Travertine is a stunning natural stone that has been used in construction since the time of the ancient Romans. While always popular, travertine flooring in particular is enjoying a resurgence nowadays across a variety of different applications.
If you’re considering using travertine stone for your flooring, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the pros and cons of travertine tiles.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a type of natural stone most commonly found in Italy, Iran, Turkey, Mexico and Peru. Formed from the mineral deposits at the bottom of water beds, travertine is actually a preliminary form of limestone. Similarly it is made from the collected and compressed shells and debris of dead aquatic creatures. All of this gives travertine a dense, fibrous texture with beautiful earthy tones and deep, intricate detail.
Travertine Flooring Pros and Cons
The Pros of Travertine
Strength
Travertine, like other naturally occurring stones, is very hardy. Difficult to chip or break, travertine floor tiles can stand up well to the inevitable foot traffic your home’s floors are bound to sustain.
Durability
With some simple and affordable maintenance, you can keep your travertine flooring looking as beautiful as the day it was laid for many years into the future. That’s why this particular material is a strong long term investment option.
Suitable for the Elements
Travertine makes for a strong choice of flooring outdoors as it’s quite hardy against a variety of environmental elements including rain, heat, sun and moisture.
Timeless
It’s not just the quality of stone that will last with travertine flooring. The neutral, earthy aesthetic means the style won’t date regardless of whether you incorporate it in a modern or traditional design.
Beauty
Just because travertine flooring is suitable for a variety of applications and home decor, doesn’t mean it’s not eye-poppingly stunning. This stone, with its rich shades and colouring, is absolutely beautiful and will bring any space to life. Thanks to the way the stone is formed, there is a naturally subtle yet visible texture to travertine whether you opt for grey, brown or beige coloured slabs.
Easy to Repair/Replace
While hardy, no stone is completely indestructible. Fortunately, travertine isn’t difficult to source or overly expensive to replace. If you need to repair some damage or replace a slab or tile, you won’t find it too difficult to do.
Non-slip
When it comes to travertine flooring, it’s natural non-slip surface makes it excellent for use anywhere in or around the home. Kitchen floors, bathroom tiles or pool coping and surrounds, travertine works a treat for them all.
Environmentally friendly
Compared to other materials commonly used for home flooring, travertine offers a surprisingly green alternative. Without much in the way of processing or manufacturing, this stone is simply quarried and couriered to help beautify your home.
Affordable
Natural stone, travertine included, is not the cheapest building material to use. Nonetheless, as far as rich stone goes travertine floor tiling is quite affordable. You can enjoy all the elegance and sophistication of stone flooring without the hefty price of marble or granite.
Home Value
When it comes to selling your home, or simply adding value to it in the marketplace, travertine flooring can do wonders. Not only will it make a distinct impression on future buyers, it can also add tangible dollar value to your house.
Versatile
A travertine floor is highly versatile. Thanks to the easy nature of cutting travertine tiles and pavers, you can create just about any pattern across your floor and even fit odd-shaped rooms and spaces with travertine as well.
The Cons of Travertine
Resealing
Travertine is a relatively porous material as far as natural stone goes. That doesn’t mean that it’s unsuitable for us as flooring in your home, even in areas prone to exposure to water like bathrooms and kitchens. But you will need to ensure your travertine floors are properly sealed by professionals. Every few years, it’s important to get them resealed as well to ensure that moisture doesn’t get caught in the tiles and cause long-term damage.
Damage from Cold
While not particularly relevant for the majority of Australian fans of travertine, this beautiful stone can be damaged in extremely cold conditions if not properly sealed. When water or moisture gets caught in the stone and then freezes and expands it could cause cracks and breakages.
Sensitive to Chemicals
Using acidic cleaning chemicals can cause damage and staining to your gorgeous travertine flooring. But don’t worry! It’s not impossible to keep your travertine gleaming and it doesn’t require superhuman effort. Simply mix a mild detergent with warm water and give your flooring regular attention and it will be beautiful for many, many years.
We’d also highly recommend you avoid abrasive sponges or other wiping implements as travertine can be scratched or damaged when you use overly rough cleaning tools.
Expense
Travertine flooring is by no means expensive compared to other alternatives out there but if the cost is your one and only criteria, no natural stone is going to top the list for cheap options. Travertine pavers do come with a price tag but you always need to bear in mind the longevity and long-term return on investment.
Holes
The fibrous and textured surface of travertine does come with a relative cost. The holes can catch dirt and make the stone susceptible to signs of general wear and tear, especially in a floor. However, remember that with regular, professional resealing you can minimise potential damage to negligible amounts.
High Traffic Areas
Travertine is a very hard and durable stone but it is not the strongest in its category. While it will more than measure up to use for flooring, some people do advise avoiding travertine in areas of extremely high traffic such as entrance halls. If you’re concerned about whether travertine flooring is suitable for your intended application, make sure to give the Euro Marble team a call.
Contact us to see your new travertine flooring
Whether you are already sold on the idea of a travertine floor or want to discuss some of the listed pros and cons, we’re here to help.
Euro Marble is the premier provider of natural stone and is both enthusiastic and experienced when it comes to infusing the beauty of travertine in your home. So, give us a call on (02) 8585 2999 or come into our showroom today!
