Outside Front Steps Using Travertine: Wow What a Job

Rick94110 · August 24, 2009, 02:32 PM

Well, I saw your discussion regarding travartine stone steps, and I'm highly impressed. Here's my problem: Had stairs built for travertine installation. Passed rough inspection for stone installation. It's an outside front staircase, and waterproofing is paramount, ...so we we had it built up with tar.... and that's where we are at this point. We've had contractors come out, but I have a problem with their approaches: one said use backerboard to line it. Another said, build a layer of cement using chicken wire, and use self leveling cement (thinset mortar?), and then apply the stone with another layer of thinset. The problem is, we have to install the chickenwire with nails, which makes me wonder why we waterproofed with built up. Other pertinent information: we are custom building with half inch thick travartine, one inch bullnose along a width of 6 feet. The tiles will be placed end to end, without grout, and will be about two feet wide. Wish I had gone to your site beforehand. Thanks.

Kman · August 24, 2009, 04:57 PM

I'm guessing these are wood-framed stairs, and you painted tar on the wood? Is it treated lumber?

August 24, 2009, 05:56 PM

Yes, pressure treated wood, and the hot tar was appplied along with felt paper.

TFP Admin · August 24, 2009, 05:59 PM

Log in, Rick. Check the box to remember you and you won't have to log in again.

stullis · August 24, 2009, 07:15 PM

Where do you live?

I'm guessing CA.

Oh and pressure treated.

Kman · August 24, 2009, 07:51 PM

Yeah, when that wood starts going through all the cycles of drying then getting wet again, it's gonna throw that tile off like a mink coat at a PETA conference.