Travertine is classified as a sedimentary stone and is a part of the limestone family. Very typically found as classic paving, flooring, and architectural elements throughout history. Furthermore, travertine is a much desired and accepted fixture in the modern marketplace. Country Floors makes a diligent in offering a noteworthy collection of contemporary travertine. Italy, Turkey, and Peru have the most quarries. The most popular type is Roman Travertine from Tivoli Rome. Many monuments in Italy use this stone. Also, the Ivory quarry in Turkey has highly sought after.
Natural crevices in this sedimentary rock are common, and it provides a very rustic stone feel. These holes can be filled or left natural. This material can be filled and polished, filled and honed, or brushed. There are two ways of cutting this stone. The cross-cut is cut against the quarry and has circular big open veins. Vein cut is with the river bed, and veins are linear. Vein cut tiles are better with rectangular sizes like 12x24. Some of the most common sizes are square tiles like 18x18, or 24x24 as well as slabs. Also, mosaics are used by many designers to add character and functionality.
Your shower floors, shower tiles, and backsplashes are ideal for travertine mosaics. Travertine pavers are the most economical material for outside areas like pool decks, patios, and swimming pools. Stone pavers can be convenient and economical. Tumbled pavers are an excellent surface for a non-slippery surface for pool areas.
History And Background
Travertine tile has a long history of design and architectural use. Travertine, which is classified as a sedimentary stone and is a part of the limestone family, was first used in great quantities at least as long ago as the time of the Roman Empire. Many of the most famous Roman structures, such as the Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, were built almost entirely out of travertine. Travertine served not just as a primary building material in the ancient world but also as the source of paving and flooring tile, not unlike the products that Country Floors offers.
Some sources suggest that the very word travertine is etymologically related to the name of the Roman town Tibur, now called Tivoli. Even today, much of the best travertine in the world is quarried in or near Tivoli, Italy. High-quality travertine is also sourced from Turkey and Peru, among other places.
Travertine tile is naturally highly dynamic in its texture. Natural crevices in this sedimentary rock are common and provide a very rustic look. For a sleeker and more elegant look, this material can be filled and polished, filled and honed, or brushed.
There are two ways of cutting this stone. The cross-cut is cut against the quarry and has large, open, circular veins. Vein-cut is cut parallel to the river bed, and veins are linear. Vein-cut tiles are better with rectangular sizes like 12x24. Some of the most common sizes are square tiles like 18x18 or 24x24, as well as slabs. Many designers also construct mosaics from tiles of various sizes for additional aesthetic complexity.
Uses of Travertine Tile
Travertine is well-suited to a huge variety of applications. As noted above, it can fit into rustic or modern designs depending on the way that the tile is prepared and finished.
Travertine floor tile is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Travertine wall tile works well in dining rooms (both domestic and commercial), hotel lobbies, office spaces, and more.
Travertine floor tile is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Travertine wall tile works well in dining rooms (both domestic and commercial), hotel lobbies, office spaces, and more.Your shower floors, shower tiles, and backsplashes are ideal for travertine mosaics. A travertine tile backsplash, especially with the visual texture of a mosaic, can really stand out against your kitchen walls and anchor the entire space.
Travertine pavers are the most economical material for outside areas like pool decks, patios, and swimming pools. Stone pavers can be convenient and economical. Tumbled pavers are an excellent choice for providing for a non-slippery surface for pool areas while still prioritizing quality design.
Travertine Tile Installation and Maintenance
Travertine can be installed on any clean dry surface. Concrete slab needs to be crack-free before travertine tiles are installed on it, so any cracks should be filled and repaired prior to laying tile. Wooden subfloor must be dry and structurally sound.
It is recommended that you layout your travertine tiles before installation and experiment with different patterns. No two units of natural stone tile are alike, and travertine especially is a stone with many variations of color and texture. The more time you take to make sure each piece visually complements every other piece around it prior to installation, the more satisfied you’re sure to be with your new travertine tile surface!
Install with a white thin-set and seal with a high-quality sealer. Enhancing sealers can change the color of the stone, so make sure to try them out on a piece of sample tile first to make sure you like the change. If you don’t want the darkening effect of enhancing sealers, make sure to select a natural sealer.
Travertine is a softer stone, much like marble. For this reason, it does require more careful maintenance than a harder natural stone like granite or an engineered stone like quartz tile. Still, travertine is a unique material, unlike any other stone or tile. If you love the look of travertine like we do, the extra maintenance is worth it every time!