Travertine Tiles 101

Travertine has long been known as one of the most popular forms of stone used in building exquisite architectural marvels that are still standing to this day. Some of the monumental buildings around the world made with stone travertine are The Colosseum in Rome, Hierapolis in Turkey, Basilique du Sacre Coeur in Paris, Willis Tower in Chicago, Getty Centre in L.A. etc. 

Its proven durability and long-lasting beauty have prompted builders and homeowners to use travertine tiles or pavers in modern-day construction projects. This natural stone is so versatile that it may be utilised both indoors and outdoors in any building.

Before we uncover more about travertine tiles, let's start with the basics-

What is Travertine Tile?

Travertine is a kind of limestone created from calcium carbonate deposits near or in hot springs or limestone caverns. It is a very visually appealing limestone. Its fibrous, marble-like texture and alluring earth-tone hues make it one of the most popular construction stones. 

Tiles manufactured from this travertine stone texture are used as the flooring material. As a travertine flooring material, they typically sold in tile form. Travertine tiles are now valued as a long-lasting, beautiful, and character-filled material for a lot of residential purposes, including floors & walls, backsplashes, shower stalls, fireplaces, fire pits, courtyards & patios, etc.

In modern time, these travertine texture tiles are considered an alternative to conventional stone materials such as marble or granite. Moreover, travertine tiles come in a wide range of neutral & bold colours that match the aesthetic of 2021 quite well. You can easily find beige travertine texture marble, silver travertine, yellow travertine stone, grey travertine or gold travertine tiles at AGL Tiles. 

Pros & Cons of Travertine Tiles

Travertine tile, like any other form of flooring, has a unique combination of characteristics that make it great for some projects but inappropriate for others. If you've been considering new flooring for your house or apartment, here are some pros and cons to consider when evaluating if travertine tiles are a suitable fit.

Pros:

• Travertine resists scratching and cracking with proper cleaning and upkeep, making it ideal for households with small children or pets.
• The travertine flooring's opulent, classical grandeur cannot be denied. The travertine marble texture is one of the hottest and most elegant interior design trends of 2021.
• Are you thinking about selling your home? Installing travertine floors can boost the value of your home before a real estate transaction.
• Travertine is a fairly durable stone, even if it is not as hard as marble or granite. It withstands regular foot traffic effectively and is unlikely to break when subjected to extreme temperature.
• Travertine textured tiles stand out due to the existence of natural pores and veining, which add a unique texture.

Cons:

• Travertine must be sealed during installation and resealed every three to five years to protect against moisture, discolouration, and other damage.
• Travertine absorbs liquids, grease, and oils quickly due to its porous nature, leaving stains on the stone's surface. 
• Travertine tiles, like other stone floorings, is naturally cool. Although great for warmer settings, this might be a drawback in cold weather.
• Compared to other flooring materials, travertine tiles are a little expensive.

Different Finishes of Travertine Tiles:

Brushed Travertine Tiles: Because of the wire brush treatment, brushed travertine tiles have a matte, non-reflective finish.

Honed Travertine Tiles: This travertine has been filled and lightly polished, and it is midway between matte and glossy, giving it a balanced, slightly polished finish.

Polished Travertine Tiles: Polished travertine is a shining and glossy design that is both eye-catching and classy. These travertine tiles are the best for stain resistance; however, it is quite slippery when wet.

Tumbled Travertine Tiles: Tumbled travertine has softened corners and edges, giving it a worn, antique appearance. It has a decent grip underfoot but will need to be stain-proofed. It has a lovely vintage appearance but isn't particularly practical for heavy-use surfaces.

Is Travertine Flooring Tiles right for you?

Travertine floor tile is a high-end natural stone material that is ideal if you have a large budget and desire the antique vintage beauty that this natural stone provides. However, if you are unwilling to reseal the floor regularly, or if the high price puts you off, a stone-look porcelain tile is a viable option. 

So, choose wisely.