Travertine pavers are ideal for outdoor use, as they're thicker than travertine tile yet offer the same durability, long-lasting beauty and several more benefits, like heat and freeze/thaw resistance. That's why many homeowners choose to use these natural stone pavers in their outdoor areas, whether it's a pool deck, fire pit, garden path, walkway or driveway.
A travertine driveway is a great investment, as it not only adds a gorgeous element to your exterior, but it brings value to your home. Many people choose chiseled travertine pavers for this job, as they provide a tight fight and can easily support the weight of vehicles. The porous, textured finish lets water pass through and provides great traction. However, some homeowners like to seal the travertine to prevent staining, but whether or not you do this is up to you.
When it comes to sanding a travertine driveway, the only sand you'll need is the sand you use for travertine installation.
Sand for the base
When you're embarking on a DIY travertine installation project, you'll be preparing a base for the pavers, which are often dry-set. This means creating layers of compacted soil, gravel and sand that will give the pavers a solid surface to cover. Soil and gravel are used first, and then a layer of sand is added on top for the pavers to rest on. It's usually somewhere around 2 inches thick, but the layer should be a little thicker if the pavers you get don't all have a uniform thickness. This way, they'll be able to sink in deeper where necessary to provide an even surface. Once the sand is put down, the pavers should be placed carefully on top in a tight-fitting pattern that uses complementary stones to bring out the surrounding colors and patterns in the pavers. A rubber mallet can be used to secure them in the spot.
Sand for the joints
After the entire driveway is covered in the travertine pavers and you're satisfied with the way it looks, the finishing touch is sweeping sand across the surface and into the joints between the pavers. This will prevent debris from getting into the cracks and provide for a snug fit. After you sweep the sand into the joints, use a hose to wet the surface, which will compact the sand and secure it firmly into the cracks. More sand may be needed to fill the joints all the way. When you're done, you'll have a durable driveway that adds an element of sophistication to your home!
