Marble / travertine.

[tonym]

I am looking for marble tiles for both wall and floor for a bathroom. I have 2 issues do far to sort out. One is the varying description of marble tiles. I have seen some travertine tiles advertised as 'Travertine stone marble tiles' and also 'travertine Marfil marble tiles'. I am aware that travertine is different from marble but wondered why do they call them 'travertine marble tiles. This question is really out of curiosity and clarification of descriptions.
So Ia am looking at 30 x 45cm 12mm Marble tiles. The builder has used 12mm thick waterproof plywood (his descrption) screwed to timber stud walls. I am assuming it is 18mm thick. Would this backing be suitable for the weight of this tile. I think it is the BAL natural rapid set flexible adhesive with the Fila polished travertine and marble protector.

 

[DHTiling]

Hello Tony...


Sorry to say this but Ply will not support those tiles....

Oh!! and ply isn't waterproof..

 

[tonym]

Hi Dave.
If the ply was removed would 12mm Hardie Backer be sufficient for the marble tiles?

 

[DHTiling]

It would yes!! or fix 6mm hardi to the face of the ply..

 

[tonym]

Thanks.

 

[doug boardley]

marfil (genuine) is from a certain quarry in Spain, I believe the quarry is almost mined out now, so I guess that "marfil" has now become a generic name for something that looks similar.

 

[diamondtiling]

Marfil is a colour, Ivory.

 

[Rich]

Travertine and Marble are technically different but can be treated the same. I think the problem is that a lot of retailers name stone so that people buy it depending on what is in fashion. I would try not to get to hooked up on what it is called and pick a tile that you like, the important thing is to get a decent tiler to install the stone.

 

[GrimSmith]

The Travertine Marble posts interested me, I am a general builder and have done a lot of ceramic tiling over the years. I have also worked in Saudi overseeing jobs including marble floors. Recently, I've been installing a new bathroom at home and we chose Travertine mosaics for around the bath. They look great, but this is the first time I have tackled marble mosaics hands on.

So after fixing, sealing, grouting I am still going over them for the umpteenth time with scotch pads, residue remover and a sponge forever finding bits of grout bloom!

Anyone done this a few times and knows of a more efficient method of cleaning the mosaics off? Or am I sentenced to six months abrasive labour?

Ideas please.

 

[diamondtiling]

What sealers are you using on the marble? I have never had a problem with marble.