The Basics of Grouting Travertine Tiles
Time to grout your travertine floor or backsplash tiles? In this 5-minute quick guide, you’ll get everything you need to know about grouting travertine tiles.
Many steps are similar to grouting normal tiles, but there are some big differences! So make sure you read the entire thing.
Let’s get started!
What is grouting?
Grouting or grout is what fills the spaces between the tiles. Most grout lines (or joints as they’re called) are between 1/8″ to 1/4″ inch thick. Depending on the type of travertine you have, the grout may also be used to fill any holes or voids in the surface of the tile.
How to grout travertine tiles?
Ready to start grouting? Here are the basic steps you should follow.
Sealing (Optional)
In some cases, you may need to seal the surface of the travertine before AND after you grout. Sealing tumbled travertine before grouting can sometimes make the grout easier to clean off. However, it’s not always necessary.
Choosing the Grout
We suggest choosing a grout color that’s similar to the travertine. Some want to go with a darker color for contrasting joints, but when the darker color fills in holes and voids in the surface of the tiles, it can make the tile look dirty.
Mixing the Grout
Once the tile surface is clean and the joints are free of debris, mix the grout powder with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using a Grout Bag or Rubber Float
For small areas where you don’t want to fill in surface voids, use a grout bag. A grout bag is similar to a cake decorating bag and lets you fill in just the grout lines.
If you want to fill in the joints and any surface divets, then use the edge of a rubber grout float to spread the mixture over the entire surface.
Clean the Surface
Before the grout dries, get a bucket of water and a damp sponge. Wipe the stone with a damp sponge to remove any excess grout. Come back after a few hours to buff off the haze that the grout left.
*See the last section for more tips specific to tumbled travertine tile.
Grouting Options
So what grout options are available? Here are the 4 main types.
Unsanded Grouts
Unsanded cement-based grout has a smooth consistency and is best for small joints and holes no larger than 1/8-inch wide.
Sanded Grouts
Sanded grouts are a popular choice for tumbled travertine stone. It has a slightly rougher finish which matches the rustic look of the tumbled travertine. And the larger sand aggregate makes it stronger than unsanded grout so it’s better for larger joints and holes in the stone.
Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grout is a popular choice among professional installers. It creates a super hard, waterproof, and stain-proof surface. And unlike a normal cement-based grout product, it doesn’t need to be sealed. However, it is expensive and difficult to work with for DIYers.
High-Performance Cement Grouts
These are a nice middle ground between normal cement grouts and epoxy grout. These high-performance grouts have special additives to give them extra stain resistance and color consistency. Many also are made to cure quickly for a faster installation.
Tips to Grout Tumbled Travertine Tile
Here are a few specific tips for grouting tumbled travertine tiles.
- Use a product like this Soap Film / Hard Water Remover to help remove the grout haze once it’s dry.
- If you want dark grout lines, we suggest filling in the holes on the tile face with a lighter grout first to avoid the “dirty” look.
- If you don’t want to fill in the holes to maintain a rustic texture on the tile face, seal the stone before grouting. It makes it a tad easier to clean any grout out of the holes.
- Use a color-enhancing sealer to get a wet look.
- Even if you don’t want a wet look, you still need to apply a penetrating sealer to help prevent stains.
Want to get your travertine project done right? If you’re in the Garland, Dallas, Texas area, give us a call at A&X Masonry. Get your FREE consultation today!
And don’t miss our other articles to learn more about travertine stone, tiles, and pavers!