Many don’t know what makes travertine different than other stones. This type of stone is what forms stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves. Modern day technology can create travertine from heating supersaturated alkaline waters. Because of how the stone is formed, it creates pitted holes in its surface. Depending on the type of travertine finish you choose, these holes are either filled or left unfilled. An example of unfilled tile is tumbled travertine tile. This tile is tumbled to round and smooth the edges while the surface is left unfilled, which creates a more rustic look. Travertine tile is most commonly used in patios, garden paths, framing of a fireplace, bathroom showers, and in kitchens. The use of a travertine mosaic tile as a bathroom backsplash or kitchen backsplash is very common and creates a beautiful look. Mosaic tiles are the smaller ones that are great to use as a border to provide a contrast to the larger travertine wall tiles or floor tiles.

When considering where to install travertine floor tiles, there a few things to keep in mind. Travertine, although a great stone to choose because of its natural beauty, does not withstand acidic substances well. If using this as a floor in the kitchen, it is important to remember that acidic liquids can seriously damage the floor. This means orange juice, vinegar, and certain cleaners can be very harmful. Spills with these substances would need to be cleaned up very quickly before any damage can occur. Also, because most cleaners contain some sort of acidic substance which usually aids in cleaning surfaces, it is important to remember not to use these on this type of tile. Just a sponge and hot water is a great way to clean these stone tiles. Special stone cleaners can also be purchased and used once a week to really clean the stone. Travertine is also not very suitable for high traffic areas because of the softer nature of the stone, unless 3cm thick or more. Even high heels can cause scratches in the tile if worn frequently when walking on the stone. These considerations might feel overwhelming and a reason to not use travertine. But it’s easy to remember and easy to avoid. All you have to do is 1: don’t use acidic substances on the tile, 2: be careful in high traffic areas, and make sure you get a thick enough tile, and most importantly, 3: don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the stone!

• Tumbled travertine: This type of travertine has a variety of sizes and colors which makes it versatile for a variety of projects.
• Chiseled and brushed travertine: this tile has a very classic look that provides a perfect solution for travertine tile flooring. Its rough edges and brownish tinge provide a versatile look.
• Honed and filled travertine: this type of travertine is ideal for bathroom as well as kitchen. This type of tile has a smooth satin finish where most of the holes are filled during the processing of the stone and therefore requires little maintenance.

As with any type of housing decision there are many things to consider when determining if travertine floor tile is the way to go for your purposes. This type of tile is very aesthetically pleasing, but has many practical advantages as well. One of the main advantages to using it is that if down the road you need to replace some travertine flooring tile then it is much easier to match than the conventional porcelain tile.

Travertine is also much easier to cut and shape without breaking it, which is an advantage for those awkward places that require anything other than the square shape. However, if you are someone looking to buy travertine tile then you have to take into account its maintenance and fragility. Travertine tiles are porous by nature, and as a result, liquids can cause permanent stains on the tiles. Sealants can be used, but are not a fool proof solution. Also acidic materials can cause permanent stains as well, which will not allow you to use vinegar to clean the floor. The best solution when trying to keep your tile clean whether it is floor tile or travertine tile backsplash is to wipe up spills as they occur.

Travertine is still a great choice for the shower and floor tiling of your bathroom. Although it is a porous stone it is possible to obtain a sealer that will prevent the water from doing permanent damage to the stones. It is very important when buying and installing a travertine tile shower that you find a reputable installer who is able to guarantee that your tile will be protected from the ever present water, especially when using it in your shower.

There are many different kinds of flooring options to choose from when you are remodeling or building a house, so it is important to do your research and determine what tiling option is best for you and your needs so that the option that is chosen will bring the best results for your completed project.