2016 Guide for Travertine Tile Major Pros and Cons

We would like to begin our article with the technical definition of travertine stone. Before learning about the major pros and cons of travertine tile in detail, it would be useful to have an idea about what it is. Travertine is a type of limestone which forms around mineral spring deposits. Some people would rather call it limestone; yet, it would be a really narrow-minded approach to call this stone only limestone. In technical vocabulary, travertine might also be called calcium carbonate.

When minerals dissolve in the groundwater and get moved by natural springs and rives above the ground, travertine is created. It forms large block and taken from quarries and cut down into smaller blocks for more practical loading and unloading processes.

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Major Pros and Cons of Travertine Tile

Here comes the tricky part! Now it is time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of travertine tiles. Yes, we have said that variety of color and style is a great advantage and there are a number of benefits that can go far and far beyond simplistic style. Also, it is possible to say that travertine tiles can be a great investment for your home because of the fact that it can add value.

But, are there any disadvantages? Yes, our dear readers, there are some disadvantages that we need to talk about. Because as a homeowner, you need to be aware of all the good sides and bad sides about travertine tiles, and then you should make a choice about it. Are you ready? Let’s get started with the summary infographic.

Major Pros of Travertine Tile

Travertine Tiles are Cheaper Than Marble or Granite Tiles

You might first think about adding the touch of marble or granite to your bathroom or kitchen for a classical look. Yes, we know that marble and granite tiles can look incredibly enchanting for flooring. However, the cost is always a point that you need to take into consideration for choosing any tile for flooring.

No worries: travertine tiles can give almost the same look as the marble or granite tiles and it is away cheaper than the other alternatives. If you are on a budget yet still want the perfect look for either interior or exterior designs, you should definitely try travertine tiles.

Travertine Tiles are Available in Various Color and Tone Alternatives

As we have already mentioned, travertine is a stone which is available in several different colors and tones. You will be enchanted by the perfect look of travertine tile alternatives when you see them. The options are almost endless and it is all up to your imagination. Also, travertine comes with polished, matte, brushed or tumbled finishes.

And remember that polished finish is the best alternative for flooring because the polished travertine tiles will reflect the natural light and give a shiny and fresh atmosphere. So to say, you can get the perfect look by paying less if you choose travertine.

Travertine Tiles are Very Durable, Which Can Add Value to Your Homes

Travertine tiles are very durable (water and moisture resistant). All you need to do is to give them a good care and maintain properly. They do not crack easily when you handle it with care. This enables you to keep the good condition of the house for long years. This is the value that travertine adds: your house will always be new thanks to travertine tiles.

Since travertine is natural stone, it might have holes on it. But these holes get bigger and deeper in time and ruin the perfect look of the flooring. Travertine tiles will look good for long years as long as you give the proper care to them.

Replacing Travertine Tile is a Piece of Cake

It is true that travertine is a durable stone. But that does not mean that nothing would ever happen to it. Accidents can happen and after a few years of using travertine, it might be damaged or ruined.

Since travertine has several variations, it is highly possible for you to find not the same but very similar looking tiles. You can replace the damaged tiles with the new one with matching tone or color, and there you go. No one would be able to notice the difference.

Travertine Tiles are Very Environmentally Friendly

Travertine is the type of stone which is more eco-friendly than the other materials (compared to porcelain). Since travertine tiles do not have to go through the manufacturing process, it is a perfect option for those who favor the “Going Green” trend.

Major Cons of Travertine Tile

Travertine Sas a Porous Structure

This is maybe the most important con of travertine material. This stone tends to be extremely porous since it naturally has many holes in it. This means that it is very easy for a surface to wear or tear in the long run. Even though these holes are small, they are easily noticeable, which can be a disadvantage for those who do not like such appearances. You should give travertine floors a regular care for filing the holes. You need to spend more time to care for. Powders, sealants or polishing products might be used accordingly.

Travertine Tiles are Highly Reactive to Acidic Substances

If you accidently spill orange or lemon juice on the travertine tiles, there is always a risk of a permanent stain. You should be really careful while using travertine tiles if you have small kids or you need to think twice if you plan to use travertine tiles to decorate your restaurant or kitchen.

You Should Not Use Vinegar or Salt For Cleaning Travertine Tiles

We all know that natural cleaning agents are always better than the chemical ones. But, you should pay attention here. Due to the acidic and harsh content of vinegar and salt, you cannot use them for cleaning travertine. The porous structure of travertine tiles directly suck up the vinegar, which will probably leave a permanent stain. Therefore, you need to pay a little bit more for cleansing agents if you are using travertine tiles in your homes.

Travertine Tiles Tend to be Heavier

If you are dreaming of an easy and quick installation process, travertine tiles might not be the best option for you. These tiles naturally tend to be heavy, in other words, it would be difficult and time-consuming to install them. Also, you need to think about the transportation of the tiles; from the store where you buy them to your house. The transportation fee, therefore, might be a little bit expensive than normal.

What is the intended use of travertine?

As you might guess, travertine is a type of a stone which is frequently used in floor tiling. This stone is generally preferred for the tiling of the areas such as kitchen, bathroom or exterior paving thanks to its high level of durability. This is why travertine stone has been used for thousands of years especially in Anatolia and Southern parts of Europe with decorative and architectural purposes.
Travertine tiles have become very popular in recent years since it has a unique beauty. Most of the people think that travertine is a luxury and elegant flooring itemto add a sense of beauty in every corner of a place. In addition to tiling, travertine is also used for countertops, backsplashes and other surface areas requiring tiling.

Main Usage Areas of Travertine Tiles

Hallways and corridors

Travertine is the best option if you would like to add a sense of luxury to your foyer or hallway. This stone is known for its unique and uneven qualities, and this makes travertine look very elegant for both modern and classical design ideas. Travertine is the material that can create a rustic, but a sophisticated look to your hallway.

Bathroom

Did we mention that travertine has been a building material for bathrooms for centuries? Dating back centuries ago, people had discovered that travertine was a magical building material for bathroom decorations. And here is a healthy and elegant tip for you: if you set the travertine tiles on a diagonal, you can achieve enchanting diamond geometry in your shower. And if you prefer the natural matte finish for the tiles, your bathroom will make you feel like you are living in a palace.

Kitchen

The options of using travertine tiles in your kitchen are endless. You are the one to create any design you desire with travertine. Either on backsplashes, countertops or flooring, it is certain that travertine will create a totally different atmosphere for your kitchen. Use your imagination and consider all that variety and colors of travertine. It is all up to you…

Exterior Design

If you think that you can use travertine only for indoor decorations, we can tell you that you are totally wrong. Travertine is used to beautify your outdoor areas, as well. You can use travertine tiles for garden pathways, decorative exterior walls or swimming pool decking. Since travertine, like many other natural stones, is very durable against heat, it is a good idea to use it for exterior decorations. No need to mention that it will age so beautifully with time.

Travertine Tile Colors and Styles

One of the components which comprise of travertine is iron. Iron is the element which causes travertine to form in many different earth colors such as different tones of brown, beige, tan, reddish, gold, ivory, and other white shaded colors.

The variations and patterns on travertine mainly depend on the minerals and impurities found in any specific section of the stone and as we already mention, on particularly how much iron that the stone contains. So to say, it can be said that it is nearly impossible to find two travertine tiles looking the same. This can be considered as an advantage and we are going to talk about it later on in this article.

Apart from its natural color variations, travertine also comes in different types of finishes; polished, matte, brushed, and tumbled. If you prefer polished travertine tiles, you should take the fact that it might look like marble stone into consideration. And note that brushed or tumbled travertine tile has a more antiqued look, which most of the people prefer for especially indoor decorations.

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