Joe S wrote:
G Henslee wrote:

G Henslee wrote:

Joe S wrote:

Travertine on the vertical surfaces, slate on the floor.

Should I set the walls first and then fit the floor? Or vice versa?

What is the preferred method, and why?




Joe S,

Walls first, then floors.



Oh you asked why it's preferred. It's just simpler. The main reason
is you don't have to protect the finished floors from damage or mess
while tiling the walls. Most folks wait until all other work is done
prior to installing finished floors.



Thanks. Protecting the slate by not laying it is alot easier.

I was most concerned about whether the grout joint is preferred to be
horizontal or vertical. Or should I really use a sanded caulk for this
joint to eliminate cracking from movement? I don't mind patching grout
if it *might* happen, but I don't want to be assured of having to patch
it because it *will* break.


No problem.

Finish the walls first, leaving the travertine off of the floor about an
1/8" or so on the first row. You can lay tile spacers flat and set your
first row on top of that. It's important to adjust and ensure the first
row of wall tile is level. You can use shims, other spacers, or what
works well are cheap tile wedges which are available at tile stores.
They come in handy as you go up the wall for minor adjustments as well.

When you install the floor slate leave a grout joint between the slate
and the wall tile keeping the size uniform woth the other floor joints.
Sanded caulk is really not necessary unless you expect movement of
some kind at that point, so I would just use the sanded grout. YMMV

One other thing, there are thinset products on the market that are made
for heavier tile. keep that in mind and also there are special grouts
made for wider than average joints too.

Sounds like a great choice of materials you've picked for your job.
Good luck Joe!