How to Install Travertine Tile Borders

Measure the depth of the current installation before installing your travertine tile border. This allows you to estimate the height difference between your travertine tile and the surrounding installation. If the travertine is thicker than the other tiles, use less thinset mortar -- but if the travertine is thinner than your other tiles or natural stones, build out the difference with mortar so the travertine is flat with the other tiles.

Spread a layer of thinset on the back of the travertine tile for installations where you only need a thin layer of mortar to achieve the same thickness as the other installation. Use the notched trowel to apply the thinset. Press the piece of travertine tile into the space for your border pieces and apply slight pressure as you move the piece in all directions to ensure the thinset mortar is bonded to the tile as well as the substrate for the installation. Repeat the process for each individual border piece.

Apply a layer of thinset mortar onto the substrate with the notched trowel prior to applying any to the piece of travertine tile for projects that require the travertine be built out to match the other tile depth. After you have applied an additional layer to the piece of travertine, place it into the border area and press it down into the bed of thinset until you reach your desired flatness.

Check the flatness of each piece by laying the flat side of your notched trowel down along the face of surrounding pieces of tile, and then sliding it onto the travertine tile. You can add or subtract thinset mortar as necessary to make the travertine flat with everything else.

Manage the size of your grout joints with tile spacers if you decide to use a grout joint. Otherwise, tightly install the pieces to each other for groutless installations. Tile wedges can be used for vertical surfaces to maneuver the pieces in slight directions to make up for the inconsistencies in natural stone sizes.