Why is travertine flooring worth considering for your home or office?

• diverse style options


• simple installation


• durability


• beauty

The reasons to avoid travertine

• unsealed stone is reactive with acidic products


• polished travertine is slippery when wet

Travertine is created when minerals are disintegrated in ground water which is brought to the surface by geysers, rivers, or springs. If limestone is placed under immense pressure for a long time, it becomes travertine. Travertine placed under pressure for a long time becomes marble. Marble is better than travertine which is better than limestone.

Manufacturers of travertine tile flooring cut the stones into thin tiles and then put a finish on the tiles. There are four basic finishes for travertine flooring tiles.

1. Polished


2. Honed


3. Brushed


4. Tumbled

Polished tiles are shiny because the stone in polished until it is flat and smooth enough to catch and reflect light. Honed tiles have a matte finish, being polished just enough to create a flat, smooth surface. Brushed and tumbled tiles are textured.

The hardness of travertine is consistent with the hardness of other stone tile floors. Like marble, travertine can break, chip, and crack. In fact, shipping alone can result in breakage of a small percentage of floor tiles. Some manufacturers add sealant in order to increase travertine's durability;, unsealed travertine shouldn't be used in food is prep areas because it will absorb grease and food spills. For high-traffic areas, some experts suggest using travertine mosaic flooring because the smaller size of the stones can help prevent cracking as occasionally seen in larger tiles. In general, the travertine flooring tiles sold to customers have a Measurement of Hardness (MOH) rating of about three or four, which is comparable to marble.

Travertine has been used for thousands of years in building homes and buildings. The Romans first realized the use of travertine for flooring. Since it was less rare than marble, it made a perfect alternative for high traffic areas such as entranceway floors and stairs, where marble was less appropriate. Today, travertine is used for counter-tops, flooring, showers, and wall coverings.

Travertine does have a few disadvantages. The main problem with this stone is that it is porous and susceptible to acids when it is unsealed and unpolished. Even common things such as vinegar or orange juice can affect and stain your unsealed travertine flooring. For this reason, you may want to avoid unsealed travertine flooring in areas where you will prepare and serve food. Polished and sealed travertine, on the other hand, is considered durable and reliable. Since polished travertine is also very slippery when wet, you may wish to choose one of the other finishes for the floor and bathroom.

The main advantage of travertine is its beauty. The stone comes in many beautiful colors -- including ivory, beige, walnut, and gold -- that can add to the beauty of any room. Travertine stone flooring that has been polished and sealed is easy to clean and is considered to be both hygienic and environmentally friendly. This type of prepared travertine can help contribute to the air quality of your home as it does not absorb odors, chemicals, or gases. Dirt stays on the surface of the sealed stone, rather than being ground in, and can easily be removed.

If you want a unique and beautiful flooring option for your home, travertine flooring is an excellent choice. It is environmentally friendly, decorative, and a quality investment.