Travertine FAQ

19 Jun, 2015 Travertine Tile 0 Comments 0

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ABOUT TRAVERTINE

What is travertine?

Travertine is a limestone, or calcium carbonate. It is formed in layers around mineral-laden natural hot springs. It is often incorrectly labeled as marble (a different type of limestone).

What colors does travertine come in?

Travertine comes in colors like ivory, beige, walnut, and gold. The variegated color of travertine is the result of mineral compounds and other organic impurities.

What type of finish can travertine have?

Travertine can have the following finishes: polished (shiny), honed (matte), brushed, and tumbled (textured surfaces). The type of finish given to the travertine determines how glossy or textured the surface will be. Polished and honed surfaces are smooth, while the brushed and tumbled surfaces are textured. Tumbled travertine feels like natural stone and reflects the least amount of light. The most common finish for travertine is honed: a flat, smooth feel with a matte finish that mutes reflected light.

BUYING DECISIONS

What to do before installing travertine?

The minerals in travertine are highly reactive with acidic solutions (e.g. orange juice, vinegar). Sealers provide some protection, but it is impossible to repel every stain.

Is travertine “green”?

Keep in mind that travertine is a natural resource. This flooring product has excellent durability. Many of the ancient ruins were constructed using travertine. This is a human and environmentally friendly product, considering that a travertine floor can last over a century given proper care, contains no harmful chemicals, and does not require the energy use associated with vacuuming.

Where can I install travertine flooring?

Most travertine flooring can be installed outdoors or indoors in residential or commercial areas. You may need a moisture barrier in locales that are at or below sea level; check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the recommendations made by your installer.

What are the benefits of travertine floors?

This type of flooring has exceptional natural beauty and it is available in a variety of subtle shades and tones. It can be installed outdoors or indoors in residential or commercial areas. Travertine is very durable and strong. It can last centuries if properly maintained and it does not contain chemicals, unless artificially finished instead of polished. It is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.

What about the disadvantages?

Travertine has a porous surface that tends to hold liquid, dirt, and debris if not properly sealed. The truth is that travertine is typically a little more expensive than many other types of flooring. Fortunately, the cost is balanced by the longevity of wear. Acidic spills can damage or stain a travertine floor, including orange juice, urine, ketchup, lemonade, and so on. All stone floors are hard and cold to the touch and can be slippery when wet. A professional installation is recommended.

How does travertine compare to ceramic tile?

Natural travertine varies in color and has unique flaws that give the floor a natural, organic character and depth. Ceramic tile is consistent and uniform. Daily care is roughly the same, but travertine requires periodic deep cleaning and sealing. Travertine absorbs moisture or “breathes,” making it vulnerable to stains. Ceramic finishes are non-porous and unlikely to stain. Travertine flooring is generally a harder, more chip-resistant material than ceramic, although it is not impervious to the elements. Some ceramics may be unsuitable for use in extreme climates. Travertine is usually more expensive but undeniably more luxurious, elegant, and durable.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

How do I remove a stain from travertine flooring?

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper care. Some stains can be drawn out with a method called poulticing, which uses a reducing agent to draw the stain into a cloth. The reducing agent will depend on the source of the stain. However, it is important to note that some stains are cause by a chemical reaction with the minerals in the stone and may not be removed. More information on cleaning travertine tile.

How do I clean and maintain my travertine flooring?

Travertine is an easy-care product with a few simple precautions. Keep abrasive materials off the floor to avoid damaging the finish. Since sand is abrasive, doormats and scatter rugs placed strategically near entryways and high traffic areas are advisable. Frequent cleaning with a dust mop will help keep the sand and debris from marring the finish. Most vacuum cleaners have a beater brush, so vacuuming is not recommended. Clean any spills immediately to avoid staining and use a neutral cleanser recommended by the manufacturer with a wet mop or a wet/dry vacuum from time to time. Outdoor stone can be power-washed.

Reseal your travertine flooring from time to time to keep the pores closed and the finish intact. Never use chemical or acidic products. Check the manufacturer instructions for the proper care regimen.

How do I maintain travertine flooring installed in a shower stall?

Squeegee the water off after every shower and clean daily with a solution recommended by the manufacturer. Clean any mildew growing in the grout lines or soap scum immediately with a cleanser recommended for natural stone.

If travertine is damaged, can it be refinished?

Travertine is natural stone, so it can occasionally be reground, buffed, and resealed to restore the original beauty. This can only be done a certain number of times over the life of the floor, depending on the thickness of the tile, but it should be necessary only very rarely.

What about minor impact damage, like small chips or cracks?

Grout can often be used to fill small chips or cracks in the stone. Match the grout color to the stone and use a sealant to minimize the appearance of the flaws.

INSTALLATION

Can I install travertine myself?

We highly recommend a professional installation. Travertine, like all stone, is difficult to work with and requires special tools. Pieces must be precision cut using a wet saw, and the sharp edges must be sanded and buffed. There is little room for error, and replacement tiles are costly, especially given the minimum purchase for shipping. In addition, stone is heavy and cumbersome to work with. The good news is that you only pay for installation once if you stay in your home. With a little care, your great-great-great grandchildren can race their hovercycles across the floor.

How are travertine floor tiles usually installed?

Most commonly, travertine floor tiles are glued directly to the subfloor. Spaces left between tiles are filled with grout. The finished floor is buffed to achieve a polished, matte, or textured finish and then sealed.

Why should travertine flooring be sealed?

Travertine is a porous material that collects liquid and debris. A sealer is used to fill the pores and prevent liquid and debris from penetrating the stone. Sealant will protect your travertine flooring from pitting and staining to retain its original beauty. Resealing the floor from time to time extends the lifespan of the flooring.

How do you cut travertine floor tile?

All stone floor tiles are cut with a water saw to avoid chipping. The edges are then sanded and polished.

What is the filler in the stone?

When travertine is quarried, there are small holes in the stone from water pockets that have formed over thousands of years. The holes remain after the tiles and pavers are cut and tumbled. When the tile is honed and filled, manufacturers use a mixture of the residue from the cut tiles and cement to create a fill that sticks to the stone and matches the color.

How much breakage should I expect with an order?

It is not unusual to have 2% – 3% of the tile broken to some degree (e.g. chipped edges). Any amount up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make. If breakage is above 10%, we ask that you note it on the logistics receiving document and take pictures. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving your order.

Should I order extra travertine tiles?

Regardless of type of flooring, you should always order 10% extra in case of damage. At some point in the future, a few tiles may become damaged beyond repair and require replacement. Finding an acceptable match to your stone may prove impossible. You may never need to replace any tiles, but having replacement travertine on hand is a wise precaution. A small extra investment today could save the cost of an entire new floor in the future.

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