Marble Travertine Floor Install: Inside a Custom Aesthetic Tile Project

We’re excited to share some details of what we’ve been working on lately.

If you’ve been following along, you may have already seen some of the signature showers we’ve been finishing recently. Those have been turning out incredible, and we’re proud of the level of detail going into every one of them. At the same time, we’ve also been deep into a much larger floor installation that deserves a closer look.

Right now, we’re installing 1,100 square feet of marble travertine across the first floor of a home, and it’s the kind of project that reminds you why the planning and prep matter just as much as the final look.

A foyer detail that sets the tone

One of the standout features is the foyer. We’re centering a 6' x 5' medallion on a diagonal layout, which creates a strong focal point the moment you walk in. Around the field tile, there’s also a darker marble border trim that helps frame the space and gives the whole layout more definition. It’s a big floor, but details like that are what give it character.

Why prep matters so much on a project like this

Projects like this don’t come together by accident. Before any tile goes down, we spend time checking the slab for low and high spots. High spots get ground down. Low spots are cleaned, primed, and self-leveled. After leveling, the floor is vacuumed and mopped so we’re working from a clean surface.

From there, we apply two coats of Ardex S 1-K crack isolation membrane. That extra layer of protection is part of the larger Ardex SystemONE approach we’re using on this install, along with X77 thinset and FGC grout. We believe in using systems that give the customer real confidence, not just a finished look on day one.

In this case, that also means the project qualifies for a 25-year Ardex SystemONE warranty, which is a big deal for long-term peace of mind.

Keeping the layout clean, square, and intentional

Once the surface prep is complete, layout becomes everything. For this floor, we’re running four main square lines through the space to make sure the installation stays straight and square from the start. That may sound simple, but on a large-format floor with a medallion centerpiece and diagonal pattern, accuracy is what keeps the whole project feeling clean and intentional.

Another important part of the process is material blending. We currently have five pallets of marble tile on site, and because natural stone has shade variation from piece to piece, we’re selecting tile from separate pallets as we install. That helps us blend the color naturally across the floor instead of ending up with obvious patches or abrupt shifts. It takes more attention, but it’s absolutely worth it.

The kind of behind-the-scenes work most people never see

This kind of craftsmanship is also tied to how we work overall. On jobs where demolition or prep is involved, we put a lot of effort into keeping the process as clean as possible with a more controlled setup, including filtered vacuum support and plastic enclosure methods when needed. It’s part of respecting the home while still doing the kind of serious prep that quality tile work requires.

We still likely have another four to five weeks to go on this install, but we’re already excited about how it’s coming together. Between the scale of the first-floor layout, the medallion in the foyer, the darker border detail, and the level of prep behind the scenes, this is one of those projects that really shows what goes into a premium result.

We love sharing these in-progress updates because they give a better picture of the work behind the finished photos. Beautiful tile is never just about the surface. It’s the planning, the prep, the system, the layout, and the pride in getting every part right.

We’re looking forward to sharing more as this one moves along.

Ready to talk about your project?

If you’re planning a remodel and want a team that cares about the details behind the finished result, get in touch with us here. We’d love to hear what you’re working on.