Travertine: Pro or DIY?

There are many challenges that wait for you in case you want to install the flooring on your own. Before deciding whether you will do it yourself or hire someone for the project, there are certain aspects you will have to think about such as time, cost and prep work needed.

Costing Out a Travertine Tile Installation

First you need to know that travertine stone is one of the most expensive tiles on the market because of it’s uniqueness and durability. You should take into consideration the cost of materials, labor and disposal of old tile or flooring as part of the cost of professional installation. All of these costs should be indexed in any contractor’s estimate.
Also take into consideration the factors and expenses for a do-it-yourself project: tools needed, subfloor problems, special cuts for corners or cabinets.

Travertine Installation by a Professional Tile Contractor

If you are not handy with tools or never experienced before this whole process, you may want to consider to hire a professional, equipped and experienced, in order to do the job. As in any other project, you may encounter problems and unexpected difficulty and you wouldn’t want to risk damaging anything (scratching, breaking, no proper cuts and placement and so on).

Choosing the Right Contractor for the Job

In case you decided to hire a professional, make sure that the contractor who is going to do the job has insurance and is bonded. Whoever you decide to hire, spend some time checking their credentials. Usually asking for referrals from friends or relatives may be the best solution for both parties. If you do not have whom to ask for referrals, ask the contractor himself for referrals or at least for pictures of the past completed works. Check the market and get estimates from various professionals. If you don’t understand something in the estimate or if it doesn’t appeal to you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make a list after looking over the proposed project to make sure you got everything right and there are no hidden or additional costs you didn’t observe.

Considerations for Do-It Yourself Travertine Installation

There is a possibility for you to install the flooring yourself but before deciding that, you should take into consideration the problems that may appear. Make a list with the costs of renting or buying the tools you need. Also you should think about the fact that in a do-it-yourself travertine installation a considerable amount of time is spent (depending on the size of the area you’re tiling). It may seem quick and easy but it can become difficult at any point.
As long as you think you are available in doing this kind of work but be careful with the large tiles as they are quite pretentious to work with, especially if you are not a professional. If you want to avoid any additional costs, when choosing to do-it-yourself, gather as much information as you can about the tile that you are installing. For example, a gloss finish travertine tile may be more difficult for a DIY project as the surface needs to be flawlessly level.

At the end you should choose which option suits you and your budget best. If you choose travertine tile and invest this kind of money in your flooring, be sure to be careful in whether you choose a professional or you want to do it on your own. Remember: proper installment adds longevity to your flooring.