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Posted by Edward Hennessey on June 10, 2008, 1:36 am
Keith Boeheim wrote:
> We have a window seat in the living room that is made out of 3/4"
> plywood and 2x4 framing 16" OC and is painted. We are interested in
> laying 18x18 in travertine tiles but I have a few questions.
> 1. Since this is a low impact area mostly used for plants can I use
> mastic or do I have to use thinset.
> 2. If I have to go with thinset can I rough up the painted surface or
> do I need to put down a backerboard? If so I was going to use 1/4"
> Hardiboard because there will be almost no weight on the tiles.
> 3. We will be edging the front with 2"x12" travertine moulding. Can I
> use mastic and hold in place with painter's tape until set?
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice
>
> kb
KB:
You have good advice on the underlayment and setting. But I'll raise a
question
based on your usage. You do know that travertine is precipitated calcium
carbonate,
meaning it is pretty soft as far as scratching goes. As well , it is often
porous and quite
reactive to acids or sullying from the fertilizer or soil components that
may overflow
from potted plants or the wrong kind of drinks. If those cautions don't
dissuade you
on travertine, get a variety at the upper end of its Moh's hardness (4) and
do think about
periodically sealing it depending on the exposure.
If the hardness and sealing questions throw your supplier, you might want
to find
one they don't.
Regards,
Edward Hennessey
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