Is it really unwise to use travertine tiles in the bathroom?

Hi Jill, Travertine is perfectly fine for use in bathrooms if done properly. Sealing the tiles with lithofin stain stop (recommended) gives you a water repellent surface & is effective for several years although i would recommend re-sealing every couple of years. I would strongly advise not to tile over these old tiles though as the liklelyhood is that they couldn't withstand the added weight of these big heavy stone tiles, rip them out & start with a blank canvas. I would also advise not to attempt this yourself or accept from a d.i.y guy to get it on the cheap, get in a specialist & expect to pay around £35 per m2 for travertine tiling, travertine is a stunning finish when done properly. Good luck & hope this helps Michael

Hello I agree with A.G & C.T Your choice of the tumbled travertine is way to soft to have in a shower area. If you want to go for travertine go for honed and filled and get the best grade you can afford combined with a good quality sealer you won't go far wrong. As for drying the walls down after showering this is always a good idea no matter what type of tiles you have on the walls. Get one of those shower blades to wipe the surface water from the tiles it prevents mould growth on the grout,silicone and tiles. Hope this helps Chris

Hi Jill,in my opion ithink it is unwise to put travertine in a shower even if you seal them in time this will wear off due to the fact that travertine marble is not watertight and will slowly disolve,not only that being tumble it will not be long before they become dirty as they will hold the dirt,try and find a good ceramic tile.

Hi Jill, I totally agree with Michael Lamb. Tumbled or honed and filled travertine once fixed, grouted and sealed with the right products and the right tradesman will last perfectly well. Resealing every !8 months will more than cover yourself against water and general dirt staining. And also the old wall tiles must be removed

Travertine is very soft and very porous, you will have nothing but trouble with this product, If hair colour or even some cleaning products were absorbed into this stone it would be permanently stained.