Before You Start
Travertine pavers offer stunning results especially when site conditions are right. Before ordering travertine pavers or breaking ground in New York, consider:
Freeze–Thaw Resistance:
Use premium-grade (dense), tumbled travertine pavers to avoid cracking or flaking especially in upstate New York.
Drainage:
Urban lots in NYC or clay-heavy soils on Long Island require upgraded base systems or French drains to avoid frost heave.
Slope & Runoff:
On sloped lots, adequate grading (1–2%) ensures water moves away from buildings and prevents erosion.
Salt Sensitivity:
If you’re planning to use pavers for a salt-water pool or driveway or walkway that’s salted in winter, you should seal it.
Weight Load:
Use 1.25" inch (or thicker) travertine or set tiles (0.5" inch) over reinforced concrete. For driveways, use 1.25 inch thick in smaller sizes (like 6x12) or 2 inch thick in larger sizes.Installation Methods
Here are the main installation methods used in New York:
1. DRY SET
(Most Common for Patios & Pool Decks)
Base: Excavate 6–8 inches. Add 4–6 inches of compacted ¾” crushed stone.
Edge Restraints: Required — use concrete curbing, plastic, or metal edge to prevent movement.
Bedding: Add 1 inch of sand.
Pavers: Lay travertine pavers (typically 1.25" thick) tightly with no joint spacing.
Joint Filling: Sweep in polymeric sand.
Best for: Patios, walkways, pool decks.
✅ Pros: Affordable, flexible, easy to repair.
⚠️ Caution: Must ensure proper drainage, no pooling or standing water below.
2. MUD SET OVER CONCRETE
(Best for Driveways or Uneven Ground)
Slab: Pour a reinforced concrete base, minimum 4 inches thick, with proper slope (1–2% away from structures).
Bonding Layer: Apply a slurry of thinset mortar to the concrete.
Mortar Bed: Spread 1–1.5 inches of wet mortar.
Pavers: Press travertine into place, tap with a rubber mallet to level.
Grout: Use polymeric sand. Sweep into the joints
Best for: Driveways, slopes or areas with heavy use.
✅ Pros: Permanent, solid surface with minimal shifting.
⚠️ Caution: Higher labor cost; less breathable, ensure expansion joints and drainage control.