Everything You Need to Know About Travertine: From the Basics and Beyond

Travertine

Travertine is a natural stone that you can use to give your home a unique look. It has been used for centuries in ancient architecture and today, people are still using it for many different purposes such as flooring, countertops, and wall cladding. In this post, we will explore what travertine is and how it differs from limestone among other things. We'll also take a close look at the two most popular types of travertine and offer some tips on installation so that you know everything there is to know about installing this beautiful stone in your home!

Travertine is a type of limestone that can be found in various locations around the world such as Italy, Turkey, or Iran. You will find travertine in four basic styles or textures: brushed, honed, polished, and tumbled. It forms when calcium carbonate and magnesium are deposited on other rocks like sandstone and granite.

When these minerals continue to form layers they create what we know today as travertine. This natural type of stone is like granite in the kitchen or marble in the bathroom.

Difference Between Travertine And Limestone

Travertine and limestone are often confused. Travertine It is a type of limestone made of calcite. As this is a soft stone, it may not be good for flooring. Hence, it is used for building facades or cladding. Talking about limestone, it is rugged and durable. The main problem with limestone is, it scratches and stains easily.

Travertine is formed in hot, humid environments with a lot of water available while limestone forms in dry or semi-humid places like caves. Limestone often contains fossils that can be found embedded within the stone which makes it great for things like sculptures. Travertine has a more natural look with veins of lighter and darker colors running through it.

Where Can Travertine Be Used For? Where Can You Install It?

Travertine is a versatile stone used for many purposes. It's often found as flooring, countertops, and wall cladding but it also has applications in landscaping such as waterfalls or pools due to its porous nature. One of the most popular uses for travertine today may be bathroom tile because of how durable it is and how easy to maintain.

Travertine is often found in homes that have a more traditional design. It can be installed anywhere from the floors to wall cladding but it's also popular for things like bathrooms, fireplaces, and fountains due to its durability.

1. Travertine on Backsplashes:

One of the most popular ways to use travertine is on your backsplash. It comes in many different colors and textures which means you can create a custom look for your kitchen that fits with its style! You might also be surprised by how easy it is to install too- simply cut it according to size, apply adhesive and let it dry!

2. Travertine on Fireplace:

Another great way to use travertine is for your fireplace. It can be used as a veneer or you may install it on the whole surface if you're interested in an all-natural look. You'll want to make sure that there are no areas that could catch fire when installing this stone so consult with a professional before purchasing or installing.

3. Travertine On Benchtops:

It's not just for floors anymore. Travertine is a beautiful stone that can be used on your countertops too! You'll want to make sure you install it in the right way because it does have some weight- so take measurements and ask questions before purchasing or installing anything!

4. Travertine On Wall & Floors:

You might not even realize this but travertine can be used on your walls and floors too! On the floor, it's often installed in a herringbone pattern to give you that traditional look. It also makes for beautiful wall cladding when paired with another stone like limestone or marble. When looking at travertine as a cladding, you'll want to make sure that it's installed with a spoiler or metal strip in between the stones for protection.

5. Travertine on Outdoors Spaces:

Some people might not know this but travertine can also be used for outdoor purposes like pathways, landscaping, and waterfalls! It's a porous stone which means it has the ability to absorb water so make sure you dry off any wet surfaces before adding another coat. You'll want to use an epoxy or acrylic sealant if you want to protect the stone from rain.

Two Most Popular Types Of Travertine

There are many types of travertine to choose from but the two most popular ones might be either navona or silver.

1. Travertine Navona:

This is one of the most popular types and it's also known as "terre d'ombra" or earth shadow in Italian. It's often used for flooring but its beautiful veining makes it ideal for a backsplash too! It is ideal for bathrooms, walls, floors, slabs, and tiles.

2. Travertine Silver:

Another stunning variety, this type has been around since 1990 and is sometimes referred to as "Mont Blanc" or white mountain in Italian. This is an chic looking stone. It's perfect for any outdoor spaces like waterfalls and landscaping because of its durability!

Different Finishes Of Travertine

The finishes available for travertine are a key part of what makes this stone so unique.

1. Unfilled Travertine:

Unfilled is the most natural option and it includes a more porous surface that will take on stains. It also has some texture so if you're worried about slip-ups, this might be for you!

2. Filled Travertine:

Filled is another popular option and it's more durable than un-filled because it includes a sealant that will prevent stains. This stone usually comes in one color but you may also find some variation of browns, grays, or whites with this type too!

3. Finished Travertine:

If you want your travertine to be a bit more shiny, you can choose finished. It's the most difficult option but also one of the most beautiful.

How Do I Care For Travertine In My Home?

Travertine is a stone that requires very little maintenance on the surface but it does require regular cleaning and sealing to keep its natural look. That's what makes it great for residential spaces. Hence, you do not have to spend long hours on cleaning and maintenance. It's important to clean travertine regularly with soap and water, then seal it periodically every year or two depending on use.

Article Updated:- March 01, 2022

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