Unfilled Travertine question........

[GazLC81]

I have been to do and estimate for a full bathroom and they want the unfilled travertine on the walls.

All fair enough BUT....... around the shower and bath they want it filling with grout as you do but everywhere else they just want grout in lines around tiles and the tiles themselves left unfilled.

Any suggestions? Not heard this one before.....

Gaz

 

[DHTiling]

It would look crap as far as i,m concerned...only reason i can think of is they must think they will be able keep it clean easier in the shower if you fill the calcareous bits as well...but each to there own i suppose...........dave..

 

[GazLC81]

I agree dave, wouldn't look right but how do I go about doing it? Masking off would take me AGES! is there a method to this?

Also the wall tiles are 300x600 so I assume I will need single part flexi? Am I right?

 

[DHTiling]

Yes use spf adhesive gaz...to stop filling the parts that you don't want to , then mask off is the only thing to do..but once grouted recommend they fill the other bits too..they will be able to compare the two sides and see if its what they want........dave..

 

[GazLC81]

As ever Dave you have my thanks!!

Gaz

 

[Matty A]

I have a similar question my customer wants a shower enclosure tiling but doesnt want the holes filling with grout i have tried to talk them into grouting them in but not listening what can i do as some of the holes go right through im gonna use ones with the least holes in first but there isnt many.
Any suggestions

 

[DHTiling]

hi matty mate....use a grout bag to fill the joints... leave it set up then wash off...tell the customer to get extra tiles so you can put ones with no through holes in or water will get into substrate..i don't like to leave them unfilled but as long as customer is aware of the probs then its down to them..............dave..

 

[Matty A]

unfortunatley they they got them off ebay so not sure they can get any more we will see?

Cheers
Matty

 

[grimster]

Travertine with holes

A quick query from a tiling newbie... I've tiled a wall with some un-honed travertine and am just about to grout. I've read all the posts about pre-sealing and I will definitely give it a couple of coats. My query is this.... Should I grout all over the tiles so that it goes into the holes or should I try and keep the grout just to the joints..maybe using a gun? I'm a bit worried to just flood it in grout and ruin my expensive travertine. Do we think it'll look crap with grout in the holes?

 

[GazLC81]

Just wanting to confirm.... i am using SPF but I don't use rapid set do I? Just wanted to check.

How long does SPF stay 'useable' once mixed? Rapid set is no use after 15 minutes or so.

I haven't use none rapid set on walls before. The tiles are very big 600x300 travertine, will the SPF hold them on the wall fine while setting? I know I am probably worrying too much but want to know all I can.

Gaz
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Also what would you do in terms of sealing? Seal before fixing (front and back of tile?) then seal again before grouting?