Travertine floor questions - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

Captain Slow · 03-02-2008

I have a small bathroom floor to do and the customer has chosen 60 x 40 travertine tiles in a brickbond pattern. She is juggling trades and really wants me to get the floor completed in a day so that the builder can fit new skirting boards the following day and then the plumber can fit sanitary wear the day after.

I have explained to her that the tiles will need to be sealed (HG Sealer?) and my preference would be to fix and seal on day 1 and then grout the following day but this will mean that I don't want her walking on the floor until day 3, so she's not pleased.

Can anyone advise whether there is a way to complete this job in 1 day, please?
I am planning to cut the tiles on a wet cutter but use no water so that I can seal all tiles once they are in place, and I will probably use Ardex Rapidry adhesive and grout to reduce water ingress as much as possible.

Am I being too cautious? Also, can anyone advise me what grout widths will look best, please?

Thanks in advance

**Dave** · 03-02-2008

Just as you say mate...
Dry cut them on wet saw or grinder...Wipe over with a dampened sponge and leave to dry....then seal as you lay( if you can work clean)....I use lithofin stainstop for travertine ..dries quickly....Rapidset adhesives and grout once set....can be done in one day no probs......

.... just make sure it is clean before sealing....

p.s. 3 mm joints will look good....

03-02-2008

As DH says.......use stain stop......also use mapei ultracolour grout,dries hard 1hr...but you must clean it quick......no fag breaks....

Captain Slow · 03-02-2008

Thanks Dave,

How long do I need leave between 1st and 2nd sealer coats? Is it just a case of checking the tiles before applying the 2nd coat?
Do I then apply a 3rd coat after grouting?

Do I let her builder on it the following day? Was going to suggest that he puts a board down before setting about it with his size twelves.

Cheers

**Dave** · 03-02-2008

Just follow the instructions on your sealers tin/bottle....once you have finished and the builder goes on the floor and marks it then its his problem then isnt it...you cant be held responsible for others who work after you have gone.....

abskiing · 03-02-2008

Don't wish to alarm you but who do you think she will blame after the plumbers have left and the floor is marked....???

abskiing

**Dave** · 03-02-2008

Just get the customer to check the floor before you get paid and leave the job...no probs then..........

Captain Slow · 03-02-2008

Thanks everyone,

My confidence is now high. Not doing the job for a couple of weeks and now looking forward to it!

**Dave** · 03-02-2008

let us know how you get on..maybe a few pics as well...

Captain Slow · 16-02-2008

Hi Dave,

Have just posted a couple of pics in the gallery. The customer was well pleased and her next door neighbour has now asked me to tile his bathroom floor and walls to ceiling - happy days!

Thanks to everyone for their help and advice.

GazTech · 16-02-2008

[quote=Captain Slow;55968]Hi Dave,

Have just posted a couple of pics in the gallery. The customer was well pleased and her next door neighbour has now asked me to tile his bathroom floor and walls to ceiling - happy days!

Thanks to everyone for their help and advice.[/quote]Another happy bunny...cheers Dave for your guidance here......Gaz

**Dave** · 16-02-2008

It looks spot on DAZ mate...well done....nice pics...