Trying to redo a bathroom and suddenly all the neutral travertines take on yellow, peach and gold hues when I start looking at granite counters with them! Unsanded grout should be used in joints that are less than 1/8-inch-wide. grout sanded unsanded travertine vs holes tile filling fill I am installing Travertine in a bathroom on the floor and walls. In the bathroom shower, wall and floor. Do you grout the holes in travertine? Not all tile setters are trained to work with natural materials and all their "funky" rules. What do you think over here??? Its a standard grouting material with aggregate sand material added. To change the tub out or not to Change it out. travertin travertine antichizat tumbled scari Im very unhappy with the quality of work. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. flooranddecor travertine This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You could use epoxy-based or cement unsanded grout for tumbled travertine stone tiles. I used a thin set mix and put the tile down ensuring that it was flat to the tile next to each piece checking corners all the way along. Unsanded grout is often the best choice for smooth, polished tiles like marble, even if the joint width is 1/8 or larger. Additionally the sanded grout will create a divot in the tiles that is lower than the surface of the tiles. Sand the tile using 400-grit sandpaper in a circular motion, with just enough pressure to remove only the imperfections on top of the tile. I am not sure what I want? More knowledge means that youre able to better serve your customers. 1/8" and over, sanded. grout sanded ardex To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's, Tools Today Tool Blog Blog Archive Tile sealant is so important. 3. just had travertine installed ,shower /bath area. Then again the tile shop said you should use sanded grout on the floor regardless. The primary drawback of epoxy-based unsanded grout is that its quite expensive. I am planning to tile my bathroom floor and walls! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. grout Travertine, like other natural stone flooring, comes out on top. As long as your flooring is properly maintained and not subjected to excessive wear and tear, travertine can easily be the last flooring you purchase in your lifetime. Im installing the same 1212 travertine on both floor and wall. Or is the cracking problem something I shouldnt be o verly concerned about? Make sure the tiles are dry and ready to be installed. 5. Unsanded grout is recommended for grout lines that are ? What size rectangular undermount bathroom sinks should I shop for? how much does travertine tile installation cost. Does travertine need to be sealed? Your email address will not be published. However, the method of application can vary. grout polyblend wheat summer sepulveda travertine x12 mocha tumbled ancient sanded It is highly recommended to use this type of underlayment because it offers many benefits: uncoupling, water proofing, vapor management, and support/weight distribution. It is a good idea to pre-seal the tile to avoid potential staining with mortar. [RELATED: Are you mixing mortar the right way? Travertine is known as a durable and rugged natural stone, but even the toughest materials need some TLC. This is true even when the grout is completely dry. In other words, does it matter whether the floor tile is butted into the wall tile or the wall tile comes down onto the floor tile? This combination makes travertine comparatively easy to cut, which reduces the labor and time involved in the installation job. Whether your next project is a residential shower installation, an outdoor patio, or a kitchen renovation, youre sure to benefit from the knowledge youll gain from our guide.Read on, and learn about the ideal applications for both sanded and unsanded grout and the biggest differences between the two. I am installing travertine in my foyer, dining and kitchen. Continuous sheets of glass, stone, metal and porcelain are saving cleaning time and offering more looks than ever, Combine black with other colors to add drama, polish and modernity. It is a good idea to pre-seal the tile to avoid potential staining with mortar. I used to work on a commercial crew that went up and down the east coast doing the tile in Lord and Taylor, and Filenes. Shrinkage. Thanks to the author. This crew might be nervous and so we can do test boards to figure it out with sanded. grout sanded unsanded grout sanded colors caulk caulking repair repaired broken should using open depot matching When it comes to preserving softer, more delicate tiling materials, the contest between sanded vs. unsanded grout is not a contest at all. Common and frustrating situation. You can easily spread it onto a vertical surface, and will stick there with no issue as you work to force it into grout lines.And even though unsanded grout shrinks, this isnt much of an issue on a vertical surface. When it reaches a thick consistency, apply it to the tiles and lay them according to the chalk lines for the layout. Is it not better to put grout on the trimitine pock marks to avoid dust and dirt. This question would probably be better asked to the company that manufactures the grout youre using. It is recommended to test the sealer on a small, inconspicuous area of one tile before applying it to the entire installation. Wet stones should not be installed. We focus on function and comfort as people show their own homes and discuss design elements of all kinds. As I understand it, I should not use sanded grout, as it will scratch the travertine. Hello BuildDirect: Durability is also not much of a concern for vertical tiles. Travertine drives a hard bargain. Spreading sanded grout over soft tiles can cause damage, especially on soft limestones and marbles. In addition, you could be leaving behind, pinholes that tell customers that you used the wrong grouting material neither of which is ideal. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is also recommended for glass tiles, metal tiles, and polished stone, because sanded grout can scratch them during installation and cleanup. Home Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout The 4 Biggest Differences That Matter. thank you pete. The answer to question 5 is simple, get additional bids and compare. grout ardex sanded When we bought the tile and supplies we were told to use sanded grout, is this a good idea? Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! Also, is one coat of sealer enough? [RELATED: Learn pro tips to prevent the most common tile installations problems]Pinholes occur when grouting traps large amounts of water, which then evaporates over a long period of time. When to use unsanded grout or sanded Grout? Nerella. how can we communicate? travertine grout Ideas? Sealers which block the Travertines pores should be avoided as water can become trapped inside, making the Travertine slippery when wet. Its more durable than traditional grout, and doesnt pose the risk of scratching, that sanded grout does. As porous as travertine is, its a beautiful, versatile stone. travertine tiles ivory grout colors After the tile has been laid, the next step is to now seal the tile. 2020 Deco Alert - Your Source for home decorating ideas and inspiration . Everything from bright colors to bold patterns to squiggly shapes have returned from the 1980s this year, pointing to a renewed embrace of the maximalist decade. Unsanded grout is extremely sticky, because it has no additional sand or aggregate added to it. The aggregate sand material used to create it can be quite bulky, and preclude you from being able to squeeze it into small tile joints, making it unsuitable for precision work. After removing 1,500 sq ft of both ceramic tile and wood flooring, Im installing travertine throughout. Im leaning towards the non-sanded grout, but didnt know if there was a bonding agent I could add to the grout to prevent cracking. Now, you probably already know most of what we went over above youre a professional, after all but its always good to expand your knowledge as a contractor. Take good care of your outdoor travertine tile by sealing it every one to two years to keep it protected from damage and looking fresh. Other installers do a good job of cleaning the grout and only apply the sealer after the grout has been applied. Travertine had an extended demand and increase from 2000 to 2015 a 15-year run. I would lean more toward sealing the tiles before grouting to prevent staining, however, Im concerned that the sealer will spill over the edges of the tile and prevent the grout from sticking to the edges of the tile, what are your thoughts. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. The installation steps include: preparation, laying the tile, and grouting it to keep it all together. Thanks for your prompt answer. ANSWER It is possible to grout over existing grout if there is enough depth to do so. Unsanded grout is best for grout lines as wide as 1/8-inch and down to 1/16-inch. inch or smaller, which is typical of most backsplash tile installations. Sealing Travertine is very easy and should be done during installation and periodically thereafter approximately every three to five years, depending on usage and traffic, as well as the products used to clean your surfaces after use. Stopped our floor install and went to supplier to find out why travertine tiles were so dark when we ordered light beige. From what were understanding of your comment, it sounds like the tiles themselves are too gritty for your tastes. I thought I had this all figured out, but now I'm not sure what to do. Move over, marble its travertines time to shine. A final note is that you wont be able to use just any sanded grout if youre working on extremely large tile joints. jasmine is the better option IMO.i am in the proces of laying an opus travertine pattern in light walnut and beige goes well with that coz it is slightly darker than light ivory travertine. Using grout to fill travertine is much easier and cheaper to do and can often give you satisfactory results. I would stop the tile setter from making more mistakes and bring in a mason/stone professional. Mortar forms the bed of the tile and grout fills in the spaces between the tile. If the are over 1/8" you need to use sanded grout. With that said I dont see a problem in sealing before grouting because, even if the sealer does spill over to the edges, it shouldnt be solid enough to prevent the grout from sticking. It is recommended to test the sealer on a small, inconspicuous area of one tile before applying it to the entire installation. Talking in-depth with our contractor yesterday, we have the following questions/concerns, and we hope you are able to address them. Can you sand travertine tiles? This will ensure you have everything planned accordingly and will be able to complete the floor. Can you please share what color this travertine is? The better question would be, Should I seal my grout? Grout is a cement-based product mixed with chemicals, water, and in many cases sand. We are in the process of choosing travertine tiles for our kitchen. A squeegee works well enough to remove these stubborn stains. Do you seal travertine tile before installing? Go over the travertine with 600-grit sandpaper to make the travertine shine a little. This guide will help you choose between those two types of grout for each application in different parts of the house. chiseled grouting johnbridge I checked on the net to find out more about the issue and found most people will go Youve made some decent points there. Sanded grout should not be used with a polished marble tile; you need to use unsanded. The question is what should I do about the pore holes. We recommend an epoxyco grout. The answer is simple, no, it does not need to be sealed. Tumbled travertine is a beautiful natural stone, however, its best to avoid installing it in an outdoor area that is susceptible to water because it can be slippery when wet and cause unnecessary injuries. How many square feet is a yard of concrete 4 inches thick? Adding sand to the grouting mix ensures that the material doesnt shrink as much. Farmhouse style isnt going away in 2021, but it is getting a makeover. How often do you need to seal travertine shower? BOB, Pingback: Tools Today Tool Blog Blog Archive Tile sealant is so important. Thanks for your insight. Required fields are marked *. Is this just error on my part or did the tile set at different rates, bad thinset ???? Now, I've heard this from enough installers and contractors to believe there might be some creedence to this, but my own experience is no way. They are stronger as compared to vinyl, porcelain or wooden floors and an economical alternative for those who prefer marble flooring. Thanks Tony. Know the perfect mortar recipe]. 6. And after getting an inside look at the differences between sanded and unsanded grout, youre armed with all of the knowledge you need, to knock your next tiling project out of the park. So in short, if you want to ensure that you dont get excess grout mixed in with the sealer, I would recommend sealing before and after the grout. I am looking for ideas other than just butting the wall tile to the floor. Great blog! He said tiles were wet and would dry out in a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Its easier to work with than sanded grout, and you can get a totally even spread when working with unsanded grout. What can be done? With grout, you have a choice of sanded vs. unsanded. I dont see why leveling travertine would be harder than any other tile. It shrunk terribly, The wall with the tile is an outside wall. Do you mind if I ask what material you used in the countertop? grout Marble, by comparison, averages around $20 per square foot, and granite averages around $12 per square foot. Any thoughts? This allows you to focus only on placing your tiles in the right spot and delivering a great project. First you apply the thin set to the sub floor or wall where the tile will be placed. The tiles are set at 1/8 of an inch. This is why tile setters are different from masons. I am still upset that these tiles were soaking wetam I being too sensitive?? 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best, Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower the Tiling and Grouting Phase, Polish Your Bathroom's Look With Wrapped Tile, Landscape Paving 101: Travertine Keeps Its Cool in Warm Climates, Get Quartz and Porcelain Surfaces Super Clean. Travertine tiles have a good durability span. grout stainmaster sanded fantastic blog! Is there anything you can do to correct lipage. Its over twice the cost of traditional unsanded grout. They can take it from how it is now, remove the grout, polish, seal, regrout (with proper material) etc. It can also can be difficult to work with, due to short cure times. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 1-3 days to figure out an attractive pattern??? No matter how carefull you are in setting marble, there is (as George from Seinfeld would say) shrinkage, of the setting mortar. This product has many small pores visible on the surface, and I intend to seal once before I grout and twice after I grout. prevent the most common tile installations problems, What is the Difference Between Ceramic And Porcelain Tile, How to mix mortar for tile installation: the experts recipe, Complete Guide on How to Install Ceramic Floor Tiles, Best Tile for Kitchen Floor: How to Make the Right Choice, Bullnose Tile: What It Is and How to Use It, Our Top Tips For Using Tile Spacers Effectively, Choosing the right trowel size for tile: the complete guide. After you carefully consider what will be appropriate for the task at hand, you can make your purchase.After all, making the right grouting purchase decision can be the difference between a happy customer with a gorgeous new kitchen backsplash or an unhappy one with a cracked tile floor thats ridden with pinholes. These holes help to give travertine its characteristic look and finish. grout If you dont like the appearance of the tiles themselves, unfortunately the only solution is a new tile installation. When cement-based, unsanded grout dries, it shrinks and it can pull away from tiles. Epoxy vs. Cement Grout What's the Difference? Sanded grout is the go-to choice for most interior flooring installations. Installation is considered a medium to high difficulty job, and will require a wet saw is required to cut the tiles to the appropriate size. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Also, do I seal the tile before grouting. grouting travertine When this happens, the grout that sits above the now-empty air cavity collapses, causing a small, pin-like hole hence, the name. Because unsanded grout can also be used for 1/8-inch lines, between the two it is recommended that you use sanded grout. Tiles are typically fairly close together usually between 1/8 of an inch and 1/16 of an inch. travertine Be sure the stones are completely dry before beginning the installation. Travertine is softer than many other stones and porcelain, yet its also strong and less likely to break. Do I need gutters around my entire house? For all natural stone products such as marble, travertine, and slate you must seal the product to help prevent stains from penetrating the surface. Can you fill the holes on the face of the floor tiles with grout. 4. Unsanded grout can be prone to severe cracking when it has pressure applied to it, making it unsuitable for most flooring applications. Travertine in bathrooms is easy to clean and hardly shows water spots and soap scum the bane of homeowners everywhere. The problem with using sanded grout is that the sanded grout will have a sandy texture that does not match the texture of the travertine. That means your grout will need to withstand A LOT of temperature fluctuation, wich epoxy resin, epoxydica, and epoxyco are good for. First of all, Ill start off with the obvious: you should always follow the manufacturers instructions when it comes to the method/timing of applying the sealer. Just make sure to choose the right finish for your tiles and always remember to properly maintain the natural stone. However, instead of being using the reaction between cement and water, these grouting options use advanced chemical compounds, consisting of a base and an activator. I hope this information was useful. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Installing travertine is much like installing any other tile, though it is important to practice care. My kitchen back splash looks very gritty. Find the answers to your home improvement questions. What most installers object to is they claim the sand will scratch the face of polished stone. As with most things, its a good idea to test it out on a smaller area or one tile and see the result before applying to the entire floor. This ensures proper adhesion of tiles that must be placed more than 1/8 of an inch apart, and for tiles that are going to have heavy foot traffic on them such as in the bathroom. if I apply grout to the whole tile and fill in the pores, then I will lose some of the texture. What type of grout do you use for travertine? It probably depends a fair amount on the particular grout youre using. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The second way to fill travertine is to simply use sanded grout. After letting dry for 24 hours I noticed some lipage along tiles I know I checked for level what would have caused this? DecoAlert.com invites you to use your imagination by using colors and patterns to enhance the look of any room. Another consideration when choosing between sanded vs. unsanded grout is the tile material that youre working with. The tile guys saw the sanded grout for polished travertine tiles and said we should switch to unsanded. He pulled out the washer and dryer an applied one layer of sealer there as well as the bathroom floor and shower. Sanded grout can work a lot like sandpaper. travertine grout travertinewarehouse sanded grout One advantage of travertine tilesas well as other types of stone tilesis that they have cut edges. Harsh chemicals, for example, can prematurely wear away the sealer. However, I would not be overly concerned with worrying about scratching the travertine. If I apply grout only to the grout joints and leave the pores open will this be a problem?. For precision work, unsanded grout is almost always a better choice.Heres why. along with your views on this website. Hope that helps! JavaScript is disabled. It looks nice, wont get ruined easily, can withstand the heat, is great for safety, and is extremely functional when it comes to design but there is one drawback for travertine pool decking, and that is that travertine pool decking is its porous nature.