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing Travertine pavers on your own.

The list of items you might need for the installation process:

Apart from Travertine Pavers, you would need a shovel, plate compactor, rubber mallet, sledgehammer, FlexBond, measuring tape and strings. You would also need crushed Limestone (also called crushed gravel), polymeric sand, rope, sand and safety equipment.

Two types of paver installation

Travertine pavers can be installed either via the dry-set method or the mud-set method. Most landscapers and installers prefer the dry-set method as it is easy to perform, and the pavers are easy to replace as well. We will discuss both types of installation one by one. Don't forget to wear safety gloves before starting the job.

Dry-set method

The dry-set, also called the thin-set installation, involves mortar made of cement, fine sand, and a water-retaining agent to attach the paver/tile to cement or concrete. This type of mortar is designed to adhere perfectly in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. Here is the paver installation process to follow:

1. Create a border
First, mark the area and cover it with strings. Then create a border covering the perimeter of the project area. We recommend small sizes like 8x8 or 8x16 Travertine pavers for borders. Use Flex Bond as it allows Travertine to safely expand or contract with the freeze/thaw cycle.

2. Soil preparation
Travertine paving is durable. However, the pavers might break if not installed properly. Therefore, it is important to provide a solid base for them. Excavate around six to eight inches of soil beneath the planned area to provide a flattened base for the pavers. Now compact the soil with a compactor.

Fill the excavated area with crushed gravel and add the gravel in two or three layers. Each layer should be levelled and compacted well. Once the edges of the crushed rocks lock together to create a solid foundation for Travertine pavers, you are good to go.

Also, allow 1/8 inch drop per foot of paver to prevent water stagnation on the surface. After adding gravel, add half an inch of coarse sand over the top and compact it well.

3. Lay down the pavers
Once the gravel and sand have been compacted, start installing the Travertine pavers. If you are installing French Pattern Travertine Pavers, you must consider cutting the pavers to fit them into your design. Also, do not leave any space in between the pavers, lest you should be bothered by grass growing in those gaps in the future. Don't forget to tamp the pavers with a rubber mallet to ensure they are pressed into the sand properly.

4. Fill in the joints
After installing the pavers, please clean and power wash the travertine pavers. Then we'd suggest using polymeric sand to fill the gaps in between the paving. Brush the sand into the cracks with a broom and when there is no sand left on the surface, water the area with a garden hose to set. The polymeric sand will also cover the holes on the travertine pavers' surface. Doing this will prevent dirt or dust from getting stuck in the pores.

Mud-set installation

Travertine Pavers can be laid mud-set on top of an existing concrete surface. It is also called thick-set installation as the mortar bed is typically 1-1/4mm to 2mm thick. Here is the mud-set installation process:

1. Begin by preparing the surface of the installation. Remove any existing material and old residue of adhesive.

2. On the subfloor, apply Flex Bond or a similar kind of adhesive. With a half-inch trowel, spread the FlexBond or mortar mix underneath the subfloor to secure the pavers.

3. Now place the Travertine pavers directly on the grout. Gently tap with a sledgehammer to secure the pavers. (You would have already blended the pavers from different crates and achieved a smooth colour transition).

4. Once the pavers have been laid, you can place grout between the joints. Remove excess grout from the joints and clean with a damp (not wet) sponge.

5. Allow sufficient time for the Pavers to dry.

What’s on your mind?

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Concluding
Installing Travertine Pavers is a simple process, provided you choose the right tools and techniques. Also, you should keep in mind the type of installation you want to go for. In case, the process gets overwhelming, or you do not get access to the correct tools, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help. We hope the above two installation methods have given you a brief idea about DIY Travertine Pavers installation.

FAQS

  • How To Cut Travertine Pavers?
  • Make precise measurements and delicately mark the locations of each cut on the paver's surface with a pencil. To make it easier for the saw to cut through, you might want to score this line into the paver with a tool. Adjust the cutting depth of the saw after you know what has to be done.

  • What Should You Not Use On Travertine?
  • Never try to remove stains from travertine tile with powerful cleaners or extreme methods. The tile surfaces would sustain significant and expensive damage as a result of this rash and bad choice. For stains that cannot be removed with safe stain removal techniques, you will need to get in touch with a stone care specialist.

  • What Goes Under Travertine?
  • Crushed Limestone or base rock would be ideal. In order to guarantee drainage, this step is crucial. As you proceed, compact the gravel. The gravel should be compacted and then covered with sand.

  • Do You Lay Travertine Over Concrete Or Sand?
  • It is also possible to mud-set travertine pavers over an existing concrete surface. To avoid cracking during the freeze-thaw cycle, a flexible mortar product (such as FlexBond) should be used if the pavers are being mud-set in Northern states.

  • What Is The Best Base For Travertine Tiles?
  • Because crushed Limestone fits together snugly due to its sharp edges, we strongly advise utilising it. It will form a stable basis that will allow for adequate drainage and hold the stone in place over time without shifting.

  • Does Travertine Need Grout?
  • Yes, it does. A common option for tumbled Travertine stone is sanded grout. Its somewhat rougher surface complements its rustic appearance. Additionally, it is stronger than unsanded grout due to the larger sand aggregate, making it ideal for larger stone joints and holes.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.

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*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.

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