Travertine Paving | How To Install

by Simon
(Wokingham England)

stone patio set in concrete - from Timesaver Standards

What would be your suggested way of laying Travertine 25mm paving my client has bought?

We are putting down a 100mm scaslping base, but I have been told that you cannot lay this on a sharp sand and cement base. It has been suggested that we screed the area first, then when it has cured to lay the 25mm travertine with an external adhesive and then grout as normal afterwards. The area is around a swimming pool. What would you suggest?
Regards Simon

ANSWER

Hi Simon,
1mm = .039 inches

Just so we have that straight for the following answer!

I am not sure how you are installing the travertine and am not familiar with a"scaslping base".

However the correct way of laying most stones for paving is the following:
1. Start with virgin soil. If the soil has been disturbed, tamp in 12" lifts to compact.
2. Use a layer of compacted aggregate, 6" deep.
3. Lay a concrete slab, 4" to 6" deep.
4. Next lay a mortar setting bed, 1" to 2" deep.
5. Lay the stone as the top layer with mortar in the joints.

Travertine can be set very close, so the joints can be quite narrow.

Above is a construction drawing image to show you visually the materials and layering sequence.

Comments for Travertine Paving | How To Install

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Oct 26, 2015

travertine pavers on concrete problem
by: Craig

we are in Florida and the travertine pavers 5/4 thickness whew laid in sunny pool area and shaded lanai on 1 inch approximate depth of sand below that is 4 inches of concrete.
Traversing the patio area is a French drain. The pavers are not premium grade but commercial or mid-range . Polymer sand was applied to the joints but is incomplete. Install date was March 2015.
Since the install the pavers in the shade of the house roof about 1/3 have leeched rust. The rusty color is inconsistent with the pool area pavers not in the shade but exposed to the sun. We have been told the install was incorrect or the pavers are poor quality. The stone supplier said the stones should have been mud set on the concrete which will avoid the build up of moisture. Others have said the stones should be sealed on all 6 sides to inhibit water penetration and the joints should be grouted and stones set in mud cement. I would prefer to keep the stones unattached for future repair.

I am trying to determine the cause of the rusting emission. My thought is the humidity and rare hose washing of the lanai or shaded area causes the 1 inch sand bed to Become damp and it takes an excessive amount of time for the sand to dry which permits the water moisture to chemically leech the rust deposits from the stone to the surface. When I apply water via power sprayer or apply water & blech solution the rusty surface cleans up for a few days but the red rusty color returns.

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