Installing Travertine Pavers

DIY Installation

It is possible to self-install Travertine Pavers, however, it is highly recommended that you consult a professional for some advice. If you want the best result possible, the more knowledge you have the better your installation will be.

This means that you will need to know all the right questions to ask to ensure that you get the best end result possible. We can help you by providing you with a list of professional contractors who will be more than happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Basic Steps for Installing Travertine Pavers

Excavate

Mark out the area in which you want to lay your Travertine Pavers by driving wooden stakes into the ground. Then remove enough turf and dirt from the site, to a depth suitable for the pavers and the base materials.

Laying Base Material

Once you have removed your turf and dirt to the correct depth and ensured that your site is level, you can now lay your base material. This can consist of a layer of gravel and crushed stone, generally about 4 inches deep. You may also want to use a layer of filter fabric, or geotextile, if your soil does not drain well. Compact this layer of material, using a plate compactor, for best results.

Sand Bedding

You can now add your layer of sand, which will provide the bedding for your pavers to set into. This layer is normally about 2 inches deep if your pavers are generally the same thickness. If they are varied in thickness, then this layer should be a little deeper. This layer should also be compacted firmly with the use of the plate compactor.

Laying the Pavers Start in a corner and set the first few pavers in. Lay them quite close together, and use a rubber mallet to set them into the sand bedding.

Cutting Stones

To cut some pavers to fit into spaces, first mark the line on the travertine paver. Then, using a cold chisel and hammer, score the line into the paver. Then break the stone along the line. Be sure to use a board under the paver for leverage.

Leveling

After every row of pavers is laid and checked to see if the level is consistent; with the use of a spirit level. If there are any high sections remove the relevant pavers and take away some of the sand, and then relay and set the pavers again, until the surface is level.

Fill the Joints

Once all the pavers are laid, fill in the joints. Simply sweep sand across the paved surface and the joints are automatically filled with the sand.

Hose the Surface

With the use of a garden hose, water down the surface. This will compact the sand into the joints. Repeat the process, sweeping and watering, until the joints are filled and firm.