Natural Stone tiling information

[lindarogers]

Hi, we are tiling a new bathroom, we are experienced with standard ceramic tiles but would like to use travertine. We have read about prep and sealing etc but we are not able to find good info on managing edges eg round windows, external wall corners - the tile thickness is obviously much greater and normal edging would spoil the stone look. We would buy honed and filled tiles but the sides are obviously not finished as the tops are. We want to keep it simple rather than have lots of fancy stone architrave.

1. Can anybody recommend any good guides - print, online, dvd we could get that cover this particular area of concern?

2. Any insights from professional stone tilers very welcome. And pic's showing how edges have been done.

3. If we want to hone and fill edges that willl show how do we do this?

4. Do people smooth the leading edges? If so how.

Thanks, please don't reply just to say get a professional, we don't have the money. We know and appreciate it's a skill, my husband is very talented, he just hasn't done this before, with the right guidance he will be able to do a great job.

 

[DHTiling]

Hello linda and welcome.....hopefully we will get loads of info for you.....be patient while it comes in..

 

[brian c]

you can buy silver square edge trim and you cn use it for windows or use a coloured trim to suit....you could mitre the joints also.

 

[DHTiling]

Some fixers just square edge finish...it looks ok if the tile aris is smoothed...

or you can buy finishing pads for grinders to bull nose the tiles etc...

we will add to this as we go along...


here is a video for hubbs to watch for now..


[yt]qhBCM1Z8mmA[/yt]

 

[Leatherface]

Hi,
when tiling window reveals, edges etc with travertine I always polish them. i use a variable speed angle grinder slowed down to around 1500 rpm. Go through polishing pads. 60, 80, 120, 300, 500, 600 grit to acheive finish. then fix ( butt joint ). Give final polish once set,
will try and dig out photos.

 

[DHTiling]

C,mon members get them pics on show....

 

[Leatherface]

See my post " curved wet room and bathroom" one photo of polished edges there, will try and post a few more examples

 

[LM Ceramics]

Hi,
when tiling window reveals, edges etc with travertine I always polish them. i use a variable speed angle grinder slowed down to around 1500 rpm. Go through polishing pads. 60, 80, 120, 300, 500, 600 grit to acheive finish. then fix ( butt joint ). Give final polish once set,
will try and dig out photos.

exactly what i do it gives a really nice finish

 

[beanz]

Hi,
when tiling window reveals, edges etc with travertine I always polish them. i use a variable speed angle grinder slowed down to around 1500 rpm. Go through polishing pads. 60, 80, 120, 300, 500, 600 grit to acheive finish. then fix ( butt joint ). Give final polish once set,
will try and dig out photos.

Just curious, but can you do this once the tiles are in place, or is that too much aggro?

 

[Leatherface]

Just curious, but can you do this once the tiles are in place, or is that too much aggro?

Better to do majority of polishing prior to fixing, otherwise chance of burning or polishing the face of the adjoining tiles, usually do final polish of edges once fixed and set : Especially good to do if you have a long run of tiles with polished edges, smooth out any uneven edges and joins between the tiles.

 

[Gracer]

I just butt joint them & give them a polish once on the wall. As previous posters have said polish using a polishing pad on the angle grinder.Practice with an offcut first to see what grit pad will give you the same finish as the face of the tile.
Mitres are not much chop with travertine....it's way too soft & will chip easily, esp. while your cutting the mitre.Though if your using unfilled travertine the grout can take this up. I had a client who insisted on this once & while the finish looked good it was a pain in the backside to do.
An example of butt finished is in the attached photo....on bath & window sills.

 

[brian c]

looks good gracer...just a pity about the towels ...dont blend with toilet...lmao

 

[Leatherface]

Nice job Gracer :yes:

 

[BDS]

anyone used the fein stone polishing kit??? and if so are they any good?

 

[Colour Republic]

looks good gracer...just a pity about the towels ...dont blend with toilet...lmao

That was my first thought!!!!