Travertine tile is a timeless and elegant natural stone that can add beauty and value to any home. In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this gorgeous stone to help you decide if it is the right material for your next tile project.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a form of limestone that is formed by mineral springs. As the water flows up from the earth, it carries calcium carbonate and other minerals that get deposited on the surface, creating beautiful swirling patterns and a porous texture. This natural process results in a sophisticated looking stone that has been valued for centuries for both architectural and decorative uses.
Some key facts about travertine:
- Formed by mineral spring deposits over thousands of years
- Considered a type of limestone
- Has distinctive holey and pitted surface
- Colors range from white to tan to reddish brown
- Available in tile, slabs, and pavers
- Popular for flooring, walls, countertops, pools
- Quarried mainly in Italy and Turkey
- Used extensively in Roman architecture
Travertine’s ancient origins and natural beauty make it a cherished natural stone around the world. The stone’s cavities and textured surface give it a rustic, organic look that adds warmth wherever it’s installed.
Benefits of Travertine Tile
What makes travertine tile so coveted? Here are some of the top benefits that make it a luxurious and charming choice for homes:
Timeless, elegant appearance
The subtly rustic look of travertine tile has been valued for thousands of years and still looks fantastic in all types of home designs from traditional to modern. The natural swirls and holes create visual interest and texture. Travertine makes a space look upscale and expensive.
Natural material
As a natural stone formed by geological processes, no two pieces of travertine are exactly alike. This gives spaces a one-of-a-kind look and feel. Travertine’s organic origins make it an attractive option for eco-conscious homeowners.
Durable and long-lasting
Properly installed and maintained travertine tile can last for decades. While porous, it stands up well to foot traffic when sealed. The stone wears well over time and adds character as it ages.
Variety of options
From traditional tumbled tiles to large format tiles and ledger panels, travertine comes in a diverse array of sizes, finishes and colors. This versatility allows it to work in many designs and locations.
Resale value
Like other natural stone, travertine can increase a home’s resale value significantly. The material’s beauty and longevity make it appealing to potential buyers. Use on floors and walls can increase a home’s luxury factor.
Slip-resistance
Travertine has a naturally grippy, textured surface that provides more traction underfoot than very smooth stones. This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings prone to getting wet, like bathrooms, pool decks and patios. Proper sealing is important for improving traction.
With the look of a high-end antique and many practical advantages, it’s easy to see why travertine endures as a coveted material.
Travertine Tile Types
Travertine comes in several different types that vary in appearance, finish and formation. Understanding the options will help you select the best fit for your space:
Tumbled
Tumbled travertine goes through a finishing process where the tile edges are rounded off and the surface is polished. This gives a smooth, timeworn look. The tumbled finish also enhances traction. Popular for floors, patios and pool decks.
Honed
Honed travertine has a matte, smooth surface with the tile edges cut. Provides a more contemporary, sleek look than tumbled stone. Works well for modern designs. Durability makes it suitable for heavy traffic areas.
Brushed
Brushed travertine has a subtle scratched texture made by brushing the surface during finishing. This creates added visual interest and traction. Often has beveled tile edges. Frequently used for bathrooms, kitchens and other wet areas.
Vein cut
Vein cutting enhances the natural patterns and variations in travertine by cutting perpendicular to them. This dramatizes the striking veins and makes each piece stand out. Vein cut travertine has a very distinctive look.
Chiseled
Chiseled travertine goes through a labor-intensive hand-chiseled finishing process. Skilled stone artisans use chisels to finish each tile, creating an aged, timeworn appearance. One of the more expensive options.
Unfilled vs filled
Travertine is available both unfilled, showcasing the stone’s natural holes, and filled, where the holes are filled in during manufacturing for a smoother appearance. Unfilled is more rustic looking. Filled increases durability.
With this range of types, it’s easy to find a travertine that matches your style, whether sleek modern or old-world rustic charm.
Travertine Tile Colors
Travertine tile comes in an array of warm, welcoming hues that add natural beauty to residential and commercial spaces. The colors reflect minerals present when the stone formed and finishing techniques.
Common travertine colors include:
- Ivory – Light tan that works well with many design styles
- Gold – Rich, glowing yellow tones
- Walnut – Dark reddish-brown color like the wood
- Silver – More contemporary grey with brown hues
- Russet – Reddish and rust-orange tones
- Noce – Sophisticated dark brown
- Multicolor – Mix of ivory, tan, grey and brown shades
The color you choose can impact the overall look significantly. Ivory and gold give a brighter, lighter feel. Walnut and noce have an elegant, upscale look. Silver works well in modern spaces. Multicolor provides bold contrast.
Many companies also apply special finishes like tumbling, brushing or staining to alter the stone’s original look. This expands the available options.
Choosing colors that coordinate with your fixtures, furnishings and paint colors will give the most cohesive design. Travertine’s natural palette works well in many different interior design schemes.
Where to Use Travertine Tiles
One of the great advantages of travertine tile is its versatility. The stone can be used to create luxurious surfaces in many areas of residential and commercial settings, indoors and out.
Some of the most popular uses for travertine tile include:
Kitchens
Travertine provides an opulent yet welcoming look in kitchens. The stone’s durability holds up well to heavy use in this busy room. Travertine backsplashes make a beautiful accent.
Bathrooms
The texture and colors of travertine tile complement bathrooms. Travertine shower walls and tub/shower surrounds look upscale. Use slip-resistant tumbled or textured tiles on bathroom floors.
Entryways
Make a grand first impression with travertine tile in an entry foyer or hallway. Complement with travertine thresholds at doorways.
Patios
Outdoor travertine patios surrounded by gardens or pools create a luxurious oasis for relaxing or entertaining. Tumbled travertine has traction for safety.
Pools
The stone’s water-resistant properties make travertine a great choice surrounding pools, hot tubs and water features. Travertine pool copings and pool decking have sophisticated style.
Driveways
For an impressive arrival, a travertine driveway commands attention. The natural stone also withstands vehicle traffic well with proper installation.
Fireplaces
Travertine fireplace surrounds create a stunning focal point, especially filled with colorful veins or patterns. Honed travertine makes a sleek surface for modern designs.
Foyers and hallways
Use travertine flooring in entryways, hallways and passages to create a cohesive look connecting rooms together elegantly.
Backsplashes
Travertine tile backsplashes in kitchens or baths provide a beautiful accent that complements countertops. Subway tile patterns look great.
With its elegance and resilience, travertine tile enhances both high-traffic areas and gathering spaces throughout homes and businesses.
How to Care for Travertine Tile
While a durable natural stone, travertine tile does require some ongoing maintenance to look its best and achieve long lifespan. Follow these care tips:
- professional installation is highly recommended to get proper subfloor prep, layout and grout joints.
- Seal travertine with a penetrating sealer to protect from stains and etching. Re-seal every 1-2 years.
- Use coaster and trivets to protect from hot items that can damage the stone surface.
- Clean spills promptly to prevent staining, especially from acidic substances like wine or juice.
- Use pH neutral cleaners for regular maintenance. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleansers.
- Vacuum or sweep travertine floors frequently to remove grit and debris that can scratch the surface.
- Consider periodic professional honing services to keep floors looking their best long-term.
- Inspect outdoors travertine for damage during freeze-thaw cycles or from use.
- Re-grout travertine as needed to prevent moisture issues in the subfloor.
With proper installation methods and ongoing care, travertine tiles can remain beautiful for decades of use.
Travertine Tile Prices
As a natural quarried stone, travertine tiles fall on the higher end of material costs. Prices vary based on:
Tile size – Large format travertine tiles (18×18 or larger) cost more per square foot than smaller mosaics.
Finish – Hand-finished options like tumbled, chiseled and vein cut increase cost. Honed and polished are cheaper.
Color – Premium colors like walnut and gold add expense compared to basic ivory and tan shades.
Origin – Travertine from Italy, Iran and Turkey command higher prices than Chinese or Mexican stone.
Grade – Commercial (top grade) has few flaws and most consistent sizing, so costs more than lesser grades.
Expect to pay $8-20 per square foot for most travertine tile, not including installation. High-end designer varieties with special finishes can cost $25-50 per square foot.
Travertine’s resale value and luxurious properties make it worthwhile for many homeowners as an investment. Proper installation also impacts overall cost.
Travertine Tile FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about travertine tile.
Is travertine good for flooring?
Yes, travertine makes an excellent flooring choice as it is dense, durable, and slip-resistant. Filling the natural holes and getting it sealed professionally are important for optimizing performance and longevity.
Is travertine high maintenance?
Travertine requires more frequent sealing than very resilient stones like granite or porcelain. But with proper, routine care it will last for decades and not require frequent repairs or replacement.
What finish is best for travertine?
It depends on the location. For floors, tumbled or brushed finishes improve traction. Honed works well on walls and backsplashes. Outdoors, tumbled is a nice choice.
Can you use travertine in a shower?
Definitely, travertine’s water-resistance and beautiful appearance make it a great choice for shower walls. Make sure it is properly sealed and the installation allows for drainage. Use slip-resistant finishes.
Is travertine better than marble?
Travertine is more porous but harder than marble, so better for floors. Marble can stain more easily but offers a finer, elegant look. Ultimately personal preference on aesthetics should determine which stone is better for your needs.
Is travertine environmentally friendly?
As a natural stone, travertine is more environmentally friendly than manufactured tile. There are some emissions from quarrying and transportation, but overall it has lower carbon footprint than many building materials.
Can you put travertine outside?
Yes, travertine is a great choice for patios, walkways, pool decks and other outdoor areas. Be sure to use tumbled or textured finishes for slip-resistance. Properly sealed, outdoor travertine holds up well in most climates.
With its sophisticated appearance and versatile applications, it’s easy to see why design professionals and homeowners alike find travertine tile irresistible. This detailed guide will help you determine if travertine is the right material for your next construction or remodeling project. Reach out to tile suppliers in your area for product sourcing and design inspiration.
Conclusion
Travertine’s striking natural beauty and ancient pedigree make it one of the most coveted natural stones. With unique swirling patterns, earthy colors and a distressed finish, travertine tiles add warmth, luxury and character to any space. Both indoor and outdoor settings benefit from travertine’s elegance and durability.
From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome to modern spas and kitchens, travertine endures as a sophisticated design choice. With proper installation and routine sealing, travertine tiles can provide many years of enjoyment and stand up well to heavy use. Take time to decide on the right finish, color and sizing when selecting travertine tile. This gorgeous natural stone is sure to add value and aesthetic appeal.