Re-tile using Travertine
Discussion
We are about to gut and refit 2 bathrooms and have decided to re-tile using Travertine. I understand that they need to be sealed before grouting and have had conflicting advice from different suppliers about how often the tiles would need to be re-sealed. Any advice about products to seal the tiles, how often they need re-sealing and how well they wear over time would be appreciated.
Has anyone bought online recently? There seems to be a huge price difference from some online retailers compared to local suppliers.
Has anyone bought online recently? There seems to be a huge price difference from some online retailers compared to local suppliers.
I got my travertine and all the gubbins from www.colchester-tiles.co.uk/index.php
Perhaps not in your area but you could ring and ask what finishes they recommend - 'Ironwax' seems to ring a bell; I followed their instructions and it was fine - and not £125 a tin!
Perhaps not in your area but you could ring and ask what finishes they recommend - 'Ironwax' seems to ring a bell; I followed their instructions and it was fine - and not £125 a tin!
If you are in Herts, I would take a trip up to Milton Keynes, go to Avanti Tiles, and ask for Gary.
He will spend whatever time you need with you, explain in as much detail as you want exactly what you need to do, and will have exactly the correct adhesives, grouts and sealers in stock.
He also has the advantage of not supplying crap- you will get a good service AND a very good quality product.
Drop me a PM if you are going to go, i know him very well from years gone by when i was a tiler, and will make sure the price is as good as it can be for you!!!!
He will spend whatever time you need with you, explain in as much detail as you want exactly what you need to do, and will have exactly the correct adhesives, grouts and sealers in stock.
He also has the advantage of not supplying crap- you will get a good service AND a very good quality product.
Drop me a PM if you are going to go, i know him very well from years gone by when i was a tiler, and will make sure the price is as good as it can be for you!!!!
russ_a said:
Dont buy from the internet, I just brought £600 worth of limestone online and the quality was awful.
Very true; there is good travertine and poor travertine. Go in person - and make sure it's all reasonably the same shade/texture (bearing in mind it's a natural product).Busamav said:
Make sure you use white adhesive !
Travertine is very heavy so don't skimp on this; I was advised to use BAL products and they have a helpline too.Bal are good, but no better than howtex (weber) or biscem.
You will need White though, and make sure you use a large enough notched trowel (they should be reasonably flat backed) and fill any voids in the backs with adhesive to ensure solid fixing- voids beneath the floor= not good at all.
It's also worth dusting the backs prior to laying to ensure a firm adhesion, and to seal them prior to laying (as already mentioned) to stop the adhesive marking the surface.
Oh, and thompsons water seal is as good as anything on the Market, but you rarely get told this due to it being loads cheaper.
The important thing with a floor like this is to test adhesive, sealer, grout and polish on a test piece
Again, feel free to pm for specifics
You will need White though, and make sure you use a large enough notched trowel (they should be reasonably flat backed) and fill any voids in the backs with adhesive to ensure solid fixing- voids beneath the floor= not good at all.
It's also worth dusting the backs prior to laying to ensure a firm adhesion, and to seal them prior to laying (as already mentioned) to stop the adhesive marking the surface.
Oh, and thompsons water seal is as good as anything on the Market, but you rarely get told this due to it being loads cheaper.
The important thing with a floor like this is to test adhesive, sealer, grout and polish on a test piece
Again, feel free to pm for specifics
Go to Calverts Carpets - http://www.calverts-carpets.co.uk/stone.html
Brilliant service. We did our Bathroom and everyone gives a 'wow'!
Brilliant service. We did our Bathroom and everyone gives a 'wow'!
I will use a local supplier for the tiles as has been said at least I can check the quality before paying!Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff