Travertine Tile or Pavers Over Concrete

by Mike

Last year a vendor put down a thin layer of concrete and etched lines to look like big stones. A complete disaster as efflorescense caused grayish areas throughout. Could not get rid of it.

We would like to put travertine over this and bull nosing around the pool. We have four small dogs and they pee on the patio (we try to keep them off). We must take this into consideration when putting down the travertine. By rough estimate it's 500 sf. What would you recommend we use and why and ballpark cost so I have something to hang my hat on. Appreciate your efforts and thanks so much in advance. Mike


ANSWER

Hi Mike,
A few things....
First of all, I don't know what the dogs' urine will do to any paving material. (I have a dog too.) Gravel would work, but I am sure you don't want that. So you'll have to either take your chances, get more info on that, or try to keep the dogs off of it.

That being said, the next thing I am wondering about is your grades and heights. If you add travertine onto existing concrete, it will raise the grade. I don't know your situation, but this is something to think
about. You have to take that into consideration.You always have the option of removing the concrete.

Moving along, the concrete has to be in excellent condition for you to lay the travertine (or anything else for that matter) on top of it. If it's in good condition, meaning no settling, cracks, etc. you

can do it. You can actually dry lay it if you like. The bullnose cannot be dry laid and must be mortared in place. By the way, are you talking about travertine tile or travertine pavers? If it is tile, I am not sure
about the dry lay method, as I am only familiar with laying travertine tiles in concrete. I am not saying it cannot be done, I just don't know.

If you want my recommendation, I would go with the travertine pavers. If the grades work, I would dry lay it over the concrete (assuming the concrete is OK).

If you want to use travertine tiles, I would lay them in concrete, either on your existing concrete (if it's stable) or starting from scratch.

Either way, travertine is one of my favorite materials. I love the fact that it is natural stone. The patterns can be beautiful, particularly if you get quality travertine.

I am not sure about the cost of the tile. 500 sf of quality travertine pavers should run you about $20,000, installed + the cost of the bullnose which can run into quite a bit. I am sure you can get it for less, but the pavers I am referring to have very few holes in them and are great quality.

If you need any recommendations as to where to get them, whether it be travertine tiles or travertine pavers, let me know.

Hope I've answered your questions.

Susan