How to Install Travertine on Drywall

Mark a horizontal line along the base of the wall with a level and pencil, putting it at the height of a tile plus ¼ inch. So if the travertile tiles are 10 inches high, the line should be 10 1/4 inches up from the floor.

Find and mark the middle of the horizontal line. Draw a vertical line through the middle of the wall, from top to bottom, again using your level and pencil.

Spread mortar over the length of the wall, under the horizontal line, using your notched trowel.

Press the bottom course of travertine tiles in place, working from the center line out toward the edges. Put spacers between the tiles as you hang them. There should be a ¼ inch space below the tiles, separating them from the floor.

Cut the last tiles for either end on your wet saw to fit along the side walls.

Spread additional adhesive across the wall, above the bottom row of tiles. Set the next course in place, again starting at the middle and working to the sides. Repeat, building up the wall course by course, putting spacers between the tiles and cutting the end tiles as needed.

Let the mortar set overnight. Pull out the spacers.

Brush stone tile sealer over the flat surfaces of the tiles with a paintbrush. Don’t get the sealer in the holes in the tiles, or in the spaces between them. Let the sealer dry for six hours.

Spread grout over the tiles with a grout float, pressing it into the holes and spaces while scraping it off the face. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess grout.