Though it may be difficult for you, as a home or business owner, to decide upon the right flooring for your needs, it is likely that choosing a material that is reliable in its functionality and refined in appearance is a major factor in determining how you choose. If you are interested in floor tile that is dependable for the long-term and available in a variety of naturally occurring colors and patterns then travertine may be the right material for you. Known for its distinctive and subtle beauty, travertine can help to accentuate your home or workplace with a classic beauty.
From the Coliseum to Your Home and Office
Travertine, a sedimentary rock similar to limestone, has been used as a construction material throughout much of human civilization. Many of the great structures and monuments of the world have been built with travertine as a major element of their construction; with the most notable being the Coliseum in Rome. Travertine is a unique stone in that it is often the product of the deposition of natural spring waters and can, among other naturally occurring geological formations, form the stalactites and stalagmites that provide much of the beauty and wonder of caves and caverns. As the same material that has helped allow the Coliseum to gracefully withstand the test of time, travertine can withstand the everyday use of your present-day home or office. Currently, travertine floor tiles have become a relatively budget-friendly, charming, and enduring choice in stone tile.
Color and Design Provided by Nature
Travertine takes on a distinctive but muted appearance mainly because of the presence of iron compounds (creating brands and ribbons in the stone) among other impurities. As a natural stone, the color spectrum of travertine floor tiles, specifically, will normally be quite modest, ranging from a neutral white to tan. The softness of the natural colors lends itself particularly well to creating an environment which is sophisticated yet understated; creating a welcoming and open atmosphere in your home or place of work. Though it is advisable to occasionally apply a sealant to the flooring, the tiles need little daily care. A soft non-abrasive mop will be all the weekly maintenance you would need to keep your tiles clean.
Which Surface Should You Choose?
Travertine has long been known, in terms of tiling, as normally providing a very even, smooth, but often times slick surface. Travertine floor tiles, however, can be suited to your tastes with a variety of surfaces – from the slick surface it was known for to a relatively porous and textured tile. Travertine tiles which are polished and honed generally have a slicker surface area and a glossier finish; this type of tile may be well-suited for an area with a bit less foot-traffic. This does not mean, however, that you cannot use travertine for high-traffic areas. Tumbled travertine tiles may be a better choice for high-traffic areas because of their even – yet textured surface; providing not only better footing but also a warmer surface area. Both types of surfaces provide a beautiful stone tile that would provide class to your home or office. No matter how difficult the choice may be in choosing the right type of flooring, travertine tiling provides the beauty and dependability that can only be found in natural stone tile.
Travertine tile is a beautifully decorative stone and choosing the right type for your home or office might require some professional guidance. If you are interested, contact International Granite & Marble Corp. (IGM) at to find out which color and type of travertine tile is right for you.
