Travertine has been an important building material since the Middle Ages due to its abundance and accessibility. Generally formed around hot springs deposits, travertine is abundant throughout the world with the majority of U.S. imports coming from Mexico, Portugal and Turkey. Travertine has been used as a cost-effective way to use natural stones in construction projects for hundreds of years. Travertine is used in architectural applications most appropriately as tile and stone cuts for walkways, flooring, and facades, but due to its decorative pitting, can be used purely for its decorative appeal.
Available as polished, filled and honed, tumbled, or chiseled and brushed manufacturing styles, travertine can be either “vein cut”, exposing linear patterns/veins similar to a tree cut vertically, or “cross cut”, exposing a more random, flowery pattern. For wet surfaces, select one of the latter styles of either tumbled or chiseled and brushed.
Travertine Flooring
Travertine flooring is popular with builders looking for a natural, outdoor look and feel, without the unnecessary over-indulgence that some other natural flooring materials lend themselves to. Tiles made from travertine are versatile indoors and out, making them ideal for consumers looking for an elegant look with a natural feel.
Although extremely useful in a variety of landscaping scenes including walkways and swimming pools, do not use this in an area that will be exposed to acidic spillage as it may cause irreversible harm.
Travertine Countertops
Countertops made of travertine slabs are a great choice for consumers looking to add a natural edge to their project. It’s especially handsome when used in backsplashes, and walls of kitchens, bathrooms and showers. Travertine has excellent reflective qualities and can be blended to create beautiful visual texturing to any installation. Consumers who do a lot of cooking and food prep at home may want to consider the properties of travertine, especially the fact that it is easily stainable with citric acid. Travertine that is in the form of slabs is primarily used for bathroom vanities, shower enclosures and fireplace surrounds, hearths and mantels.
Decorative Travertine Tile Applications
Travertine is one of the most frequently used stones in modern architecture. It is commonly used for façades, wall cladding, and flooring, but it also makes a distinctive light switch plate or light-use/decorative/non-acidic sink. This is a wonderful natural stone for anyone interested in gracing a home or business with an element of timeless elegance.
Give us a call if you have questions as to whether travertine is the right choice for your application.
