There are several types of grout to choose from including sanded grout and epoxy grout.  

Grout color is a matter of personal taste, but a designer at one of our design studios can make some suggestions based on your ideas. Additionally, keep in mind that grout color can vary slightly from batch to batch if it requires adding water and mixing. Also, grout color can darken over time and use. We recommend getting grout samples and placing them with your chosen tile in the space where they will be installed to observe how the lighting affects your choice. 

If grout color doesn’t come out as anticipated, you can use a grout stain to correct the color or the consistency of the color. 

Put a few drops of water on the grout to test the seal and if they bead up, the sealer is OK. If the water absorbs into the grout, it is time to reseal. 

A sealer cures as a film on the stone surface. Since the material is actually covering the stone, the appearance of the stone surface may be altered by the application of this type of product. This material will provide somewhat of a sacrificial layer over the stone and will absorb most of the wear on the countertop. Since the sealer is softer than the stone, normal use of the countertop will result in abrasion of the sealer surface and dictate reapplication to maintain the original luster of the surface. A properly applied topical sealer will normally reduce, although not eliminate, the vulnerability of calcareous stones to attack from mildly acidic solutions.

General Precautions: When any surface protection product is used, care must be taken to read and follow the manufacturer’s written instructions accurately. This will provide the greatest benefit from the application and will guarantee safe handling of the product. 

In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use an approved non-acidic soap scum remover available at retail stores or at your local tile and stone dealer 

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral PH stone cleaner available at retail stores or at your local tile and stone dealer. Or you can use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.

Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.  

*Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.

Most stones are porous and readily absorb liquids and moisture. Materials like limestone and sandstone are extremely absorbent, whereas granites and serpentine (green marble) are denser but will still absorb liquids that are allowed to remain in contact with them for extended periods of time. The use of a sealer will help prevent staining in most situations. Even a sealed surface can stain if left in contact with a staining agent for a long period of time.

Therefore, all spills should be wiped up as soon as possible, and coasters or napkins should be set when serving food or drinks on a stone bar, table or countertop. Soft drinks, coffee, tea and fruit juices contain mild acids and can etch the polished surface of a stone and stain quite rapidly. These should be cleaned off immediately with mild soap and warm water. 

After installation and throughout the life of the travertine floor, some of the fill may become loose depending on the foot traffic and/or because of sharp objects in constant contact with the floor (for example, heels, dog toenails, etc.). This is a natural occurrence and can be solved by re-filling the tiles where needed with a non-sanded grout. Additionally, the fill correction is part of the regular stone maintenance and pores are a natural characteristic of travertine.