Travertine Installation

Please Note:  Always seek the professional advice of a licensed and insured installer who is familiar with the installation of Travertine, as they are the only ones who can provide you with suitable installation advice for your specific project and geographical area. Travertine Mart is not responsible for how you will use our products, nor if they are appropriate for your intended use. The installation methods described below are general educational guidelines only and are not project-specific specifications. Requirements vary based on soil conditions, climate, intended use, and local building codes.

Travertine Installation 

Travertine Paver Dry-Set Installation:

Travertine Mart highly recommends dry-set travertine paver installation for projects using Travertine Pavers. Travertine Pavers can often be installed more simply than other paving materials because they can be installed dry-set. They can typically be laid and, if necessary, replaced without specialized equipment.

1. Start by compacting the soil and ensuring that the moisture content of the soil is correct. Soil that is too damp or too dry may not compact properly.
2. Establish a border around the edges of the project area using a soldier-course pattern with 6×12 Travertine Pavers. Travertine Mart highly recommends securing the border with flexible mortar (or similar) – especially in cold weather climates – as it allows the Travertine to safely expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycle. Dry set is generally preferred in cold and freeze-thaw climates because it allows the stone to expand and contract naturally, though your installer should determine the best method for your specific site conditions.
3. Travertine Pavers can be dry set (as indicated in the chart below), allowing for an easy installation and easy repairs should they be necessary in the future.
4. After you establish a compacted soil sub-base, place 6” – 8” of crushed limestone (or CA6) on top and compact in layers as you go. We highly recommend using crushed limestone, as the sharp edges allow it to fit snugly together. Limestone will also create a solid base, which will keep the travertine in place over time without shifting and allow for proper drainage. Add the limestone in 2-3 layers. After you level each layer, compact the limestone with a compactor. Finish with ½” Sand. You can then begin laying the Travertine Pavers. Note: if there is a drainage problem on the site the project is being built on, a geotextile can be incorporated on top of the compacted soil.
5. Travertine Pavers can be cut using the same blades and tools commonly used for brick pavers or other natural stones. A quality diamond blade rated for natural stone is typically appropriate.
6. Once everything is in place, polymeric sand can be swept into the joints of the Travertine Pavers. Another option is to use grout or just leave them as is, using nothing at all. NOTE: Travertine Pavers can also be mud-set on top of an existing concrete surface. If mud-setting the pavers in cold weather climates, a flexible adhesive is usually recommended to prevent cracking during the freeze-thaw cycle.

Recommended: Ardex X 5 Flexible Tile & Stone Mortar, Polymeric Sand, Geotextile

Travertine Paver and Travertine Tile Mud-Set Installation:

1. Just like other types of tiles and natural stone, Travertine Pavers and Travertine Tiles can be laid mud-set on top of an existing concrete surface.
2. Before beginning the installation process, it is advised to remove the Pavers or Tiles from the crates and begin to arrange them in place. As this is a natural stone, we also suggest blending materials from the different pallets in order to achieve a smooth color transition from pallet to pallet.
3. Begin by preparing the surface where you will install the Travertine Pavers or Tiles. Any existing material should be removed and the surface must be completely clear of old adhesive residue.
4. Apply a flexible mortar on the subfloor. Then, with a ½” notch trowel, spread the flexible mortar or mortar mix underneath the tile to secure. We recommend using a sanded grout and, for better adhesion add another layer of thin-set to secure the Pavers or Tiles.
5. Place the Travertine Pavers or Tiles directly on the grout. Secure by gently tapping with a mallet.
6. If desired, grout can be placed between the joints once the Pavers or Tiles have been laid. Excess grout should be removed from the joints and cleaned with a damp sponge.
7. Allow the Travertine Pavers or Tiles sufficient time to dry.

Recommended: Ardex X 5 Flexible Tile & Stone Mortar, Rubber Mallet, Tile Sponge, ½” notch trowel

Note: Mortar type, trowel size, and drying times vary based on substrate, climate, and product specifications. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific mortar and grout products you select.

Travertine Pool Coping Installation:

The size of Travertine Pool Coping that you choose should depend on the shape of your pool. Larger pieces of Travertine Pool Coping, such as 12″x12″ and 12″x24″, are generally well-suited to straightedge pools, while smaller 4″x8″ and 6″x12″ sizes are often preferred for kidney-shaped pools or pools with curved edges, as they follow curves more easily.”

1. Begin by laying out the Travertine Pool Coping and marking it so that it perfectly fits the shape of your pool.
2. Cut the Travertine Pool Coping with a diamond blade saw.
3. Flexible mortar is typically recommended for Travertine Pool Coping, with a mortar bed of approximately 1″ or as specified by your installer and the mortar manufacturer.

If you had to cut the edges of the Pool Coping, you may want to sand the edges for a smoother finish.

Pool safety note: All stone surfaces around a pool can become slippery when wet. Travertine’s natural texture provides some slip resistance, but slip-and-fall risk cannot be eliminated. Pool coping installation should comply with all local pool safety codes, including requirements for edge profiles, gaps, and barriers. Your licensed installer is responsible for ensuring the finished installation meets local code.

Travertine Paver Driveway Installation:

6×12 Travertine Pavers are the most suitable size for driveway usage, as their smaller footprint helps distribute vehicle loads and reduces the risk of cracking. Larger format pavers, and especially the French Pattern, are not suitable for driveway usage.

Important considerations before installing a travertine driveway:

Base preparation is critical. A properly excavated, compacted, and prepared base is the single most important factor in preventing cracking, settling, and shifting. Inadequate base preparation is the leading cause of paver driveway failure, regardless of paver size or material.

Vehicle weight matters. A properly installed 6×12 paver driveway is generally suitable for standard passenger vehicles and light SUVs. Heavier loads — including full-size trucks, RVs, boats and trailers, moving vans, delivery trucks, or dumpsters — apply significantly greater stress and may require a reinforced concrete base. High-traffic or commercial driveways will almost always require a concrete base.

Point loads can crack any paver. Motorcycle kickstands, trailer tongue jacks, car jacks, and dumpster legs concentrate weight onto a very small area and can crack natural stone or concrete pavers alike. Always use a load-spreading plate or plywood under point loads.

Climate and drainage. In freeze-thaw climates, proper base depth and drainage are essential to prevent frost heave. Installation requirements vary significantly by geography.

Edge restraints are required. Without proper edge restraints, pavers will shift under vehicle weight over time, even with a perfect base.

Because each project is different, please work with a licensed and insured installer familiar with natural stone to determine the appropriate base and installation method for your specific driveway, vehicle use, and climate.

Mud-Set Installation:

1. Excavate the area and compact the soil.
2. Add a crushed limestone base (3″–4″ is typically sufficient for residential use).
3. Pour a 4″ concrete slab.
4. Apply a flexible mortar and lay the Travertine Pavers, starting from the edge of the driveway and working inward.

Sand-set Installation:

1. 1. Excavate the area and compact the soil.
   2. Add a crushed limestone base (4″–5″ is typically sufficient for residential use). Crushed limestone creates a solid base that keeps the travertine in place over time without shifting and allows for proper drainage.
   3. Lay a 1″–2″ layer of concrete sand on top of the crushed limestone base.
   4. Install the driveway edge using a concrete slab curb, nailed-down plastic, or metal edging to hold the pavers in place during installation.
   5. Lay the pavers as snug as possible for maximum support.
   6. Fill the joints with polymeric sand.

Recommended: Ardex X 5 Flexible Tile & Stone Mortar, Polymeric Sand

Note: The installation steps above are general guidelines only. Actual base depths, materials, and methods will vary based on your soil conditions, climate, vehicle use, and local building codes. Your licensed installer is the only party who can determine the correct installation approach for your specific project.