What is travertine tile?

Travertine is a type of limestone that is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs. This sedimentary stone is created by a rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, known as calcite. Other minerals mix together with the calcite to create unique swirls and movement that give travertine its distinctive character.

How long have they been around? Where did they originate from?

Italy is renowned for travertine so it doesn’t come as a shock that the word itself is derived from the Italian word ‘travertino’, which is a derivation of the Latin tiburtinus ‘of Tibur’. Its namesake is also the origin of Tivoli, a district near Rome.

Who first made them popular?

The primary purpose of the travertine stone is in building. It has been used in construction for a very long time. Temples, bath complexes and various monuments have been built from travertine.

Current trends

It is one of the several natural stones that are used for paving patios, courtyards and garden paths. The stone is characterized by pitted holes and troughs in its surface which means that it has a concentric texture and porous surface. Although these troughs occur naturally, they suggest signs of considerable wear and tear over time. It can also be polished to a smooth, shiny finish, and comes in a variety of colours from white, ivory, grey to coral-red. Travertine is most commonly available in tile and pavers for floor installations.

An example of a building that has stood the test of time is of the Coliseum in Rome, Italy, which was, too, built from this resilient stone. Other noteworthy buildings using travertine extensively include Europe’s longest Castle, the Burghausen Castle, Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the 20th-century Getty Center in L.A, California and Shell-Haus in Berlin.

Now it is time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of travertine tiles because just like any other natural stone, this one has its ups and downs, too. Yes, we have said that variety of colour and style is a great advantage and there are a number of benefits that can go far and far beyond simplistic style. Also, it is possible to say that travertine tiles can be a great investment for your home because of the fact that it can add value and also because it is much more economical than marble.
But, are there any disadvantages? Yes, our dear readers, there are some disadvantages that we need to talk about.

General pros:

-Travertine tiles are cheaper than marble or granite tiles.

-Travertine tiles are available in very different colour and tone alternatives.

-Travertine ties are very durable which can add value to your homes.

-Replacing travertine tiles is a piece of cake.

-Travertine tiles are very environmentally friendly.

General cons:

-Travertine has a porous structure

-Travertine tiles are highly reactive to acidic substances

-You cannot use vinegar or salt for cleaning travertine tiles

-Travertine tiles tend to be heavier.

What colours can you get them in?

As mentioned, travertine is a stone which is available in several different colours and tones such as Angelica Gold, Caramel, Durango Antique, Durango Commercial, Durango Cream, English Walnut, Golden Sienna, Noche Alpaca, Peach, Philadelphia.
What types/ranges are available?

What are the different finishes available?

Also, travertine comes with polished, matte, brushed or tumbled finishes. And remember that polished finish is the best alternative for flooring because the polished travertine tiles will reflect the natural light and give a shiny and fresh atmosphere. So to say, you can get the perfect look by paying less if you choose travertine.

There is a wide range of versatility with travertine tile flooring. There are 4 main finishes for travertine: polished, honed, tumbled, and brushed. The most common type of travertine is the matte honed look, but if you want a more glossy modern look you can go for polished travertine, while if you really want to ramp up the rustic, you can go for the textured look of brushed or tumbled travertine or even a vein cut travertine. Beyond that, there are plenty of tile sizes to choose from, so you can go for large slabs or create detailed mosaics with tiny tiles or French pattern, wall cladding depending on what room you’re using travertine for.

Can you use them both for indoor and outdoor settings?

Travertine tiles are able to easily tolerate extreme weather fluctuations thus are well suited of both outdoor and indoor installations. You can install travertine pavers for your pool, your garden pathway or the retaining wall of your house without the fear of scorching heat damaging your travertine.

Can you use them for walls & floors?

Travertine is a stone with a naturally non-slippery texture which makes the ideal choice to be installed in swimming pools, bathrooms, showers, floors and on pool decks. It has holes and pits due to its porous surface which makes it rough and not slippery in unsealed and unpolished state.

In this case, they’re great for walls or floors.

How do they wear?

Travertine tiles are very durable (water and moisture resistant). All you need to do is to give them a good care and maintain properly. They do not crack easily when you handle it with care. This enables you to keep the good condition of the house for long years. This is the value that travertine adds: your house will always be new thanks to travertine tiles.

Do they require maintenance?

Travertine floors, countertops and pavers are very robust and can easily survive the test of time. If you take a quick review of some of the ancient places for e.g. the Coliseum, in which travertine was used, you’ll see this natural stone can easily survive for a very long time. The measure of hardness rating of travertine is comparable to that of marble, so it is well suited to high traffic areas and places with lots of footwork.

Since travertine is natural stone, it might have holes on it. But these holes get bigger and deeper in time and ruin the perfect look of the flooring. Travertine tiles will look good for long years as long as you give the proper care to them which doesn’t even require a lot of effort. So in short, yes, but a very minimal amount.

What do they cost?
Even though travertine is cheaper than marble, it is still pricier in comparison to limestone, granite or carpeting. At about $60 ranging to $250 per m2, it can be a bit pricier than ideal. However, as compared to these options, travertine has the ability to add more value and elegance to your house and will undoubtedly last longer than any of the aforementioned options.

Are there travertine look alike tiles that are cheaper?

Yes. Porcelain can imitate travertine tiles, and without the price tag, only setting you back around $13-$27.50 per sqm.

5. Antique Classic Tumbled & Unfilled Travertine

Comes in colours: Natural.
$69.50 m2

4. Crystal Cream Medium Filled Honed Travertine
Comes in colours: Cream.

$67.90 m2

3. Silver Oyster Travertine Tiles & Pavers
Comes in colours: Silver.

$49 m2

2. Loose Travertine Wall Cladding
Comes in colours: Beige.

$130 m2

1. Travertine Navona Un-Filled
Comes in colours: Beige/Natural.

Enquire within.

Sarah Buckley

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