Travertine is a popular building stone. It’s a limestone type that forms around mineral springs. Stone floors can be used in a variety of places in the home. This gives them a unique functionality and look. Travertine has a long history as a construction material. This is the type of natural stone that is durable and mostly fits under the budget compared to marble and granite.
Travertine Tile is the best option for homeowners looking for an aesthetically pleasing, elegant, and timeless look. Not only that they can be used in both exterior and interior, walls and floors. Travertine comes in a wide range of colin looks, and textures. If you are considering travertine for your construction project then learn about its types. This will help you select the right type of travertine for your project.
Travertine Tiles Types To Know About
Following are the different types of travertine tiles that you will come across. Check them out to make an informed decision.
Polished Travertine
Polished travertine tiles have a polished and glossy surface. The surface is crafted by polishing for maximum smoothness. This often results in shine. They provide a modern and elegant look in any room. However, they aren’t a good choice for areas such as showers and pools. They have slippery surfaces so they are best around halls, lobbies, and drawing rooms. This is why they are mostly used in commercial areas.
Honed Travertine
They’re smooth and flat, but they have a matt surface. This is why they are less slippery. Honed Travertine tiles with such a finish are the most popular among homeowners. This is because they are safe to use in wet areas. Being less slippery, they are perfect to be used around bathroom and pool areas. Its matte-like finish makes it subtle and modern.
Tumbled Travertine
Tumbled Travertine is a subtle process. They’re made by packing a lot of stones together. A large barrel filled with abrasive materials and water cuts the stones to the same dimensions. Due to the round edges and corners, it gets a unique look. They are the best option for areas like outdoor patios and pool decks.
Brushed Travertine
This is another popular type of travertine tile. The surface of the brushed travertine tile is crafted with a rotary wire wheel or brush until the desired texture is achieved. Brushed travertine is usually not filled like honed or tumbled stone. You’ll find it paired with patterned Travertine. You can use it anywhere like any honed and tumbled Travertine tile.
Chiseled Edge Travertine
The edge of a chiseled Travertine is rough and irregular instead of straight or beveled. The chiseled edge gives the stone an aged look. Usually, chiseled edges are paired with brushed or honed finishes. A chisel can be done by hand or with a machine.
Filled vs. Unfilled Travertine
You can get filled or unfilled travertine tiles. Travertine filled with resin or grout smooths out its natural pores and holes. They’re good for indoor applications where you want a polished look. Unfilled displays a unique look by retaining its natural texture. Unfilled travertine is the perfect option for outdoor projects where you want to create a rustic look.
Applications of Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles can be used around the house in various ways. Some of the most commonly used travertine tiles are wall tiles and floor tiles for the exterior. However, for exterior usage, they require regular travertine tile sealing to retain their beauty. These tiles are also a great option for interior use as well. Areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, lobbies, pool decks, and halls are perfect for travertine tiles. Because of their durability, they can be installed in rooms or areas with high traffic.
Benefits of Travertine Tiles
- Durability: Travertine tiles are durable and can last long if sealed correctly. This is worth the effort as you can find travertine tiles installed in houses for decades that maintained their look for years with just proper care.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Travertine tiles come in a wide range of colors and aesthetics. This is why they are aesthetically more pleasing than other natural stones.
- Versatility: Travertine tiles are available in different styles and finishes. They can complement both modern and traditional home designs. These tiles can even blend with existing material.
- Eco-Friendly: Travertine is a natural stone, making it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners who are conscious of their environmental footprint.
Considerations for Travertine Tiles
- Travertine tiles have several benefits, but there are some things to keep in mind.
- The price of travertine depends on its type. Different types of travertine have different pricing.
- Regular sealing and maintenance is important. This will help the travertine to maintain its look. It is also important if it is installed in heavy traffic areas and areas that are prone to spills and stains.
- Travertine is durable but heavy weights and falls can cause cracks and chips. So take care of that as well
Travertine VS. Marble- Is Travertine Marble?
When people have to buy a travertine they often think about one thing: is the travertine the type of marble or if the travertine is marble? The simple answer can be “NO” Travertine though has a similar look to marble but both of them are very different from each other. To make things easy to understand for you, here is the table to take a look at so you will know the best.
| Aspect | Travertine | Marble |
| Type of Stone | Travertine is a sedimentary limestone rock. | Marble is a metamorphic rock. |
| Geological | Originates from the deposition of sediments over time. | Originates from sedimentary rock undergoing significant changes in pressure and temperature over millions of years. |
| Commercial Classification | Often referred to as “travertine marble” in the common language due to historical usage. | It is referred to as marble due to its polishable quality and historical usage. |
| Appearance | The distinctive porous texture is often used in polished travertine, tumbled travertine, and honed travertine finishes. | It is smooth, dense, and typically has veins running through it. |
| Usage | Commonly used for Natural Stone Flooring, Indoor Travertine Tiles, Outdoor Travertine Tiles, Travertine Bathroom Tiles, and more. | Used in high-end applications such as countertops, flooring, and decorative features. |
| Durability | Travertine Tile Durability varies; more porous and requires sealing. | Generally more durable and less porous than travertine. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular Travertine Tile Maintenance, including sealing to protect against stains and moisture. | Easier to maintain but still requires periodic sealing and polishing. |
| Installation | Travertine Tile Installation can be more challenging due to its porous nature and need for proper sealing. | Marble installation is straightforward but requires skilled craftsmanship for best results. |
| Cost | Travertine Tile Cost can be lower than marble but varies based on quality and finish. | Typically more expensive due to its luxurious appearance and higher demand. |
| Eco-Friendliness | Eco-friendly travertine options are available and sourced sustainably. | Marble is also available in eco-friendly options, but the extraction process can be more intensive. |
| Common Applications | Travertine Pavers, Travertine Flooring Options, Travertine Kitchen Tiles, Travertine Tile Colors and Patterns. | Used in luxury interiors, decorative sculptures, and architecture. |
| Cleaning | Requires specific Travertine Tile Cleaning methods to avoid damage. | It is easy to clean but still requires care to maintain its polished finish. |
| Historical Usage | Used by the Romans, who referred to it as “marmora” to define polishable stones, contributing to the term “travertine marble.” | Historically prized for its beauty and used in significant architectural and sculptural works. |
History Of Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles have been used widely in construction for several centuries. It has been a great choice for being beautiful and versatile. Travertine is formed from a sedimentary limestone tile and it has been part of Rome’s most famous architectural marvels such as the Colosseum. Although it was earlier used only in magnificent constructions, now it can be found in home construction as well. Travertine like other natural stones used for floorings is available in different finishes including polished finish, tumbled finish, and honed finish.
Final Words
Travertine tiles are a timeless and elegant choice for homeowners especially those who want to have c. Whether you prefer the polished look for a luxurious feel or the rustic charm of tumbled travertine, there’s a type of travertine tile that fits every taste and application. Making a good decision about travertine tiles depends on understanding their different types and their benefits. So, we have included every possible detail with some bonus information so you can make an informed decision regarding travertine tiles. Just make sure to understand the tiles before selecting one.