MS Travertino Installation Process: Real Photos from Start to Finish

There's something almost magical about walking into a room and feeling the weight of craftsmanship beneath your feet—or the warmth of natural texture against your fingertips. That's the promise of MS Travertino, a star in the mcm big slab board series that blends the rugged beauty of natural stone with modern engineering. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to install this stunner, from unboxing the first slab to stepping back and admiring the finished wall. Whether you're a seasoned installer or a homeowner curious about the journey of your new backsplash, this is the story of how raw materials become a work of art.

We'll focus on travertine (starry green) for this guide—a variant that feels like holding a piece of the night sky in your hands, with tiny flecks of emerald and silver scattered across its creamy base. But don't worry; the steps we'll cover apply to most MS Travertino products, thanks to the flexibility of flexible stone technology. Let's dive in.

Pre-Installation: The Quiet Work That Makes or Breaks the Project

Before any slabs hit the wall, there's a rhythm to the prep work that veteran installers swear by. Think of it like baking a cake: you wouldn't skip sifting the flour, and you shouldn't rush this part either. Let's start with the basics.

1. Measuring the Space (and Double-Checking… and Triple-Checking)

"Measure twice, cut once" isn't just a saying—it's a survival mantra. I once worked with a rookie installer who eyeballed a corner and ended up with a ½-inch gap that haunted him for weeks. Save yourself the stress: grab a laser measure, note down every dimension, and sketch a rough layout. For our project, we're covering a 12x8 ft accent wall in a kitchen, so we'll need six 4x2 ft slabs of starry green travertine, plus a little extra for cuts around outlets and corners.

2. Material Inspection: Getting to Know Your Slabs

Unboxing travertine is like unwrapping a present—each slab is unique. Lay them out flat on a clean tarp (never directly on concrete; you don't want scratches!) and inspect for cracks, chips, or color inconsistencies. Starry green travertine, in particular, has natural variations in its "star" density—some slabs might have more flecks, others fewer. Arrange them like a puzzle now to avoid a patchy look later. Pro tip: Take photos of the layout with your phone so you can reference it when installing.

3. Surface Prep: Making Sure the Wall is Ready to "Hold On"

Travertine loves a stable, clean surface. Our wall here is fair-faced concrete —a popular choice for its industrial-chic vibe—but it still needs some TLC. First, check for moisture: press a piece of plastic wrap against the wall, tape the edges, and leave it overnight. If there's condensation in the morning, you'll need to seal the concrete first to prevent mold. Next, scrub away dust and grease with a mild detergent and a stiff brush; even a film of cooking oil from a nearby stove can weaken the adhesive bond.

Finally, fill any cracks or dents with a concrete patching compound. I use a putty knife to smooth it out, then sand it lightly once dry until it's flush with the wall. Think of it as giving the wall a fresh shave before the big date—no rough edges allowed.

4. Tools and Materials Checklist

Nothing kills momentum like realizing you're missing a trowel halfway through. Here's a quick list to keep you organized (we've included a mix of pro tools and DIY-friendly alternatives):

Installation Day: When Slabs Meet Wall

Okay, the prep work is done. The wall is clean, the tools are laid out like a surgeon's instruments, and the starry green slabs are whispering, "Let's get this party started." Let's break this down step by step.

Step 1: Cutting the Slabs (Yes, Even "Big Slabs" Need Trimming)

Even with precise measurements, walls are rarely perfectly straight, and outlets or windows always throw a curveball. That's where the wet saw comes in. I set mine up outside (or in a well-ventilated garage) to avoid making a mess, then clamp a straightedge to the slab as a guide. For starry green travertine, I go slow—those starry flecks are delicate, and rushing can cause chipping. The sound of the saw is a low, rumbling hum, and water sprays gently to keep the blade cool, leaving the cut edge smooth as butter.

Pro move: Save the offcuts! Small pieces can be repurposed as trim or for patching later. I once used a 3-inch scrap to fill a gap near a light switch, and you'd never know it wasn't part of the original slab.

Step 2: Applying the Adhesive—The "Glue" That Builds Confidence

Now, back to the wall. Using the notched trowel, I spread thinset in a "U" pattern over a 2x2 ft section—small enough that the adhesive won't dry before I lay the slab, large enough to keep momentum. The key here is pressure: when I set the travertine down, I press firmly with the palms of my hands, then give it a gentle wiggle to ensure full contact. You'll feel it "grab" after a few seconds—that's the thinset doing its job.

Flexible stone really shines here. Unlike rigid natural stone, these slabs can bend slightly to follow minor imperfections in the wall, reducing the risk of cracks later. I use plastic spacers (1/8-inch) between slabs to keep the grout lines even—they're tiny, but they make the finished wall look professional, not haphazard.

Step 3: Grouting—The Final Touch That Ties It All Together

After letting the adhesive set overnight (patience is a virtue!), it's time for grout. I mix it to the consistency of creamy peanut butter, then apply it with a rubber float, pressing it into the gaps at a 45-degree angle. The trick is to work in small sections—about 3x3 ft—so the grout doesn't dry before I can wipe it off. After 10 minutes, I take a damp (not soaking) sponge and wipe the surface in a circular motion, being careful not to pull grout out of the lines. The starry green travertine soaks up a little grout, which softens its color slightly—don't panic! That's normal, and it'll even out as it dries.

Step 4: Sealing—Protecting That Starry Shine

Travertine is porous by nature, so sealing is non-negotiable if you want it to stay looking fresh. I use a penetrating sealer (water-based, to avoid yellowing) and apply it with a foam brush, working in small sections. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a lint-free cloth. It's like giving the stone a raincoat—stains from coffee splatters or cooking oil will bead up instead of seeping in. I do two coats, waiting 24 hours between each, to be extra safe.

Post-Installation: Admiring the Work (and Cleaning Up the Mess)

By now, the wall is starting to glow. The starry green travertine catches the kitchen light, and the grout lines are crisp but not overpowering. But before you pop the champagne, there's one last chore: cleaning up. I sweep up the dust, rinse the tools (thinset hardens like concrete, so don't delay!), and peel off the painter's tape from the countertops. Then, I step back—way back—and squint. Are the grout lines straight? Is there a slab that's slightly higher than the others? If something bugs me, I fix it now, before the sealer fully cures.

And then… I just look. It's my favorite part. The wall that was once bare fair-faced concrete now feels alive, like it has a story. A friend once compared installing travertine to putting together a puzzle where every piece is a little different—and when it's done, you can't imagine the wall any other way. I couldn't agree more.

Caring for Your Travertine: Because Beauty Deserves Maintenance

Your starry green wall is installed, but the journey isn't over. Travertine is tough, but it's not invincible. Here's how to keep it looking like day one:

• Dust first, wipe later: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust—scrubbing with a damp cloth can push grit into the pores and scratch the surface.
• Avoid harsh cleaners: Vinegar, bleach, or abrasive sponges are travertine's worst enemies. Stick to pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Reseal every 2–3 years: Over time, sealer wears off, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Test it by sprinkling water on the surface—if it beads up, you're good; if it soaks in, it's time for a refresh.

Wrapping Up: More Than Just Stone—It's a Memory

Installing MS Travertino isn't just about slapping stone on a wall. It's about patience, precision, and the quiet pride of turning something raw into something that will be admired for years. Whether you're using travertine (starry green) , bamboo mat board , or any other gem from the MCM lineup, the process is a labor of love—and that love shines through in the finished product.

So the next time you run your hand over a travertine wall, remember: behind that smooth surface is a story—of measurements, cuts, grout-stained fingers, and the satisfaction of knowing you built something that lasts. And isn't that what home is all about?