Travertine is a natural stone often utilized both inside and outside of houses. Even though types of travertine is only available in neutral, earth-toned tones, finding the ideal travertine for your house isn't simple. When it comes to travertine tile, you have a lot of options.
To determine the kind and quality of travertine tile most suited for your needs, get acquainted with industry terminologies before making your travertine purchase. While there is no industry standard term for the various grades of travertine, the names mentioned below are used by most companies. Distinct cutting procedures, not different kinds of travertine stone, manufacture the two varieties of travertine tiles.
Travertine is a natural stone that is quarried in a variety of countries. The grade of the stone will vary depending on where it originates from. In addition, various procedures are occasionally used to enhance the appearance. Travertine is a limestone-based natural stone, although there are significant distinctions between the two materials. This sedimentary rock is found around hot springs and in limestone caverns. Travertine stone is carved and molded into slabs from this rock. Despite color differences, travertine surfaces come in various lighter hues, such as light grays and golds. Veining may be seen in several kinds of material.
The biggest distinction is in the sorts of cuts used. Because most travertine has bedding planes, it's possible to get a significantly diverse aesthetic depending on the cut type. The vein cut travertine and the fleuri cut types of travertine are the two cut varieties used to make travertine tiles. The travertine itself is the same in both kinds of tile; the difference in appearance is due to the cut manner.
A vein cut is a cutting technique that involves making a cut against the bedding planes or following the vein. This reveals the formation's border and creates a linear pattern in the travertine tile.
A fleuri cut, sometimes called a cross-cut, is a cut that runs parallel to the bedding plane. This reveals a haphazard pattern that is often circular. Although this cut produces a sturdy tile, it is not suitable for high-traffic areas due to the possibility of holes forming due to excessive usage. If holes emerge after installation, it is common to repair the holes rather than replace the tile.
The colors and patterns displayed by travertine pavers are determined by the kind of natural stone used.
The following is a list of the most common travertine paver colors:Travertine pavers are made of natural stone and undergo various processes to enhance their appearance. They come in various eye-catching travertine paver patterns and styles to choose from.
Travertine is a natural stone like the granite in your kitchen and the marble in your bathroom. On the other hand, Travertine only forms around particular kinds of mineral spring deposits, giving it a distinct and stunning look. Travertine is a traditional but stylish addition to any house or apartment, with a broad selection of textural textures, a warm and buttery color palette ranging from red to beige, and a robust composition that can survive even heavy-duty wear and tear. Travertine comes in four main types, often used for floors and backsplashes.
Tumbled travertine tile is the first sort of travertine tile you should select for your property. The surface of tumbled travertine is rough and uneven, giving it an old and antique appearance. Travertine is machine-tumbled using tiny pebbles that impact its surface to generate this polish.
It's not good to use tumbled travertine on the flooring since it's more porous than typical travertine. If you do, trash will get caught in the pores, and liquid spilled on the floor will instantly seep into the stone. Only use tumbled travertine on hard-to-reach locations like kitchen backsplashes to be safe.
Polished travertine is clean and smooth. Polished travertine seems extremely similar to marble at first, although it is not nearly as costly. Polished travertine, like marble, will need to be sealed regularly to avoid deterioration. When the shiny surface becomes dull, it will need to be polished. Polished travertine is often used in upscale living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens due to its exquisite look.
According to most flooring specialists, the most popular option for the house is honed travertine. Although both honed and polished travertine has flat and smooth surfaces, honed travertine has a matte appearance, whereas polished travertine has a glossy sheen. The matte surface softens the appearance of the travertine tile, making it suitable for use in any space of the house. Although honed travertine offers a more varied look than polished travertine, it is more susceptible to discolor. When selecting a finish for your house, keep this in mind.
The matte surface of brushed travertine is comparable to that of honed travertine; however, it is not as smooth. Because this form of travertine has a rough surface, it may not be suitable for interior use. Because it is less slippery than honed or polished travertine, it is often utilized in outdoor locations, particularly around swimming pools.
The grade level of your travertine is the next critical item to know. Travertine comes in three different grades: premium, regular, and commercial (first, second, third). They all vary differently, but they all influence what can be accomplished once they're in place.
The various grades have distinct qualities that will aid you in selecting the finest solutions for you and your desired style. We're not claiming that one grade or kind is superior to another. There are a variety of appearances and effects you may produce with them. We also want you to know when to use them and when not to use them to keep your floors bright and clean.
This is the grade that is usually at the top of the list. It has the most consistent thickness, has the least amount of filler, and has the most uniform appearance when manufactured. The largest color diversity is seen in first-grade travertine, and the tiles are twice filled to assure the highest level of the grades. This grade is the most straightforward to polish to all sheens, even the highest.
Standard grade is likewise cut uniformly in thickness, although additional filler is usually required. These are usually honed travertine types. Although the fill is doubly filled, some of the filled regions will be the full thickness of the stone, making the filled parts more conspicuous and apparent.
Commercial grade is more uneven, does not have a consistent thickness cut, and has greater fill variance. Because this grade is factory-filled rather than hand-filled before distribution, minor pits and holes may be discovered during installation. Tumbled travertine is sometimes referred to as third-grade tiles. Higher sheens will be difficult to attain, and this grade has a more natural stone appearance and a rustic feel.
Travertine, like any other construction material, has advantages and disadvantages. Travertine stone is one of the most attractive materials that can be used in a house. It's also incredibly adaptable since it may be used on various surfaces.
On the negative, it's porous and vulnerable to spillage, especially acidic items like orange juice, coffee, tea, wine, and other beverages. Because of its porosity, travertine should be re-sealed many times a year to keep it protected. Liquids may permeate the stone's surface if a sealer is not often reapplied, causing damage and discoloration.
One of the first questions people have regarding travertine stone is whether it is a sort of marble or not. The answer is straightforward: no. However, it is necessary to explain why, even from stone professionals, we often hear about travertine stone in a perfectly natural manner.
According to the geological classification of rocks, travertine and marble are technically two separate things: travertine is a sedimentary limestone rock, while marble is a metamorphic rock. In other words, sedimentary rock is formed by the deposition of sediments through time. Still, metamorphic rock is formed by a sedimentary rock that has undergone considerable pressure and temperature changes over millions of years.
Travertine is commonly mistaken for marble, and the two are frequently mixed. Many people believe that travertine is merely a fancy name for marble, but this is not the case; the two stones are extremely different, formed in different locations, and have a distinct appearance and feel. These two stones may be confused because they are both made of sedimentary material and belong to the limestone family. However, their look and formation are vastly different.
The way the two stones are produced is the most significant distinction between them. When limestone is subjected to extreme pressures and temperatures, marble is created. On the other hand, Travertine is generated under even higher pressures and temperatures, but it occurs in hot springs and limestone caverns. Travertine is distinguished by its many small pores and channels, giving its peculiar appearance.
Marble is more substantial than Travertine and has a smoother surface. Travertine is a porous stone, unlike marble, and it contains holes. Travertine tiles are less costly than marble tiles. Travertine is the best option if you have a bigger space and a limited budget. Marble and travertine are both sturdy and durable enough to be used daily. However, since travertine is naturally softer and porous, the many holes in the tile's surface may cause scratching and etching over time.
While natural stone of any type isn’t the least expensive material for floors or countertops (carpet or vinyl), as a general rule, travertine costs less than granite or marble.
Prices vary greatly depending on where you live, the size and complexity of your project, the quality of the travertine, the type of the travertine, and the finish you choose, but you can expect to pay an average of $15 to $30 per square foot. By contrast, you will typically pay nearly double that for marble and slightly more for granite.