Can Travertine Be Installed in a Shower?

Drawbacks

• The main drawback to travertine is its porosity, meaning the porous, non-impervious nature of the stone. Travertine is so porous that it works like a sponge, sucking up any moisture it comes into contact with in a wet area. Different shower tile selections such as granite and porcelain are much more impervious to moisture and moisture-related issues such as mildew, staining and general wear and tear than travertine. The extremely soft body of the stone also makes it prone to chipping and lime spots -- soft mineral areas -- often appear, requiring filling and repair. Simply put, travertine requires more maintenance than other material choices.

Variety

• The word travertine usually refers to beige-tone-bodied natural stone but the variety of travertine extends far beyond just lighter colored pieces. For example, stone suppliers sell "tumbled" travertine -- simply called tumbled stone -- that has been turned over repeatedly in a machine giving it cushioned edges and a softer overall texture. Additionally, travertine ranges from extremely fossilferous varieties -- showcasing fossils, quartz crystals and veining -- to denser, diversely colored travertines such as gold travertine, which literally has a heavy gold-orange tint, and brown, so-called "noche" travertine. The bottom line is that there are many options to choose from when it comes to travertine shower choices.

Proper Installation

• Expert tile setters installing travertine in a shower know that the shower installation surface, called a substrate in the trade, must be impervious to moisture, sound and stable. They employ one of two substrate techniques. The first is the "floating" process wherein walls are covered with a moisture barrier such as construction paper or plastic sheeting, lathed and floated with mortar. The second option, which is recommended for do-it-yourselfers, is a cement board substrate. First, a moisture barrier of construction paper or plastic covers the walls, followed by 1/2-inch-thick cement board that the travertine is installed on. Remember that the substrate must be moisture-resistant and that it is the most important step in a DIY travertine tile shower.

Maintenance

• Because of its porosity, sealing travertine is paramount. Experts also recommend regular, periodic sealing to lock out potential stains and hard water deposits. Travertine is very delicate; use only a tile-specific cleaner or pH-neutral soap to clean the natural stone. Also, after each use, use a squeegee to disallow water from standing on the stone.