Hi, Haley. We have no qualms about cleaning the surface. Tile guy was referring to aesthetics, I think.

Travertine is VERY porous, so unless you seal it frequently and thoroughly, you're going to have a tough time keeping it looking pristine, as most food splashes tend to be oily, which soaks in right away.

It's also supposed to have barely-there grout, traditionally - no broad lines of grout between tiles.

We had tumbled travertine tiles on the mudroom floor, and I loved them -- yep, they got grubby from mud et al - we're on a farm - but they magically kept themselves clean somehow, and always looked great (or maybe all that dried mud fell into the holes?!).

Forgot to say - I sealed all my tiles myself, lots, on all sides, before the contractor laid the floor. It was very easy to do, just a sponge and a bottle of sealer, which is runny like water.

Why the big gaps between some of the tiles?

We gouged ours, I like it

Make that GROUTED

Don't know the grout answer, but the choices look very nice together.

I have been considering something like travertine for my backsplash because I want something a little rustic and that will go with my wood cabinets. I've been looking at a subway layout style. They come on a mesh and there is a space between the tiles for grout. At one store they said that the tiles would be sealed first and then grouted. This is my inspiration pic and it looks grouted - but it also looks like a different type of installation than yours.

Hi, pyramid. That was a bad one. On the others the spaces are all slim.

I can't tell by the picture but it looks like the pieces are relatively the same thickness? Pre-seal the tiles with a good quality impregnator type sealer like Miracle Sealants 511. It will be easier to wash the grout. Grout with unsanded grout. I can't tell exactly by the picture what kind of tones are in your travertine. But find a grout color in the middle between the lightest and darkest shades of tile. Looks like a greyish tone would look the best for your tile. After you grout wait 72 hrs and seal the whole installation again.

I would grout and seal. What does the manufacturer say?

Grouted and sealed my similar backsplash. Can't imagine leaving all those large spaces.

Hi, summary. Great idea to seal it before the installation.

Hi, jhmarie. I like the contrast of the hard shiny counter with the relaxed travertine bs.

Hi, Gray & Walter, Ltd. Duh. I hadn't thought to look. Seal and grout, unsanded 1/8 in.

Hi, sph137. Very nice. That is similar to what I'm hoping for. Your range is a lot nicer tho. :)

My tumbled travertine is 2x2 basket weaving. It is not grouted except along a few edges where the gaps were larger. Most are real tight. Nor is it sealed. I use the same spray DuPont granite cleaner replenished in it I use on my countertops. Just like wiping them off with windex. No stains or dust build up. The pictures shown do have larger gaps than I would expect but the texture is similar to what is normal for travertine.

Just curious what you ended up doing. I saw this exact same tile at the local HD and feel in love with it. I would LOVE to see pics of the finished product if you have some. Thanks! :)

Thank you, renovatingthisplace.

We went with the travertine. It is from HD. The installer was from HD, too. He did a fantastic job. He spot grouted a few places (it is not obvious where) and put on a good sealer over the whole backsplash.

The backsplash went in in early January. Three months later, and there has been no hint of problem with staining or cleaning -- so far -- but ymmv.

Anyway, we love it, and love how it turned out. We are very happy with the decision.

I would never leave a tile job with all of those open holes. It not only looks unfinished but how do you clean it ? I installed kitchens and backsplashes for over 43 years. When I had a tile with holes ie tumbled stone , I sealed the tiles first, two times , and then did the installation. After the tiles were set and the adhesive or thinset was cured , I grouted the backsplash using a NON SANDED GROUT . After 24 hours it was time to seal the tiles again. Make sure the grout is dry. Check instructions on the grout bag. You may need to allow more curing time. Then the final step is to SEAL the entire backsplash again, grout and all. I ususally did two coats of sealer. Use a good quality sealer. Dont use bargain brand sealers. Make sure you have a good sealer. This is not a job you will do often so you want a good quality product to highlight your new backsplash. After finishing the grouting and when you are cleaning the excess grout off with a sponge, you will notice how easily the grout cleans up. This is due to your time spent sealing those tiles before installation. You can go back once a year and seal your tiles again but be sure they are clean first.

Hi! I came across your post looking for info on using the same travertine argento tile for my backsplash. I love the natural stone look but cook a lot and my contractor warned I will have oil stains. So, 10 years later, how did they fare? Are you glad you used them or do you regret it? Would love to see a recent pic! Thank u!