NO1B4ME202 - I hope it turns out as nice as I've planned, and thanks.
cpreefguy - I always appreciate a nice Lebowski reference
boozeman - It's interesting about the travertine. We're actually in the design phase of building a new house, and we spoke with several interior designers about using travertine, since we're so happy with ours in our current home. Categorically they are surprised that our travertine is holding up so well, since it apparently has a reputation for cracking and staining. Perhaps ours is from Krypton or something, I don't know, but our house is 10 years old and there's a ton of it on the floor, and we've never had a problem. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, and thanks for your concern. Maybe I'll shield the screws as was suggested earlier just to be safe.