Travertine Tile Source

Travertine tile is a unique tile that is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then being deposited on the earth’s surface by rivers, natural springs, or geysers. It comes in a variety of colors that differ depending on iron compounds or organic impurities. These colors include ivory, beige, walnut, and gold.

What is nice about this tile is that there are also four different types of tiles available, which are polished, honed, brushed, or tumbled. Each texture offers a very different look and feel for your floor. Polished and honed surfaces are smooth and shiny while the brushed or tumbled surface does not reflect as much light and is textured. The most commonly used method used for travertine tile is honed (matte) but each offers a unique quality to match with your tastes.

Travertine tile has been utilized more and more in recent years and is commonly used for flooring, showers, wall coverings, and cladding on buildings. It is important to keep in mind that travertine is a natural stone and reacts to a variety of external sources. Though sealant can help protect the tile, it is important to consider this when deciding where to install this style of tile.

One benefit of using this type of stone tile is that they are much easier to work with as they are easier to cut than other stones which can help when installing it in places that have odd sized corners. This tile is extremely durable and often resembles marble. Travertine is part of the limestone family and it is not as durable as marble or granite and stains more easily as well. If you wipe of spills when they occur, stains will not be a big issue and never use vinegar or citric acid-based products for cleaning because these acids will cause further stain to the tiles. The up-keep for travertine tiles may appear more cumbersome than other tiles but remember the value-add you are getting when using travertine; a look that is head turning!

It is possible to install travertine flooring yourself but it is wise to take your time and be patient with the process as well. Prior to installation, it is important to think about the surface you plan to install your travertine floor tiles. Consider the outside elements that may come into contact with the tiles to make sure the tiles will not be compromised once they are installed. Foot traffic and moisture levels should be considered which can help you determine how you want your surface to be finished. Tumbled and brushed tiles will offer more slip-resistant flooring, while polished surfaces may be more slippery.

First, think about how you want your tile laid out on the floor. Travertine floors are natural and each tile has slight differences in shape and color, so you must first create a floor plan for how you want to lay out the tiles. Once that is established you will use a thin set mortar to securely glue down each tile. Be sure to leave space in between each tile for grout and wait at least 24 hours for the tiles to dry before applying the grout.

Sand grout is the preferred type to use for this type of installation. The grout holds each tile in places to avoid slipping of the tiles. When placing the grout into the spaces between tiles take your time to make sure each space is filled evenly. Afterward, using a dowel is a great way to manipulate the grout to make sure it is neatly in place. Grout also comes in a variety of colors which allows you to be creative when choosing the color to match with your tiles. You can choose a color that will blend in with the tiles or decide to go with a color that will stand out.

Sealant is a necessity when using travertine tiles because they do stain more easily than other tiles. To make sure the tiles are securely in place, wait about 30 days before applying the sealant. Also, spend some extra time applying the sealant to the grout as that is the most common area for discoloration.

Travertine tiles offer a sophisticated and gorgeous option for flooring, showers, counter tops, or even walls. Though travertine is a bit more susceptible to stains, that fact does not over shadow the pure beauty and uniqueness of this style of flooring. Travertine offer richness in color and tone while also offering durability and a lasting solution to flooring or other surfaces.