Groutless Installation of Travertine
For most applications, the joints between tiles need to be filled with grout. Grout prevents moisture and debris from seeping between and behind the tiles. However, if the tile is being installed as a wall decoration or in a place that does not accumulate significant moisture or debris, grout can be excluded. Travertine is a form of limestone with variegated golden tones. Travertine tiles, when installed without grout, will imbue a room with a natural, Old World charm.
Instructions
1. Sand the wall lightly with 80-grit sandpaper if it is painted.
2. Use a tape measure to find and mark the center point of the wall. Mark a level, horizontal line and a plumb, vertical line, intersecting the center point.
3. Apply a thin layer of thin-set mortar in one of the quadrants using a notched trowel. Use the notched trowel to embed ridges in the mortar. Cover no more than two square feet of space so the mortar won't dry before the tiles are affixed.
4. Apply thin layers of thin-set mortar to the backs of tiles and press them into the mortar on the wall. Butt the tiles firmly together. Clean any mortar that oozes out, using a moist sponge. Keep placing the level against the edges of tiles as you work to ensure that rows are level and columns are plumb.
5. Move from quadrant to quadrant, working in small sections at time, gradually working your way to the edges of the wall. If necessary, travertine tiles can be cut using a tile saw or tile nippers. Sand cut edges with 80-grit sandpaper.
6. Leave the mortar to cure for 12 hours.
7. Coat the travertine with travertine sealer to prevent staining. Travertine is very porous and highly susceptible to stains.
