Travertine Floors

[nytransplant]

We are now in the final phase of upgrade selections.  We are probably going to get floors done after escrow, so we are checking out contractors for travertine floors.  One contractor mentioned "floating" the floor (a very common word used by contractors meaning many differnt things) - for this contractor it meant the floor would sit on a sand/cement/wire base and then put the travertine above that.  The "cheaper" option was a thin set adhesive.

Any experience with installing tavertine?

 

[irvinehomeowner]

The only travertine options I've seen is the standard thin set installation like with most tile.

The floating option sounds interesting if it means the tiles would be more level. Most travertine installs prefer a zero grout line look which has its issues because if each isn't level, you can tell quickly and the tile would have to be reset.

How much more is this floating install? I would get estimates from multiple places and ask about that option.

 

[nytoca]

Will you have to rip up the standard to re-do the floors, or will the builder just leave it at concrete?  We are considering this too, but wondering how much trouble  it would be to  rip out the new tile/carpet installed by the builder.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Will you have to rip up the standard to re-do the floors, or will the builder just leave it at concrete?  We are considering this too, but wondering how much trouble  it would be to  rip out the new tile/carpet installed by the builder.

The builder will not just leave concrete, there will have to be some kind of flooring.  I would suggest that you ask them to put carpet in the areas that you want to redo because carpet is fairly easy to remove.  Taking out tile can be a pain in the butt depending on what kind of adhesive they used to put it down.

 

[Irvine2Irvine]

Most travertine installs prefer a zero grout line look which has its issues because if each isn't level, you can tell quickly and the tile would have to be reset.

This is the main reason why it costs so much more to install travertine and marble than porceline/ceramic tile per sq ft.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Like USC says... don't let them put tile where you are going to put travertine as it does cost extra to do tile demolition. A long time ago, the flooring company who was familiar with new home installations said if linoleum was a standard to use it because they won't rip it out and just use it as a sub-floor. The issue with that is for transition areas or with toilets where the added height may cause problems.