How to Install 16x16 Travertine

Travertine is a natural stone commonly used in interior and exterior applications. Travertine is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, from polished tiles for interior floors to tumbled pavers for exterior patios and walkways. Installing 16 inch x 16 inch travertine tiles on a floor can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the room size and the installer's skill. Perfecting cuts may take a few tries for the novice. Buy more tile than you actually need to account for cutting and installation mistakes.

Measuring

• 1

  Find the center of your room by measuring the length and width.

• 2

  Mark the center point and lay out a line of tiles horizontally and vertically, starting at the center point, checking for sizing consistency. Adjust the starting point so the tiles at the edges of the room are similar in size.

• 3

  Create a plumb line horizontally and vertically with the chalk line at your determined center point.

Installing

• 1

  Starting at the center line, apply adhesive to the floor surface, following manufacturer's directions, for the width of one or two floor tiles.

• 2

  Lay the travertine tile in the adhesive, jiggling the tile gently to set it firmly into the adhesive.

• 3

  Put tile spacers at the corners of the installed tile.

• 4

  Continue with the remaining tiles, working out from the center and cutting tiles at the room's edge to fit.

• 5

  Wipe any adhesive that may get on the top of the tiles with a damp sponge before it sets.

Grouting

• 1

  Once the tile floor is dry (according to the adhesive manufacturer's directions), mix grout according to manufacturer's directions.

• 2

  Remove spacers from between tiles.

• 3

  Apply grout to the seams between tiles with a rubber trowel, making sure to fill the cracks completely.

• 4

  Remove excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge continuously in clean water.

• 5

  Wipe down the tile surface until it is completely clean and free of any grout residue.

• 6

  Allow grout to dry according to manufacturer's directions.