Travertine marble floors convey a sense of importance and permanence. They are highly suitable for high-traffic areas of the home, such as hallways, as well as kitchens and bathrooms, where humidity levels are high.
The effect of a travertine marble floor can be both modern and classic, elegant or rustic.
Natural stone requires a perfectly dry, uniform, and stable base. Any warping or flexing in the subfloor can lead to breakage.
Travertine marble can be installed in two ways: on a sand and cement bed, or with adhesive.
Sand and cement beds are only suitable for concrete or mortar floors. Generally, the bed is laid thicker than necessary to allow the tiles to compact it and prevent the formation of air bubbles, which can cause subsequent breakage. However, most travertine tiles are currently installed with a special adhesive, either on a thin layer (for leveled floors) or on a thicker layer to compensate for surface irregularities.
It is essential to incorporate joints that absorb potential expansion movements due to heat, humidity changes, or ground shifts. Smooth and regular tiles can be installed with a joint of 2mm to 3mm. Rustic stone requires wider joints, up to 1cm thick. The grout should match the color and tone of the stone.
In areas where travertine or any other natural stone can be used for flooring, stairs made of the same material provide a sense of visual continuity.