Day 13

Final step of sealing the floors today. It only takes about 30-45 minutes to dry. We finally have a floor we can walk on! Now I can finally get to the fridge again. Left over Halloween candy,  I'm coming for you.

The installer told me that we need to seal the floors twice a year instead on once. And, we can clean with a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup to 2 gallons). But, it will likely take some of the sealer off over time. He says the best product to use is Everyday Tile Cleaner from any big box home improvement store. Travertine is the most porous of tile. And it will chip and break easily. To be honest, had I known how difficult travertine was to install and maintain, I might not have chosen it. But it is so beautiful.

Day 12

Some progress being made.

The final tiles were laid today. 

But the work still isn't complete. The mortar has to dry overnight. The crew comes back tomorrow to fill in tiny gaps with grout and apply the sealer. This floor is more complicated than a Kardashian relationship. Hopefully, it will last longer.

Last night's renovation dinner: potted meat on crackers and a cup of mandarin oranges picked up at the local convenience store. 

I want my kitchen back.

Day 11

The floors are finally being laid. The crew says it will take about 3 days. This is because the tile is being "butt set". I'm not sure if this refers to the ass crack show I get as they lean over to lay the tile or the fact that we opted for no grout lines between the travertine.

Lesson Learned: budget your bank account and visits to the gym for eating out every day for 6 weeks. And keep non perishable food convenient in a handy location (but away from pets) so you don't have to go searching for them. Save plastic utensils, napkins, and condiment packages from take out to use during renovations. Outdoor grilling is a good option if the weather is nice and the construction crew hasn't blocked it off with their tools.

Day 9:

Making a mountain out of a mole hill.

The crew came back today to install the concrete board on the floor.

According to the installer, there is a mountain under our house. The floors aren't level. Three different contractors have told me the same thing. However, each of them pointed to different places where the floor rises. Evidently there is a mountain range under our Florida home. Funny thing, I never noticed any dips or raises on the kitchen floor. 

I asked the installer if the boards would make the floors level for the travertine. Travertine is a soft stone and can crack and chip easily. He said there is no way to make that floor level. And he left it there and walked away. After my initial freak out of "OMG, why are we installing travertine on a lumpy floor", he explained to me that the boards will make it flat. Which will be fine for travertine. So evidently there is a difference between flat and level in contractor language.
I asked him if the travertine needed to be sealed. He said, yes, travertine needs to be sealed initially and redone once a year forever. But, he didn't factor sealing the travertine into the estimate. WTF!!!!

Tips for Travertine: Don't drop anything heavy on it, no stilletto heels, and don't install near an airport.

These floors will be the death of me.