Haven't used any of the urethane or epoxy grouts. We had our tile guys use TEC XT grout for two of our bathrooms and for our travertine floor tile in the FR/entry/guest bedroom. It's a cement-based grout, that is supposed to be more crack, stain, mold and mildew resistant than other cement-based grouts. So far it is holding up well (bathrooms are 2-2 1/2 years old, FR....floor is a year old). Tile guy found it to be "stickier" than regular cement grout (same mixing-up requirement--thick consistency). I think clean-up might have required a little more elbow grease because of that (stickiness). Requires a "dry" clean-up (very well wrung out sponge). Doesn't require sealing, but can be sealed with a solvent-based sealer. FWIW, We used STT's SB sealer. Very easy to work with, and minimal, minimal odor.

mewmew, We are currently having our pool built and have chosen a gorgeous rainbow/sunset travertine for coping and decking. We went with the tumbled unfilled to assure a non slippery surface. Prior to choosing, we had samples outside when it rained and they were not slippery at all when wet (or dry). They also sat in the sun for hours on end...they never felt hot. They always seemed to be much cooler than the air temperature. We live in Florida with the sweltering sun too! We can't wait, our travertine may very well be the what we most like about our project! Good luck..the decision is tough:) ttfn Annie205

trudymom: I have been a Fabricator of Granite and Natural Stone for the last 23 years... of the 30 that I have been "in the trades"........ Here's MY opinion (as a Fabricator - my point of view) I would NOT advise using Limestone or Travertine on residential or commercial Kitchen countertops for the following 3 main reasons: 1. Trav/Limestone is a very soft stone compared to Granite, and will scratch and cut very easily. A polished Limestone or Travertine will show wear very easily and much sooner than other products. 2. Trav/Limestone will react to simple acids like vinegar/lemon/lime/orange/tomatoe/grapefruit juices. ANY polished surface will appear "dull" after being exposed to ANY acidic solution. Honed surfaces will also show the "etching" effets, but not as pronounced as a polished stone. 3. Trav/Limestone will stain much easier than Granite in a kitchen environment under routine use. Red Wine is "NOT a Friend" of Limestones or Travertines - Neither is Olive Oil or any other staining agents.......... This is REALLY a shame, because Travertine and Limestone are both WAY EASY to Fabricate and look really cool - Having been doing this for 23 years now, I can Fabricate pretty much ANYTHING from Travertone or Limestone - IN MY SLEEP - it's just THAT EASY to work with!!!! However, with that being said........STILL...... I do NOT suggest installing REAL Travertine or Limestone EVER as countertops for residential OR commercial kitchen applications. It has been MY experience that Travertine and/or Limestone WILL NOT hold up as well as many Granites, Engineered Stones or other products in these types of applications. Travertine and Limestone are OK for Bathroom Lavatory and Vanity applications, Fireplaces and Kitchen Backsplashes.... here's a few applications that HAVE held up well for me: Bath lav with radiused apron: Fireplace Hearth, Legs and Mantle with Rope Details: Close up of the Rope Detail: Kitchen with Tumbled Limestone Backsplash (Granite is on the Countertops - Golden Amendoa - no longer available - "quarried out" since 2004) : Remember - This is purely MY opinion (as a Fabricator)......... Now I am sure that there are probably some of people out there that will say just the opposite of what I am saying..... and hey... that's cool... If they have used Travetinr or Limestone in Their Kitchens and it has worked out for them - God Bless 'Em I Say!!!! THIS is what makes OUR country the Great Place that it IS!!! However........ Here's the ONLY EXCEPTION that I'd make on this subject: When I have a client that just HAS TO HAVE the "LOOK" of Travertine or Limestone on their Kitchen countertops, and they WILL NOT COMPROMISE - I suggest that they look at using CaesarStone's "Jerusalem Sand" #4250 - it is a Quartz Product, which will hold up WAY better than the real thing in a Kitchen application. You can get Jeruslaem Quartz in polished or honed in 1CM, 2CM and 3CM and it looks very much like the real thing... I am a VERY Staunch supporter of NATURAL STONE - HOWEVER...... I WOULD PUT JERUSLEM SAND .... IN MY HOME in a HEART BEAT!!!! It looks THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope that helps you........ kevin Kevin M. Padden Fabricator, Trainer & Consultant to the Natural Stone Industry www.azschoolofrock.com www.naturalstone101.com Here is a link that might be useful: CaesarStone - Jerusalem Sand

We live on St.John in the Virgin Islands. Our average daily temperature is 84 degrees and never lower than 70 at night. It showers frequently and the deck outside of the short term rental apartment needs replaced. We added a treated wood deck to the rental apartment on the lower level of our home about five years ago. We are now having to replace deck boards and the surface was just painted with "Restore" by rustoleum to give it a few more months of life. We would like to use a non wood product to support and rebuild the frame then cover with Durarock as an underlayment to Travertine marble or a porcelain tile. Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance. AlyceUSVI