If you haven’t heard of travertine tile, you’re missing out on a beautiful tile and one of the most popular trends. If you’re looking for a tile that leaves your home looking elegant, polished, and is durable, this may be the one for you. Like all flooring types, there are pros and cons and with proper maintenance and care they will last for years, even decades.
Restoring travertine floors when needed will nurture the understated, neutral look with a sophisticated flare that you were drawn to in the first place.
It’s adaptable to nearly every design aesthetic depending on what you pair it with, drawing in an array of neutral looks. It’s a limestone that forms around mineral deposits formed in natural springs. It has a fibrous, marble-like texture that comes in beautiful earth-tone colors.
Below, we’ll cover what travertine floors are, how to care for them, and their pros and cons. If travertine already adorns your home, and your eye is wandering towards other options, a stone floor restoration specialists can help bring them back to life. So its wise to consider having them restored.
What Is Travertine Tile?
Travertine is a natural stone like granite or marble. Like granite and marble, it is unique in how it’s formed. The only place this tile is created is in mineral springs that come in various earthy tones, including tans, browns, rust, and beige hues. People choose to use it for both flooring and backsplash.
Styles and Textures Travertine Tile Is Available in
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- The brushed finish is created by a wire brush resulting in a matte finish.
- A honed finish is a subtly polished look between matte and glossy, giving it a subtle polished look.
- Tumbled travertine has rounded corners and edges with an aged, antique look. It offers good traction but will need sealing against stains. If you plan to install tile in high-traffic areas, you don’t want to choose this finish.
- Polished travertine has a glossy shine that’s been polished until it’s smooth. It’s strain-resistant but slippery when wet. You probably want to avoid installing this in bathrooms and kitchens.
Pros of Travertine Tile
Expense
Travertine tile is less expensive than other types of natural stone flooring.
Durability
These tiles are highly durable with proper treatment and maintenance. They hold up well to scratching, crack resistant. The tiles make an excellent choice for people with pets. If one of the tiles becomes damaged, they are simple to replace.
Antique appearance
It fits in with the most decor and comes in a wide range of color options and styles.
Easy to shape
If your home has awkwardly shaped areas, you can easily cut and shape them to fit in the spaces you need.
Increases your home’s value
Travertine tile will instantly increase the value of your home. If you’re planning on selling your home, this floor is one of the best choices.
Cons of Travertine Tile
Maintenance
To keep the tile stain resistant, it needs to be sealed during installation every three to five years.
Temperature
Like all natural stone flooring, it’s cold in the winter, but it’s also cool in the summer. It is slippery when wet.
Porous
The tiles are porous, which may show signs of wear and tear after a few years. You can prevent this if it’s properly sealed.
How to Clean Travertine Tile
As long as the flooring is sealed, cleaning it is simple. All you need to do is sweep it and simply mop it with a mild detergent and water.
Travertine Floor Installation
Like other stone tiles, travertine should be installed by a professional. Since the tiles are heavy, it’s essential to ensure there is some underlayment over the subfloor. Professionals will be able to inspect your flooring to determine if additional structural reinforcement is needed.
Once the underlayment is installed, they can lay down the stone tiles, and then grout is applied. Due to how hard these tiles are, a particular type of saw is needed to cut them. Professionals use a wet saw with a diamond blade.
Where You Can Use Travertine Tile
Travertine floor is exceptionally versatile and can be used in many different places. Some of the most popular are:
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- Flooring
- Backsplashes
- Countertops
- Pathways
- Pool decking
- Walls
Consider Restoring Travertine Floors
Travertine is a natural tile that is an excellent choice for many people, especially those on a budget. If you are looking for a stone that is elegant and has an antique feel, this may be the one for you.
Loving your floors makes a difference in how you feel about your home overall. So, if your stone floors are looking a bit spent, consider bringing them back to life by having them restored. A restored floor such as travertine is worth the expense and is much more cost effective than having it replaced.
If you have questions on floor restoration and how it improves your home, Contact Us! Restore -A- Floor in Brighton has been providing quality stone and tile restoration services for homes and businesses throughout Michigan for over 20 years. Our process is unique and produces the desired results you will admire for years to come.
Our services include grout and tile cleaning, color sealing, stain proofing and minor grout and tile repairs to restore your flooring and counter tops back to its original beauty. Call and speak to a specialist today! Free Estimates