Travertine Installation Guide

Travertine Paver Dry-Set Installation

1. Compact the soil, ensuring the moisture content is right.

2. Create a border lining the edges of the project area with 6×12 travertine pavers in a soldier course pattern (shown below). It is recommended to secure the borders with your preferred mortar. This will allow the travertine to safely expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycle in cold climates. Dry-set installation is best suited for cold climates and freeze/thaw conditions.

3. Dry-set installation allows for easy installation and future repairs if needed.

4. On top of the compacted soil base (from step 1), place 6 to 8 inches of crushed gravel. Two to three layers are recommended. After leveling each layer, compact it before adding the next. This ensures the travertine stays in place and drains properly. Finish with a 1/2-inch layer of sand on top before laying the travertine pavers. Your layers should resemble this:

Travertine Paver and Tile Mud-Set Installation

1. Mud-set installation is typically used when there is existing concrete at a project site that will be overlaid.

2. Remove the pavers or tiles from their crates and arrange them in place. Since travertine is a natural stone, blending pieces from different crates helps ensure smooth color transitions throughout the project.

3. Prepare the concrete surface by removing any existing material and adhesive residue.

4. Apply mortar to the subfloor. Next, use a 1/2” notch trowel to spread the mortar underneath the paver or tile to secure it. Sanded grout is recommended.

5. Place travertine pavers or tiles directly on the grout. Secure them by gently tapping with a sledgehammer.

6. Grout can be placed between the joints once the pavers or tiles are laid. Excess grout should be removed and cleaned with a damp sponge.

7. Allow sufficient time for the project to dry.

Travertine Pool Coping Installation

1. The size of the coping you choose should depend on the shape of your pool. Larger sizes such as 12”x12” and 12”x24” are best for straight-edge pools, while 4”x12” and 6”x12” work better for kidney-shaped or curved pools.

• a. Lay out the travertine pool coping and mark it to perfectly fit the pool’s dimensions.
• b. Cut any necessary pieces using a diamond blade saw.
• c. Mud-set the coping with at least 1” of mortar.