Travertine flooring has been used since the days of ancient Italy, recently becoming one of the most popular stones used in Australian homes. If you’re thinking of using travertine tiles in your home, yet need that one last push, a closer look at the looks and finishes, maintenance and cleaning may be what you need.
About Travertine
Travertine is a natural stone that is formed most often in hot springs and lakes through the changes of pH levels, heat and pressure onto existing limestone, that has been naturally created by other minerals from the soil. This process develops a stone that is very attractive with remarkable durability among natural stone floorings options.
Due to the different composition of minerals, locations formed and environmental factors, travertine comes in an array of colours and textures. Thus, there’s tan, gold, ivory, cream and off white, meaning there is an option to add the class that travertine brings to any home, no matter what you’re into. This flexibility and adaptability towards varying home styles make it a favourite among designers, installers and homeowners alike.
Looks and Finishes
Not only does Travertine come in different colours, there is an entire array of different finishes and textures as well.
Tumbled, the subtle colour and appeal makes it the favourite above all travertine looks. The tumbled and unfilled finish tends to reflect light and the finishes smooth but non-slip texture opens all varieties of use. The rounded (tumbled) corners are unique to floor tiles.
Honed, the best choice for bathrooms and internal use. Its’ slightly pored characteristic provides friction enough for wet areas, while the overall honing means easy cleaning and durability. A smooth, standout option for bathroom floors and walls.
Brushed, a combination of both the honed and tumbled finish qualities. The tiles are textured but pleasant to walk on. A humble and subtle elegance is accentuated by it’s muted colours, a characteristic also observed in tumbles finish tiles.
Polished, takes the crown for having the shiniest and smoothest finish. The polished finish has been observed by many to resemble marble. Often preferred due to its elegance but it is not be advised to be used in bathrooms and wet areas, especially not for families with small children as the smooth finish gives it a slippery class. Best for use of walls and for splashbacks.
Travertine, what gives it an edge?
We’ve covered a variety of colours and textures, and I bet that travertine is sounding quite appealing, but what is it that gives travertine tiles an advantage among its rivals?
As odd as this may sound, travertine, despite being as strong and durable as it is, tends to be one of the easiest stones to cut and shape, making it ideal for unusually shaped areas. Cutting, shaping and applying travertine is quite straightforward for installers in general.
Have you ever wondered why travertine is a popular choice for the poolside? The main sale point for many is that Travertine does not hold heat, even when exposed under direct sunlight for extended timeframes. A feature that makes it not only a popular choice for pools but for outdoor furniture such as benches and tables as well. Ideal for picnic tables during the summer and letting Jack run outdoor barefoot in the great Australian summer.
Maintenance
Travertine is a natural stone, yes, and stone benefits from having a sealer to protect it to keep it looking at its’ prime.
One of the major points as to why travertine should have a sealer is due to the fact that the stone absorbs its’ surroundings which can cause the tiles to stain. That is something none of us wants to happen.
Travertine is very long lasting if maintained properly, to give you an example its’ what the Colosseum and half of Italy is built from, which I’m sure Emperor Vespasian from AD 80 would be impressed with his selection. Its beauty and elegance do not wane easily compared to most tiles on the market. Thus, if the sealer is maintained your travertine is likely to outlast you and even your grandchildren.
Cleaning
As mentioned above, Travertine is a multi-purpose tile with exquisite beauty if maintained properly and is something anyone would love in their homes. Despite its high durability, travertine is susceptible to the acids found in vinegar, orange juice and lemon among others. So whatever you may read on the internet, never clean your travertine tiles with lemon or apple cider vinegar, the use of baking soda is also not recommended as it can be quite abrasive on the finish
The best way to clean your tile is to use a mop or cloth that’s either dry or damp. When using a vacuum, rubber-wheeled ones are your best option as any other materials may scratch the finish and leave the stone vulnerable for staining. You should also be aware of vacuum auto-assist and roomba robot vacuums as it could leave dark scratch stains on your travertine floor once the wheel spins.
There are also specific cleaners made for travertine floor, but if you are a slight clean freak, then you need to try your best to refrain as too much cleaning and scrubbing can deteriorate the finish and glow of the tile.
Really, you don’t have to put much effort or try too hard when it comes to cleaning your travertine tiles. Its natural finish, assisted by sealer, provides the protection it needs and maintenance is a piece of cake. The only point to remember is exercising caution in handling and introducing cleaners around the house.
Installing
A flat, debris-free surface such as concrete is ideal for installing tiles. Ensure that you hire from a trusted installer and distributor to ensure you receive premium, high-grade product and the results that you want and deserve.
A cheap purchase may sound tempting but you may not be getting the quality needed for a long lasting result. Consider window shopping, researching and seeking the advice of a company you can trust.
If you’re in Australian or surrounding countries such as Fiji or New Zealand and looking for the best tiles for your home, Stone and Slate Discounts (our sister company and supplier) is your go-to distributor, offering a wide variety of stone, tile and several other similar products that you’d love to have in your home.