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You can lay tile directly on a plywood countertop, but if it’s a high-traffic surface in a kitchen, it’s better to add a moisture-resistant base. Plywood is susceptible to moisture, so if dampness seeps through from the surface around the sink or where you prep food, it can cause the plywood to warp, leading to grout damage, cracked tiles, or mold growth under the surface. 

Tile floor installation costs about $1,900 on average. The low end of the price range is about $400 up to about $6,000 or more on the high end. Several cost factors include the size of the area, the shape of the floor, the complexity of the pattern, the type of tile chosen, and labor rates in your area. Additional cost factors include the amount of preparation needed and any additional materials like subfloor or backer board.

Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.

As long as your travertine tiles are properly installed and maintained, they can last as long as 75 to 100 years. The best way to keep them in good shape is to learn how to clean floor tile and grout with the proper cleaning products. For travertine, you need to avoid anything acidic like vinegar. Also, take care when moving furniture around, because these tiles can scratch. 

If your travertine tiles start to look worse for wear, you can always get them deep cleaned, honed, and polished to give them a new lease on life.