How Do You Grout Tumbled Travertine Tile?
Tumbled travertine is a unique-looking form of tile made from mineral-rich rocks, with a lot of a natural craters and holes in the surface. These holes are part of the travertine look—but they complicate the process of grouting. There are two grouting methods to choose from. For the “closed-hole” method, fill the holes with grout of a different shade than the tile, so the shapes of the holes are displayed but the tile surface is smooth (and easier to keep clean). “Open-hole” grouting leaves the holes unfilled, and looks more natural. Apply your sealant to the travertine tile using your paintbrush. Take care to seal only the flat top surface of the tiles, not the spaces in between and not the holes in the surface. Let the sealant dry for several hours. Mix your unsanded grout in a bucket with water, stirring it with your putty knife to the consistency of thick mud. Let it sit in the bucket for 10 minutes. Re-stir the grout, scoop it up with your grout float and apply it over the tile.
