If you are considering travertine flooring, you may read information on the Internet that says that it has recently become a popular tiling and flooring material, but the fact is that this natural stone has been used since the ancient days of Italy, and is currently one of the most favourite stones used in Australian homes and elsewhere.
Travertine Tiles
This stone is very durable and attractive, and those are the key reasons why travertine has remained popular until now. Limestone and minerals naturally mix together, and when heat and high pressure from the earth are applied, travertine is formed.
Travertine comes in different colours: tan, ivory, gold, shades of off-white, and a really nice reddish brown. These choices are really exquisite when in the right setting. It makes a room pop with flair and in good taste. The varieties of these are incredibly special and have driven this material to be a favourite among homeowners and builders alike.
When you look at this stone, you will see that the patterns are inconsistent and this is due to the various impurities, minerals, and iron that it contains.
Does Travertine Come in Different Finishes?
Yes, this stone comes in a selection of finishes to appeal to each client’s needs and wants. Honed is the most popular of the finishes available for travertine. This is a good choice if you are going to use it in the bathroom, as it is less slippery compared to the other finishes.
Tumbled is a finish that reflects light and offers the ability to have slightly rounded corners that gives it a unique look. This finish has an antique appeal, and for those who want their travertine tiles in a subtle colour, this one is perfect.
The brushed finish has both the benefits of the honed and tumbled finishes. The tiles are somewhat textured and the colour is muted. This makes this floor easier to walk on. This also gives a nice elegant look without being flashy.
Polished is the shiniest finish for travertine. Many like it because it has the most glamorous look. Many have observed that polished travertine closely resembles marble. Despite its elegant look, this finish can be slippery if used in the bathroom and is usually not best for families with young children.
What are the Advantages of Using Travertine Tiles?
Yet another advantage of travertine tiles over the others is that it’s easy to cut and shape. Sometimes we need to fill an area with an odd shape, and other stones are not as easy to cut and shape.
Travertine does not get hot even when in direct sunlight that’s why it is often used for poolside areas. This feature also makes it popular for outdoor furniture such as benches and tables. This means that even in the middle of summer you can take your pets out for a walk bare foot, sit on a bench, or put your elbows on the table without the worry being burnt.
Another advantage of travertine tiles over other choices is that it is more environmentally friendly. There are no harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing of these tiles.
One of the biggest advantages of travertine tiles is that they are seen as luxurious and exclusive. Because they last and look great, they often make the home more valuable.
How Do I Care for It?
First of all, the travertine tiles should have a finish to protect it. Aside from that, here are a few key points to keep it looking beautiful.
One of the frequently asked questions is if travertine is a natural stone, why is there a need to put a finish on it. The reason is that it is in the nature of this stone to absorb certain colours, which can cause the stone to stain – something that you do not want to happen.
The finish does a good job of protecting the travertine tiles, and ideally, it should be redone every two years. If done each year, you will be able to preserve the look of the tiles for a very long time.
Compared to other choices, travertine is extremely long lasting and if properly cared for, its aesthetic appeal will not deteriorate. For this reason, along with how this stone is naturally formed, many consider travertine a very special stone to use in your home.
How Do I Clean the Tiles?
Travertine is a highly versatile and beautiful material with many uses for the home. It is something that most will just absolutely love as long as you know how to properly take care of it. It is extremely durable, but at the same time, it is susceptible to weak acids such as those found in vinegar, orange juice, and other foods.
It is best to either use a dry mop or a damp cloth to clean the tiled floor. If you choose to vacuum instead, make sure that the wheels are smooth and made of rubber, as rough plastic or other hard materials could scratch the finish.
Another thing you should be aware of is if the vacuum has an auto assist that turns the wheels and makes it easier to use on carpet; this function should be turned off on these types of floors because if not, the wheels will spin and leave black marks on the floor.
Another option to clean travertine is a cleaner that is specifically made for this floor. For those of you who really like to clean a lot, you should be aware that cleaning the travertine tiles too much isn’t good, as it may reduce the beauty of the tiles.
The main thing to remember is that you don’t have to put in too much effort into cleaning the tiles. For the floor to maintain its elegance and beauty, just use light strokes and do not delay the cleaning of the floor. In the areas that have a lot of traffic, you can further protect the floor by using mats and throw rugs, but when doing so, you should first check with the manufacturer to be sure that the back of the rug won’t damage the floor.
It is necessary to install the travertine tiles onto a completely flat surface that is free of debris to get the best effect. As this is a premium product, buying a premium package is always the best way to ensure you are getting what you want.
If you buy the cheap version, the quality isn’t guaranteed. This product is something that should last long, so you should get a quality package to achieve the results that you’ve always wanted. When looking for the best overall value, which includes high quality travertine along with a reasonable price, it is recommended that you search on the Internet or seek the help of a trusted company.
Whether you are in Australia or elsewhere, this stone is among the favourites of many. If you are looking for a distributor, Décor Stone is one of the top distributors in Australia that offer stone wall cladding, travertine flooring tiles, and other similar products.