Remodeling and Home Repairs With Peter Bales: Grouting the Travertine Floor and Slate Hearth

Client Testimonials

"Peter did an incredible job on our latest renovation. We are so excited about how he opened up our kitchen/dining room area! Its exactly what we wanted. His quote for price and time of completion was spot on. We will definitely call Peter for future projects and highly recommend him to any one looking to update their home." -Ryan & Daniela, Nashville

"We couldn't be happier with the work Peter has done for us! We had delayed a home improvement project because some past experiences with people we hired left us feeling anxious, and we just didn't want the hassle. However, Peter really put us at ease right from the start! Not only is he creative and skilled at his craft, but he is also extremely professional, courteous and trustworthy. He always took the time to answer our questions and really paid attention to the details that were important to us. We will definitely call Peter again, and we would recommend him to anyone." -Kassie & Andy, Mt. Juliet

"Peter recently converted my attached garage to a beautiful new office space. I was recovering from a major car accident and really didn't have the ability to oversee the work. Peter completely took charge, coordinating and ensuring quality of his own work and that of subcontractors. He even selected all the fixtures, doors, and windows completely to my taste since I couldn't shop. He worked creatively and efficiently and was on time and budget. Peter has a great attitude and is very communicative in person and on his blog. Living in a 1930's home by myself, it gives me great comfort to know I can call Peter, whose skills and character I can trust." - Aynsley, East Nashville

“Recently, Peter put in a new tile floor in our kitchen and dining room. I couldn’t be more pleased with his workmanship. The floors look great and the work is as professional as any I’ve seen. My wife and I are so pleased with his work ethic that we’ve asked him to take on some other projects for us. He definitely gets a thumbs-up from me.” -Gary Phillips, Nashville

"Peter does excellent work and I would hire him again without reservation. His assessment and quote of the project was accurate and competitive. The job was started and completed on time. While he was working, he was always very professional and neat. The finished product exceeded our expectations. All in all, it was a great experience and I would recommend him to anyone.” -Justin, Inglewood

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Grouting the Travertine Floor and Slate Hearth

Things really start to come together once the tile gets grouted. The beautiful character of the travertine and slate really begins to stand out and you remember why you went to all the trouble and expense to put it down.

I've noticed that there are many kinds of travertine out there. Some are left in a more rough condition, having a 'tumbled' look. The particular one I was using has been polished smooth on the surface, even though the back shows many of the natural pores that run through the natural stone. The color may vary widely from a sandy brown color to even stark white.

We used a sanded grout called "linen" which is a light shade of brown that will coordinate with these dramatic tiles really well.

DID YOU KNOW... The Coliseum in Rome is the largest building in the world that is constructed primarily of travertine!

The slate at the fireplace hearth also got grout today. I used a charcoal sanded grout that looks nearly black. It makes a bold statement against the white trim that fills the rest of this Craftsman home in East Nashville.

-Peter

www.CarpentryGuy.com