Travertine Paving | How To Install

by Simon
(Wokingham England)

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.