Travertine Floor Tile

Travertine floor tile originates from Tivoli Italy, near Rome.  The minerals that the travertine floor tile is made from are found in Tivoli, Italy.  In ancient times the name of the travertine floor tile was once called lapis tiburtinus, which eventually evolved into travertine over time.  This tile is commonly seen in buildings within Italy, Greece and Turkey. 

Travertine floor tile is neither marble nor limestone, although it is often called travertine marble or travertine limestone.  One of the key characteristics in the travertine floor tile is the holes and troughs marking the surface of the stone.  These holes and troughs give the stone an appearance of years of wear and tear.  This stone is ideal in commercial or residential properties.  Within a residential property the tile can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or the exterior portion of the home as a patio or stepping-stones for a pathway.  As it has a natural look of wear and tear it would be an ideal installation in areas with heavy traffic, or within a busy home. 

If you are installing travertine floor tile you will first want to measure the area to determine how many tiles will be needed within the space, adding on a few extra tiles to leave room for error.  You will then want to ensure that the sub floor is structurally sound and free from oil, grease, dust, loose paint, or any debris.  Once the sub floor is secure you will want to layout the floor area to determine the location of the tiles, it is recommended that you start by laying the tiles from the middle of the room and work your way out towards the edges.  Once the layout is complete you will then apply the adhesive or mortar.  It is advised to mix only enough mortar for thirty minutes of work as it may harden and become unusable and be wasted.  With the flat side of the trowel, spread the mortar on to the sub floor, and with the ridged side of the trowel make ridges that will evenly spread the mortar onto the tile. 

When placing the tiles onto the floor you will want to remove any pockets of air trapped under the tile by tapping the tile with a rubber mallet.  Once all the tiles are laid out you will want to keep off it for at least twenty-four hours and not allow any heavy traffic on it for at least seventy-two hours.  After the twenty-four hour period apply the grout and then seal the grout.  You should then have a beautiful and classy looking travertine floor.