Travertine is a sedimentary stone that is formed when limestone is deposited by hot springs. In its naturally occurring state, travertine has a pitted surface, but these holes are filled before it is installed in a home. Filling these holes prevents dirt and scum from getting into the tiles, making them easier to clean and maintain. Those who like travertine often cite that it has an ancient Roman type of look, which looks great inside of the home.
Where to Install It
It is possible to install travertine floor tiles in any room in the house, although many avoid putting it in locations where it will get wet. This is because travertine is harder to maintain than porcelain or ceramic tiles and the water can add to the maintenance issues. For the best results, install travertine in locations without much moisture, as they will last a lot longer.
Sealing the Stone
At the end of installation, it is a good idea to seal your travertine floor tiles. This can be done with a stone sealer that is available at nearly any hardware store. After two coats of sealer, the floors should be fine for between three and five years, depending on how much you use the room. If you choose to put travertine tiles outside of the home, you will want to reseal them annually.
Durability of Travertine
You should have no issues in terms of durability with your travertine floors, as many of the ancient ruins that are still standing today are made from the stone. A floor made from travertine can last for over 100 years if properly maintained, so you will not have to replace the floor within your lifetime.
Colors and Finishes
It is possible to find travertine in varying colors because of mineral compounds found in the stone. Most commonly, travertine tiles come in beige, gold, ivory or walnut, although none of them will be a solid color. You can purchase stones with four types of finishes, polished, brushed, tumbled and matte, depending on your preferences. Polished tiles are completely smooth and give off shine, while matte tiles are smooth without the shine. Brushed and tumbled stones have a more natural texture.
International Granite & Marble Corp. offers a wide selection of travertine, marble, and granite from its warehouses all over the country. To see their products & learn all about travertine, visit the company’s website at.
