How Much Does Travertine Tile Flooring Installation Cost?

Average Cost to Install Travertine Floor Tile

Travertine Floor Tile Prices

The cost for basic commercial grade travertine floor tile is $2 to $4 per square foot, though most homeowners choose a higher quality standard travertine tile in the range of $5 to $15 per square foot. The highest-quality premium travertine tile tends to range from $20 to $30 per square foot.

Travertine tile can range in size from 1-by-1-inch mosaic tile to large 36-by-36-inch slabs. However, travertine mosaic tile is typically used as an accent in larger renovations and can cost anywhere between $4 and $30 per square foot.

Travertine Flooring Installation Cost

Installation labor for travertine floor tile can cost anywhere from $3 to $17 per square foot.

Keep in mind that your tile installer may charge a minimum installation fee for small projects. For example, if you’re only installing tile in a small bathroom, you may end up paying more per square foot than you would if you were laying tile throughout your home. Clarify these potential charges when gathering quotes from different tile installers near you.

Travertine Flooring Cost by Type

Travertine tile is available in three grades, each with different levels of variation in thickness and coloration.

Commercial Travertine

Commercial-grade travertine tile, also called third grade, costs $2 to $4 per square foot. While the cost to build a floor is relatively low, so are the quality standards. Some tiles may have uneven cuts with a non–uniform thickness and imperfections, such as small unfilled holes or cracked edges. You may see significant color variations within the tile, including gray or black markings.

Standard Travertine

Standard travertine tile, also called second grade, costs $5 to $15 per square foot. These tiles’ cuts are more precise than basic commercial travertine, with smooth, beveled edges and a uniform thickness throughout. They’re chosen for their consistent color and are generally free from discoloration, though you may see some striations or swirls.

Premium Travertine

Premium travertine tile, sometimes called first grade, costs $20 to $25 per square foot. Like standard travertine, these tiles come perfectly cut with smooth, beveled edges and a uniform thickness throughout. They’re free from discoloration and any holes found during production.

Travertine Flooring Installation Cost by Square Foot

The total cost to install basic commercial grade travertine tile, including both materials and installation labor, is $6 to $13 per square foot. Your total cost to install higher quality standard travertine will be between $8 and $32 per square foot.

Cost to Install Travertine Floor Tiles Yourself

DIY travertine flooring installation, while challenging, can be a way for you to save money on your project. You’ll save anywhere from $3 to $17 per square foot on the cost of installation labor.

In addition to the cost of the tile, you’ll pay an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot for the cost of grout and thinset mortar. You’ll also need to rent or purchase specific tools for your project, such as a wet saw.

Travertine tile may stain if not protected with sealant, which can cost $100 to $200 per gallon or $30 to $60 per quart. You’ll need at least one coat of sealant before grouting your floors and at least one more after installation. The amount of sealant you’ll need depends on the size of your installation, but expect to pay $40 to $300 total to seal your tile floor fully.

DIY vs. Hire a Tile Flooring Pro

Whether doing it yourself or hiring a pro, natural stone tile flooring installation of any kind is a complex process. While you’ll save money by doing it as a DIY project, consider whether you have the time and the skills needed to handle any problems that may arise. There are certain advantages to hiring a professional tile installer to handle your travertine flooring project:

• Your pro should handle every step of the process, including disposal of old flooring, subfloor preparation and special cuts around corners or cabinetry.

• Professional installers come equipped with all the tools needed for the job and the experience necessary to use them and handle unexpected problems as they arise.

• You’ll save time on a project that tends to take multiple days, even for a professional.

• Properly installed travertine tile will add to your floors’ durability and your home’s market value.

If you choose to hire a pro, you can still save by doing some of the work in advance. For example, you may save on labor if you’re able to tear up your old flooring on your own. Be sure to get estimates from multiple local flooring installers so you can compare contracts and ask questions.

FAQs

What’s the difference between travertine and porcelain tile?

Travertine is made of natural limestone, while porcelain is a form of ceramic or baked clay. Travertine is porous and less durable than porcelain, which is extremely hard and resistant to scratching and water. Natural stones like travertine are also more expensive than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tile installation typically costs between $4 and $20 per square foot.

How do you maintain travertine tile?

Because a porous natural stone comprises travertine, you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Use warm water, gentle cleaners and a soft microfiber rag or mop to wipe the surface. You can then dry your floors with another clean rag or mop. You should mop weekly and wipe up spills as soon as possible.

What causes cracks in travertine tile?

Travertine tiles are very durable when sealed and won’t crack easily when properly maintained. If you see hairline cracks in your travertine, they may actually be from cracks in the concrete slab below or voids in the subfloor.

“The cracks in tile resulting from cracks or voids in the concrete subfloor can be avoided by applying an elastic fracture-guard coating atop of the slab before tile install,” says Ezra Laniado, Expert Review Board member and owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc. “Not only will this coating protect against cracks but it will also lock away moisture creeping up from the concrete slab which would disturb the tile's adhesion to the floor.”

Contact a tile flooring professional to assess the damage and help you determine the best way to repair your floor.