Travertine Tile Basics

Learn about the history of travertine
tile, how travertine is formed, different ways that travertine is cut,
surface finishes for travertine tile, popular uses for travertine tile,
a checklist to consider when buying travertine tile

Travertine Tile: Classical Tile in the Modern Age

Travertine tile is a durable and attractive natural stone in a class by
itself. Famous structures like the Roman Coliseum stand as a
tribute to the long-lasting nature of travertine as a building
material. There are many installers and DIYers today who have
used travertine tile as both flooring and as wall tile who will also
sing its praises as a practical and uniquely decorative addition to
their interiors and exteriors. So, travertine tile has been used
and relied upon as tile for thousands of years, holding a place in the
development of civilization from the Ancient Greeks, to the Roman
Empire, and onto todays modern age in equal measure. But what are some
of the defining characteristics of travertine which sets it apart from
other natural stone flooring and tile options?


Origins of travertine


Travertine is related to marble, actually falling somewhere between
marble and limestone in terms of its development over thousands of
years. Travertine is formed by subterranean springs, underground
rivers, and other water sources. These water sources carry
mineral elements such as calcium carbonate that build up over long
periods of time in the same way stalactites and stalagmites in caves
are formed. The resultant stone is a smooth and very hard substance
further characterized by its porous surface. These pores are the
result of gases escaping as the travertine is formed. By the time
it is quarried, travertine is naturally beautiful a smooth, dense
stone that exhibits a notable creamy color that evokes a certain
old-world refinement. gemonly found in Italy and Turkey,
travertine remains to be a popular import for construction products all
over the world, including North America.




Processing travertine tile


Travertine is removed from the earth in large blocks before it is cut
into what can be recognized as travertine tile. It may be cut in
any of the following ways:

Cross-cut The travertine is cut with the grain of
the stone bedding and on the same layer as it is formed in the
earth. This makes for a more uniform texture and color
Vein cut the travertine is cut across several
layers of the stone bedding, making for a more mottled, tiger-stripe
effect when cut into tiles




After the travertine is quarried, it is strictly selected for color
variances, and further assessed after it is cut for holes and chipped
edges. Beyond the selection process, the travertine may be
subject to any of the following processes

Honed the surface of the tile is sanded to create a matte finish

Tumbled the travertine is literally tumbled with
gravel and bearings, giving it a rough-hewn, aged appearance

Brushed a wire brush is used to give the surface of the travertine tile a worn, textured surface

Filled The pores in the travertine tile are
filled with colored resin or cement to produce a pristine, solid
surface.

Polished the travertine is sanded and polished, producing a shiny look




Popular uses of travertine tile


As old an option as travertine tile is for a sturdy and reliable building material,
travertine tile remains to be a highly diverse natural stone, suitable
for all kinds of applications. Travertine was used in the ancient
world, but can also be found as a major geponent of many modern
buildings such as the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, and the UCLA medical
centre. Travertine tile is used as floor tile in both residential and
gemercial settings, as well as a decorative option for wall cladding
and backsplashes. Travertine tile has both indoor and outdoor
uses, being a durable stone, and can be both functional and
aesthetically striking. A featured design element of which anyone
would find to be a source of pride, the popularity of travertine seems
to be undiminished. In fact, its getting more popular!




A selected travertine tile checklist:


Do your research! Ask questions of the experts
the salespeople, local tile installers, owners of travertine tile, and
other sources. They can help you make an informed purchase.
Knowledge is the best means of achieving the results you want.

Consider where you wish to install your travertine
tile; what kind of conditions will it need to be able to withstand?
Foot traffic and moisture levels should be the most obvious
considerations, as well as any spillage or staining problems that may
arise from your young children or pets.

With the location in mind, think about the issue of
finish. This should help you to choose the kind of finish that
would be the most suitable. Tumbled or brushed travertine tile
may answer the slip-resistance question. But honed or polished
may meet your visual requirements. Weigh the pros and cons,
always balancing visuals with practicality.

Choose an appropriate sealer. This is an
important step regardless of which type of travertine tile you
choose. Consult the experts your local retailers of stone
products can help with this on which products are best for your
particular choice in travertine tile. As always, follow the
instructions on any the labels of any products you do buy to make sure
you get the results youre after.

When you finally get your travertine, expect there
to be slight color variances. Despite the fact that there has
already been a selection process for color variation, travertine tile
is still a natural product with varying degree of minerral deposits
from tile to tile. But you can use this to your advantage. Open
all boxes and try a dry run using all of the tiles in your batch.
Be creative!

Read your warranty before you start your installation.
Check for any broken tiles, take pictures if you have to, and work out
any shipping damage issues with your seller before its too late to
resolve them.

Travertine tile offers subtle yet rich tones to any interior or
exterior, as well as a level of long-lasting durability which makes it
a reliable material as well as a decorative one. A travertine
tile installation links your interior or exterior with a architectural
tradition that goes back thousands of years, as well a linking it to an
ongoing tradition likely to last for thousands more!