Travertine Tile

Whether you're building or renovating your home, you may want to consider travertine tile for not only your floor, but also outdoors on your patio or garden path, as well as showers, counter tops, or even wall coverings. Also known as travertine limestone or travertine marble, travertine tile is neither limestone nor marble.

Finishes for travertine tile vary.

Travertine forms when minerals dissolve in ground water. These minerals are then deposited on the surface by geysers, rivers, and natural springs. In Croatia, travertine deposits have formed 16 huge natural dams in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Travertine has been used in many well-known buildings, but perhaps the most well known of all is the Roman Coliseum.

Only the hardest travertine can be polished. With some travertine tile, finishes fill in the porous cavities to make it smoother than usual. While some homeowners like the smoother look and feel, it should be noted the compound that is used to fill in the holes will not wear like the stone and could color differently over time. This may not sound good, but it could prove to be a wise choice if you like a contrast on the floor.

Finishes for travertine tile vary. Some of the most popular finishes include:

• Honed (Matte) – This is the most common type of finish for travertine tile. Honed travertine tiles offer a flat and smooth finish that has a matte look to it.
• Polished (Shiny) – A polished travertine tile has a flat and smooth finish like the honed travertine tile, but it has a shinier look.
• Brushed – Combining the benefits of a flat surface with a bit of texture is what the brushed travertine tile will do for you.
• Tumbled – Because its flat, textured surface reflects the least amount of light, tumbled tile is popular in rooms that get a high amount of natural light.

Pure travertine is white, but due to organic impurities and iron deposits that have filtered into the travertine while it was forming, travertine ends up with many different shades of earth tones and varying textures. With colors that range from white to coral red, it will be easy to match or compliment any type of décor you can think off, and some you might not have even thought about.

Travertine tiles are one of the most popular stone tiles used in homes today. Not only is it used for flooring, it is also used on kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, showers, exterior cladding, patios, and backsplashes. Travertine is easier to cut than most other stone, therefore it can be cut to fit many areas other stone might be difficult to install. Nowadays you can even find a travertine sink for your kitchen!

Travertine is a porous material. The tile can absorb liquids that are not mopped up in a reasonable amount of time. This is why it is best to clean all spills as soon as possible to avoid damaging the surface of the tile. Other things to keep in mind when buying, installing, or maintaining travertine:

• Do not use citric acid-based cleaners or vinegar to clean your travertine as they can erode and stain the surface.
• Due to the susceptibility of staining, you should consider having a sealant put on you travertine to help avoid any potential staining.
• Travertine is a softer stone than marble or granite. If you aren't careful it can scratch or gouge easily.
• Always follow the tile manufacturer's instructions—this applies when installing and afterward. Any deviation from the rules could void your warranty.
• If you are worried about damaging the tile, consider a polished surface. Such surfaces are naturally more stain-resistant than surfaces that aren't finished.

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