Travertine Tiles

Posted by tiles in Types of Tiles on Nov 7th, 2009 | no responses

Travertine tiles are typically made from a natural sedimentary rock similar to limestone, although man-made travertine is also fairly common. Therefore, travertine tiles often fall somewhere between more recognisable natural stone tiles such as those comprising marble, granite, limestone and slate and man-made tiles including those featuring ceramic, glass or porcelain materials. However, the advantages and disadvantages of choosing travertine tiles are virtually the same as any other type of tile, so invariably the decision is left to a customer’s personal preference. Indeed, travertine tile installations are notable for their smooth and solid stone surface, which is no less durable than limestone or marble.

However, travertine tiles are notably porous and must therefore be effectively sealed. Failure to properly seal travertine tiles can cause water to damage both the tiles and the underlying surface. Indeed, the subfloor can become hazardous if exposed to large amounts of water over time, whilst walls in kitchens and bathrooms will invariably be subject to rot, damp, mildew and, perhaps worst of all, mould growth. Needless to say, if the walls underlying travertine tiles are exposed to moisture over prolonged periods of time, mould can build up rapidly. Unfortunately, mould spores can have a serious effect on human health, which is why their presence in the warm and steamy environments of bathrooms and wet rooms is certainly not welcome. Thus, customers who buy travertine tiles must be aware that they require more work than certain natural stone products such as granite or slate tiles in addition to man-made tiles comprising porcelain, glass or ceramic.

Nevertheless, travertine tiles are undoubtedly pleasing to the eye, as their exquisite natural beauty is reminiscent of that which defined ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Typically featuring a plain or beige colour with wispy mottled patterns that occur naturally in the rock (unless the travertine tile in question happens to be man-made), travertine tiles are delightful for use in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway, living room or conservatory. In particular, the tumbled walnut and beige mosaic patterns that are commonly used on the walls and floors in bathrooms and wet rooms are of an exceptionally beautiful design that features an unmistakably rich and luxurious feel. In terms of cost, travertine tiles vary considerably and customers are advised to shop around for the best deals as travertine can fall at both extremes of pricing.

Furthermore, the diverse range of styling options make travertine popular among those who want to achieve a precise look without compromising on material quality. Travertine tiles boast excellent durability and are resistant to most knocks, bumps and heavy impacts, although the material can be scratched more easily than, say, porcelain or glass. These properties make travertine tiles ideal for use in heavy traffic rooms of the home – namely kitchens, hallways and living rooms. However, as mentioned above, the sealing of travertine tiles is absolutely essential as the natural rock material is far more porous than many other stones and man-made products. Equally, unsealed travertine stone is reactive with acidic products, which means that various cleaning agents can damage such tiles unless they are effectively sealed.

Travertine tiles are, however, naturally built to last. Indeed, travertine floor surfaces are normally expected to last some 50 years or so in high traffic areas of the home before requiring a refinish or replacement. It is important that customers who do choose travertine tiles familiarise themselves with the various sealants that can be used on them in order to maintain such a healthy longevity. For instance, travertine tiles may be treated with silicon-based water repellents. However, such is the complex and difficult nature of natural rock materials, travertine tiles ought not to be completely sealed as that may cause moisture to build up inside the stone, which may eventually migrate to the subfloor or wall. It is also important to note that certain travertine tiles and blocks can be used in outdoor conditions, although it is advisable to obtain professional advice before exposing such tiles to the elements.

In fact, travertine tiles can be installed by the customers who buy them but it is recommended that, in most circumstances at least, the service of a professional tiler or tradesman is enlisted in order to ensure an effective and high quality installation. Indeed, many customers make the mistake of thinking that laying travertine tiles on the walls or floors is a simple process of securing the tiles into position. However, travertine is quite a heavy material and wall and floor surfaces must be made even, level and thoroughly clean before the tiles are installed. Furthermore, a travertine tile installation must also be given a dry run before the individual tiles are secured into place. Basically, a dry run refers to the process of laying an outer column and row of tiles into position (with an equal margin left between them and the wall) at a right angle but without fixing the tiles into place. After outlining the positions of each row and column of tiles with a pencil, work can begin on installing the tiles permanently. Undoubtedly, a dry run is not easy when dealing with especially large and heavy travertine tiles.

Travertine tiles for floors and walls are available in four basic finishes: polished, honed, tumbled and brushed. Polished travertine tiles are among the most common and feature a beautiful shine that best reflects natural and artificial light. Honed tiles comprise a matt finish, having not been polished to the same extent as polished travertine tiles, whilst tumbled and brushed tiles feature distinct textures. Unfortunately, polished travertine tiles are unsuitable for use in bathrooms and wet rooms as these areas are prone to exposure to water and polished travertine is slippery when wet.

Furthermore, travertine tiles, whilst not entirely unsuitable, are not generally considered to be usable on kitchen walls around food preparation areas. Indeed, travertine tiles tend to absorb food particles and grease stains, which is certainly not hygienic so far as keeping the kitchen clean is concerned. If using travertine tiles on the walls and floors of a kitchen for aesthetic purposes, however, it is possible to purchase splashbacks and cooker hoods that catch most food and grease stains. Ultimately, travertine tiles come in various shapes and forms and can be used throughout the home, although it is important to choose the right type of tile for each particular room.