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Discussion Forum

How would you grout this tile?

webby | Posted in General Discussion on September 14, 2009 05:26am

I have seen this at Lowes, and now on amazon. How would you grout it, or do you?The tile at lowes is on backing sheet, and is fit very tight together. Is it meant to be grouted?

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Split-Face-Travertine-Mosaic/dp/B001HTLSF4/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1252894997&sr=1-23

Webby 

 

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Replies

  1. User avater
    Mongo | Sep 14, 2009 05:46am | #1

    No grout. Just set and forget.

    1. apiersma | Sep 14, 2009 06:22am | #2

      If Mongo is right, I'm guessing it would be a poor choice for a shower?

      1. User avater
        Mongo | Sep 14, 2009 06:29am | #3

        Well, travertine is not a very strong stone to begin with, and it's very porous. Even sealed, these would be a pain due to soap scum/shampoo residue accumulation, etc, in a shower. They'd catch and hold everything. Even if they were sealed.You could use them, but it might be a maintenance nightmare.Or use them high on the walls and/or on the shower ceiling, away from water spray.

      2. JerraldHayes | Sep 14, 2009 06:31am | #4

        Ignoring the fact that you woudn't grout a sheet like that Travertine itself (extremely porous and full of nooks and crannies) would be a horrible choice for a shower unless of course you have the money to pay for a cleaning staff to keep it clean.

        View Image

        The Woodshed Tavern Backroom

        The Topics Too Hot For Taunton's Breaktime Forum Tavern

        1. webby | Sep 14, 2009 03:18pm | #5

          Thanks all. I should have been more clear I would only use a tile like that for say a backsplash. Not in a shower or bath.Webby 

           

          1. YesMaam27577 | Sep 14, 2009 03:41pm | #7

            I'm not sure that I would use this as a backsplash in a kitchen either.Unless it's one of those kitchens that is meant for designers, and not for cooks. The grease that collects on kitchen surfaces is difficult enough to clean up. Collect it on that surface, and you'll be wanting to bring the pressure washer inside.

            I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
            And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
            I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
            So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

          2. brucet9 | Sep 15, 2009 06:40am | #15

            Ask any woman whether she would like such a tile on a backsplash. It's going to be a terrible dirt and dust catcher.BruceT

  2. FastEddie | Sep 14, 2009 03:27pm | #6

    I did a kitchen backsplash with a similar tile, but it was 2x4 I think.  Sealed it well, 3 coats I think, then used unsanded grout.  it was still a difficult job.  I brushed the tiles with a nylon brush when the grout was almost set.  The HO was thrilled, I thought it looked crappy.

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

    1. pixburd | Sep 14, 2009 03:42pm | #8

      That tile looks beautiful. I like the idea of no grout.Since the tile is so porous, how would it work as a backsplash behind the sink and the cooktop?

    2. FastEddie | Sep 15, 2009 02:53am | #14

      Two pictures of the kitchen in question.  Most of the backsplash is rectangular split face tiles, the area behind the cooktop is 4x4 tiles.  Looks better in person, but I guess it's an acquired taste.  HO was thrilled.  She selected all the materials, I think she picked from whatever decorator magazine she happened to pickup without regard for practicality.

      I tried to zoom in, guess the resolutoin wasn't too good.

       "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

      "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  3. PedroTheMule | Sep 14, 2009 06:07pm | #9

    Hi webby,

    How would you grout it, or do you?

    I see you're getting creative again.......go dooode.....

    That stuff is beautiful but I wouldn't put it anywhere that might require the least bit of maintenance.....maybe a game room or opening into a great room.....definitely not in a bath or kitchen or wood burning fireplace.

    If doing this for a client, I'd buy a few sheets and make various samples of "no grout", "sanded and unsanded grout", matched color grout, contrasting etc....have a little fun and let the client choose their tastes.

    I wouldn't put it at a level that toddlers or teenagers falling into it could get injured.

    In a kitchen I always think of my dear MIL, she washes down every surface after every meal....she'd probably shoot you if you put that in her kitchen <grin>.

    The only bath situation I can think of for that would be in an outdoor shower area where you could periodically hit it with a pressure washer and bleach but you'd have to be careful not to blast it off/apart.

    It almost sounds like I don't like the stuff, but again.....I think it's beautiful but has extremely limited applications.

     

     

    View Image  

    1. webby | Sep 15, 2009 12:59am | #11

      Yeah, thanks.

      I really had no plans to use it but saw it and of course saw the grout issue, and wondered what you do with the stuff?

       Webby 

       

      1. User avater
        Dinosaur | Sep 15, 2009 01:50am | #12

        Chimney for a very large dollhouse.

        Dinosaur

        How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....

        1. webby | Sep 15, 2009 02:23am | #13

          Yeah good idea!

           Webby 

           

  4. JasonQ | Sep 15, 2009 12:47am | #10

    Hm.  Looks like something you'd use to build a miniature castle diorama with.  Or a very small retaining wall.

     

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