Pros, Cons, and Installation Tips for Travertine Tiles

Publication date : 25. September 2020 Shana Yuri

Modern interior design often has a smooth and shiny look. However, the addition of rustic elements can give your home a unique charm. Travertine tiles are an excellent material for creating a classic Italian look in any room.

Despite the pros and cons of travertine tiles, they have good potential as a classic, distinctive and environmentally friendly material.

Are you interested in a travertine tile installation? Here’s what you need to know about this tile.

A. What is a travertine tile?

@billow_hyperbetter

Travertine tiles originate from Italy and their name is associated with the Tiber River. Indeed, travertine is formed by mineral deposits that accumulate over time. The result is a tile surface that looks porous and finely textured, although it can be polished for a smoother appearance.

Many classical baths, Roman gardens and even the famous Colosseum in Italy used travertine in their constructions, which contributed to their unique look.

Travertine tiles are now available for modern bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens. They come in a variety of sizes, from large floor tiles to small back splashes.

Yet the characteristics have remained the same. Travertine is porous and light because pockets and holes are created by carbon dioxide.

Also read: 22 soil types : How to choose one for a better home

B. Travertine type

ambertiles.com.au

There are four types of travertine tiles that you can find on the market today. That’s it:

1. Ugly travertine

Loose travertine tiles have slightly rounded edges as a result of tumbling, whereby the stones are assembled in a tumbling machine.

The surface is usually matte, with an antique look and visible textures. Corrugated travertine tiles are very popular in outdoor areas such as patios, driveways and swimming pools.

2. Polished travertine

Polished travertine goes through the steps of filling, sealing and polishing, giving it a smooth, shiny appearance. Unlike traditional travertines, polished tiles are more resistant to water. But they get slippery when wet.

3. Polished travertine

Many people like soft travertine because it combines the best of brushed and polished varieties. It has a matte finish and is not smooth, but still looks fairly polished.

4. Brushed Travertine

Pure travertine gets its name from the brushing process that creates a matte finish. It can have a regular square shape or a fold-out frame.

Each of these types of tiles creates a unique look, but their characteristics make them suitable for certain areas. The smooth and polished type is ideal as a backsplash for travertine tiles, for example, but is not suitable for outdoor use.

Sanded and polished floors are ideal for interior flooring, including bathroom floors.

C. Advantages and disadvantages of travertine tiles

@ Stone Floors

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of travertine tiles:

1. Timeless views

The main attraction of travertine tiles is their antique and timeless appearance. The polish looks shiny, but can lose its shine after a few years. However, this does not affect the appearance and your tile will have an even more beautiful antique look.

2. Ideal for different design styles

Travertine tiles are suitable for a variety of designs, from classic to traditional to modern. You can use them as the main floor, walls or accents in a room. You can also choose different types of tiles to achieve a certain look.

3. Resists temperature changes

Travertine does not change temperature quickly, so it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot. It doesn’t seem frozen in the winter or warm in the summer.

4. Easy to set up and assemble

Travertine is not particularly smooth, but it is easier to cut than z. say, marble, granite or ceramic. If you have a room with odd angles, curved surfaces, or anything that requires tile adjustment, you can cut travertine tiles more easily.

5. not strong enough

Travertine, while beautiful, is not what you are looking for if you want durability. The porous structure is susceptible to damage, especially when the boards are installed as flooring in a high-traffic area.

If you need a more durable material, you will have to pay extra for sealing. This can significantly increase the cost of travertine tiles.

6. Limited shades and tints

Because travertine comes from mineral deposits, its nuances are generally limited to the shades and colors of the earth. They are perfect if you like earthy tones in your designs, but can be a bit limiting if you want to let your ideas run wild.

7. Requires quick cleaning and regular sealing

The porous nature of travertine quickly absorbs anything spilled on it. As soon as you spill juice, milk, wine or oil on the surface, you need to clean it quickly.

You should also apply putty regularly if your tiles are really porous. Otherwise, marks and etchings will appear on the floor, wall or back.

In short, travertine is ideal for a relatively dry and little frequented area. Nevertheless, some travertine tiles are suitable for showers, dry bathrooms or kitchens, for example. Just choose the type of tile that retains its original condition longer.

D. Tips for caring for travertine tile

@olivialewis_designstudios

Travertine tiles require regular maintenance to retain their shape. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Combination of different tiles of the same shade

The limited color shades require you to be creative when installing travertine tiles. By combining different tile sizes, you can achieve different effects.

For example, if you want to build a minimalist travertine shower, use smaller tiles for the floor (for better adhesion) and larger tiles for the walls.

2.tile properly sealed .

If you are installing travertine tiles yourself, make sure the surface is properly sealed. The porous surface needs a good sealer to prevent damage.

3. Retain the acidic substance of the tile

When using travertine tile as a backsplash or kitchen floor, be careful of acidic substances or spills. Wine, orange juice or lemon juice and vinegar can leave a permanent stain on the surface (even if you clean them quickly). Do not choose cleaning products that contain acid.

The only time you should not use these tiles is if you have a lot of small children, cats or dogs in your home. Travertine is beautiful, but it is not a suitable tile for a home with a high risk of stains.

Travertine tiles are beautiful in a subtle and earthy way, and are perfect for adding classic elements even in a modern home.

Travertine is also environmentally friendly and has a unique porous texture, making it less slippery and resistant to temperature fluctuations.

However, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of travertine tiles and compare them to the condition of your home before you decide to install them.

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