Travertine tile – is made from a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs most commonly found near hot springs. This type of mineral is usually fibrous or concentric with a white to tan and / or cream colors. Travertine comes from a sedimentary terrestrial rock formed with the help of precipitation carbonate minerals from surface, geothermal heated hot springs and ground water.
Travertine waterfall can be found in North America, “Texas and Oklahoma” and Europe “Italy”. The Romans used Travertine to help build the Coliseum, the French used it to build the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and it was used to build the Getty Center. This type of tile is also used as paving stone in patios and garden paths or in your kitchen or bathroom floors. Also Travertine tile varies in style it can be found in: filled or unfilled, smooth, shiny finish and a variety of colors.
Filled Travertine Tile – The holes found in the stone are filled at the factory with an epoxy resin or during the installation process with grout to prevent dirt from collecting and to give them a smooth and rustic look.
Unfilled Travertine Tile – Mostly commonly used outdoors, “patios, pool decks, paving, etc…” and it comes in five forms “rounded edge, glava edge, chiseled edge, contour edge and / or beveled edge.”
Avoid Color Spills
Travertine tile differs from other types of tile like Marble or porcelain because of the porous finishes. Since travertine tiles are very porous try to avoid spilling anything that has a color base. Due to its porous finishes this type of tile is very susceptible to absorbing color spills whether it cleaned up instantly or not. Although its susceptible to color stains this type of stone gives kitchens and bathrooms a great rustic look. But because they are sealed they can be very slippery when wet so always clean up slips instantly and used are rugs.
Why use Travertine Tile
Most people like travertine tile over other types because it allows them to choose from several different styles, designs and patterns. A few other great thing about this stone is that it’s very durable “will not chip or break easily”, it’s easy to install and will last and look great for a long time. Some people also like to use travertine in their offices because of the durability and the different options and styles they can be purchased in.
Travertine tile is also more affordable compared to marble tile. The square foot of travertine tile averages between $3 to $5 compared to marble at $8 to $12 per square foot. Plus some people would rather have the smooth finish compared to the shiny marble finish because they scruff or scratches are less noticeable. But it doesn’t matter what kind of tile you decide to use always use sliders to move furniture or cushion tips on the legs of all furniture. By taking this precaution your tile floors will last and look great longer.
Where Can I Purchase Travertine Tile
Travertine tile can be purchased worldwide from brick-and-mortar shop to online. Before you purchase or decide the type of finish or style your tile is going to be, always do your research to ensure you are getting the most for you money. Buying online is a great way idea because you will be saving money and some companies will throw in free shipping to get your business, shopping for tile the traditional way allows for customers to feel and see for themselves exactly what they are purchasing. Whether you choose to buy online or the traditional way is up to you.
Just remember whether you are installing travertine in San Diego or any part of the country ensure you are dealing with a licensed tile contractor to get a professional and great looking finish.