How to Lay Travertine Floor Tiles
- 1). Make sure the subfloor is smooth and clean by sweeping up debris and removing any traces of the original floor from the surface.
- 2). Create working spaces for your tile by snapping a chalk line down the center of the room and across, forming a 90-degree angle. This will keep your tiles centered to the room.
- 3). Mix the thin set according to package instructions. Spread a layer of thin set onto the floor using the notched trowel. Lay down the tiles, pressing down into the center to remove any air bubbles from underneath the tile. Add a tile spacer, then lay down the next tile.
- 4). Trim tiles with a wet saw if necessary, especially around the room edges. Once all of the tiles are in place, allow the thin set to dry for 24 hours before removing the spacers and grouting.
- 5). Mix the grout according to package instructions. Spread a layer of grout over the tiles using the rubber float held at a 45-degree angle. Make sure the grout is stuffed into the lines, but do not leave excess on the tile surface. Wipe the surface of the tile down with a damp sponge, and smooth out grout lines if necessary. Allow grout to dry for 48 to 72 hours.