How to Install Decorative Travertine Wall Accents

Gauging Thickness

• Most travertine tiles and accents will measure approximately 3/8 inch thick, although there can be some variation. If you are installing the travertine accents with other wall tiles, take the time to lay out the accents with the tiles before installing them on the wall. Check the thickness of the travertine against the thickness of the wall tiles. If the travertine is thicker than the field tile, consider using a pencil tile or rail molding to separate the accent from the field to disguise the thickness difference. If the travertine is thinner than the surrounding filed tile, either use a rail molding, or plan on applying an additional layer of mortar to the backs of the accents to build up their thickness to match the surrounding field.

Applying Mortar

• Install the travertine accents after all other field tiles have been installed on the wall. If the travertine is thinner than the field tile, comb the mortar over the area where the travertine will be installed, but leave the area empty of the accents until the mortar dries. This will help build up the thickness of the travertine. Apply a white latex modified thinset mortar directly to the backs of each of the travertine accents. This method of installation is known as back buttering. It allows you to control the amount of mortar on a small tile like an accent or border. Once the backs of each accent have been covered, press the accents into the opening on the wall and let the mortar cure for 24 hours.

Sealing

• Travertine is a naturally porous stone. In addition to the many large open holes seen in its surface are thousands of tiny holes unseen to the naked eye. These holes can absorb grout, water, grease and other materials that can stain the stone. Seal the travertine with an impregnating sealer designed for porous stone prior to grouting the accents into place. If you enjoy the look of the holes in the travertine, coat the holes thoroughly in sealer to help the grout release. If you want to diminish the look of the holes in the stone, coat only the surface of the accents with sealer and avoid the holes; the grout will fill them.

Grouting

• Grout the travertine accents into the rest of the field tile using the same grout over the entire installation. If you plan on filling the holes of the travertine with grout, cover the entire surface of each accent with grout by pulling the grout float across the surface. If you plan on leaving the holes up, carefully direct the grout only into the joints surrounding each piece of travertine. If the grout gets into the holes, wipe it out immediately with a grout sponge. Allow the grout to set up for 10 minutes before washing off the surface of the accents with a grout sponge.