Travertine, a sedimentary rock that falls into the limestone categories is a popular choice for developers, interior designers and homeowners. The formation of travertine, however, differs a lot from the common limestone family found in the submarine surfaces or earth crust as it contains residues of carbonate compounds.
Precipitation of this natural stone happens in areas of hot springs that are found in volcanic regions and carries a lot of minerals from the reservoirs underground. Travertine formation also occurs in caves where water leaching takes place.
The formation of travertine rocks involves depositing of a variety of substances like minerals which makes the stone distinct in textures, veins, patterns, colours and style variations. Massive deposition over time, heat, pressure and such factors transform the original nature of the stone. As a result, the impacts are apparent in the final product, which is a unique piece.
Travertine stone finish is still popular now and is not about to be outdated anytime soon because of its many advantages. Read on to see why people still love travertine finish.
Benefits of Travertine Stone Finish
Availability
Travertine is most widely available for floor installations in tile sizes. In contemporary architecture, travertine is one of the most commonly used stones. It is used extensively for facades, wall panels and floors. The walls of the lobby of the modernist tower Willis (1970) in Chicago are travertine. The structure centers on the lobby.
Today, you can buy products from reputable dealers like Saturnia Travertini regardless of your location.
Durable and Cost Friendly
Natural stones like quartzite and granite are great recommendations for external applications on high impact areas caused by natural or human origin factors. Besides the beautiful finish impression, they are strong hence last long. Unfortunately, most of these deluxe options are a privilege for the affluent as most low to middle-income households cannot afford. Since travertine stones have abundant resources, it is available at lower prices compared to stones like marbles, granite and quartzite, while giving users the luxe look of the other high-end stones.
These factors make travertine a popular choice among many people.
Eco-Friendly
After the stone undergoes intense pressure, travertine occurs naturally. As a result, no artificial production processes are necessary. It is easy to remove and cut travertine with less energy and fewer toxins. You can recycle your tiles if your home is fitted with travertine tiles and your floors are replaced. Many manufacturers crush travertine tiles and use the material for paving and other uses. Besides there reusable nature, the stone is environmentally friendly as it is part of nature. You do not have to worry about toxic elements from the materials, hence suitable for use in any part of the home.
Easy Maintenance
One of the primary considerations for most people when choosing the best finish is care and maintenance. This is crucial as it determines the state of your home. Research suggests that clean spaces help in boosting individual productivity.
Since travertine care and maintenance regime is easy, having this natural stone will save you considerable time and money. You can also add more life to the surfaces with simple care like wiping spills immediately. Sweep the tiles periodically to avoid scratches.
Travertine Finish that Makes them Popular
The appeal travertine finishes introduce to any space is incredible. See below some of the most common ones that continue to make the stone popular.
Tumbled Travertine Finish
Tumbled travertine has a rough surface due to the intact natural pores and trout in the rock. The textured surface of the tumbled travertine, for many homeowners, provides a rustic attraction giving a unique look and feel. However, during installation, the holes have to be filled with grout. Unfilled, debris settles in the gaps. Even as rain accelerates the wear and tear, water collects through the opening. Grout helps preserve the tiles’ structural integrity.
Tumbled travertine produces a slippery surface compared to the polished form because of its textured surface. This makes it perfect for swimming pool areas. It also provides greater gravure resistance than the honed variety by the textured surface.
Polished Travertine Finish
The smooth, glide-like finish of the polished travertine is identical to marble. Due to the smooth, matte finish and a great deal of light, it has an enticing brilliance. Screen the surface regularly to maintain structural integrity. The finish is periodically polished to maintain a beautiful appearance. Polished travertine is more resistant to stains and scratches.
Chiseled Travertine Finish
The chiseled finish is an edge therapy. Stone experts chip away the edges manually or mechanically to produce a rough bevel which takes more routing than a traditional round or curved edge. The chiseled edge has tiny, V-shaped indentations. For floor tiles or outer pavers, this is an appealing rim treatment.
Filled and Honed Travertine Finish
Honed and filled is the most common finish for travertine. This process helps manufacturers to provide overly pitted lower quality travertine (as well as high-grade stone with fewer pits). Honed travertine is thoroughly ground and sanded to create a uniform surface. Honed travertine is flat in marble but is not as smooth or sparkling as polished travertine. Otherwise, the panels become more vulnerable to damage and thus less appealing. The tiles are prone to blemishes. A minor acidic juice contact will grate the surface and permanently damage it. You can grate the surface with coffee, tomato sauce, citrus juices and tea stains. The easiest way to avoid spills is by using coasters under glasses, cans or bottles. Blot or wipe any spills instantly. The smooth surface also allows the scratches to grow on the formed tiles quickly. Cleaning the finished travertine with a humid tissue or sponge is preferable.
Conclusion
Travertine stone finishes are here to stay. Modern homes have created a massive trend by incorporating this material into their designs. Travertine has stood the time test as a reliable countertop for many reasons. The colour selection is wide-ranging in grey, beiges and different shades of the white, adding elegance to every space. But over and above elegance and style, travertine is highly durable. These qualities confirm that travertine is here to stay.