We are buying a house that already has ceramic tile floors (18 x 18 tiles) We would like to lay travertine instead. MY question is, Will the floor already have cement board underneath the existing ceramic tile since it was done professionally 10 years ago? Also the house is 2100 sq ft roughly, how much should just the tile and supplies cost? We already have a tile guy n mind but will buy all the supplies ourselves. Lastly, pros and cons of travertine?
nobody can venture a guess as to what the tile is set on even if there is cement board, depending on the type and how well the tile was installed there is no guarantee that it will still be reusable as an underlayment after the existing tiles are removed is it a slab home, meaning concrete floors under there or is it a wood frame house? travertine will cost about 5 dollars a square foot and up depending on size and grade just for the stone setting stone takes longer than ceramic tile and there for it costs more to install it will need to be sealed before and after grouting and occasionally for the rest of its life, higher traffic areas more often
One poster is right you can t really be able to tell just by looking. If there is forced air heat, lift a register and look whats between the tile and subfloor. Over the years I have seen it all .. There are so many ways to install tile , some proper and some not.. I ve seen many types and thicknesses of plywood., cement board(s) properly and improperly used and even many good installers will do a mud job. A proper mud job is the absolute best way to do tile.. Sealer will cost around 80/100 $ a gallon.And you ll need several gallons for that amount.. Have your installer look at the job. A good installer will be able to determine what was used.. Travertine is a beautifull stone and when properly sealed and maintained will last a life time. This type of stone will start at 5$ a s/f and go up from there.Thinsets go for about 13/15$ a bag and cover about 70/80 s/f per bag. Cement board is 10$ a sheet and covers only 15 s/f per sheet. Grout is about 10$ a bag but tile thickness will determine how many you need.. If you have a slab flooring no extra subflooring will be needed. Your tile guy will give you the exact amounts you will need. Ask for a quanity discount , you d better get it for that anount of material. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL
