We were ready to purchase Travertine tiles for around a pool, but we are concerned that if applied on a concrete surface they might crack due to freezing and thawing. We live in Virginia. Thanks for your advice!
ANSWER
Hi Sherri, If I may ask, why do you have or why are you considering a concrete base? You are much better off using travertine pavers rather than travertine tile and dry laying them.
The best thing to do with travertine pavers is to dry lay them. The base is actually your soil, then there is a layer of stone, and then the travertine pavers. This is specifically for travertine pavers, not travertine tile.
I have done projects in Virginia, but we used the pavers. I am not sure about using the tile on concrete. I did have a client once that used it for their porch, but that had a roof and was somewhat protected.
My suggestion would be to use the pavers instead of the tile and dry lay the application. If the concrete is already laid, then you might consider bluestone, although that can be hot on the feet. You can also use brick or concrete pavers.
As far as using travertine pavers on concrete, it can probably be done. It is just an added cost though due to the application. Another less know stone is Idaho Quartz, which is beautiful, although it does have a slight "glitz" to it. This is another natural stone and is absolutely safe set in concrete.
