| The classic aged look of tumbled stone will warm your home. A polished or honed travertine becomes a bit more formal but yet, it's still inviting. The soft earthy hues of this natural stone truly keep it in tune with nature.
Travertine stone is a form of limestone. It often forms near hot bubbly mineral rich springs. Gas bubbles become trapped and create a pitted surface on the stone. These pitted surfaces can be filled with an epoxy or dust resin. Filling the small holes and pits gives the travertine a more finished look. A refined beauty. The stone surface can also be left in its natural state with the small holes and pits unfilled. This is a warmer aged look which will acquire a beautiful patina over time. Leaving the stone unfilled will affect the durability. It will stain and attract dirt much easier than a filled travertine.
This is a calcareous stone. It is highly reactive to the acids found in lemons, vinegar, alcohol, etc. These acids will etch the stone by leaving marks and rings. Similar to limestone, travertine also varies in hardness, density, and porosity. Some travertine stones are harder than others.
It is usually a more porous stone than marble and needs to be sealed. If left untreated it will soak up liquids and water.
This is also a softer natural stone. It will scratch. It's not as soft as soapstone but it can't compete with the hardness of granite. Travertine comes in all different sizes, from small mosaics, to 36"x36" tiles, to large heavy slabs.
Travertine colors are in warm earthy tones. From the softest ivories to the palest creams. Rich shades of golden honey and silvery greens to deep mocha browns. Travertine never appears as one solid color. The color tones vary and veins or bands of contrasting color run throughout the stone. No two stones or tiles are alike.
If you plan to tile with travertine, lay out all the tiles first. This will help with the flow of color and veining. It will give you a feel for the stone.
What is travertine stone used for? It is used for interior walls such as backsplashes. There are travertine sinks, floors, mosaic tiles, statuary, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, vanities, and end tables. It's also used for accessories such as light switch plates, trim, vases, and coasters.
Travertine can be used for countertops but it's not recommended. It scratches, stains, and absorbs liquids easier than other natural stones. If you plan to use travertine for your countertop, make sure it is a harder and less porous stone. It works well for flooring and smaller spaces. This stone seems to open up small areas and makes them feel more spacious and airy.
The surface finishes for travertine stone vary. Not all travertines are capable of the polished/high gloss finish. Only the harder types. This stone will never achieve the same glossy finish as a granite will. A honed finish is the most popular type of finish. It's not a shiny and reflective finish. More of a matte or a sheen finish. Tumbled travertine makes the stone appear scuffed, weathered , or aged. Talk to your fabricator/installer about the different types of finishes they may provide.
Creating a unique look with travertine stone is simple. Mix and match with other natural stones for a more dramatic look and feel. Or, use it alone for sheer simplicity. This natural stone will give you years of beauty to enjoy. Using travertine stone is only limited by your imagination and a little common sense. |
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