What You Need to Know About Polished Travertine

Whether you are a person who is interested in buying a new home or you are looking to make an upgrade to your current one, adding quality materials that can give a majestic look can really make a difference. It can make your home take on a regal look, making you feel like you’re in 15^th century France.

One way you can accomplish this is through the use of Polished Travertine Tiles. They will give your bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or other location in your house a look like you are in some of the majestic buildings in Rome or Paris.

Travertine

The likelihood is that you have seen travertine before, but haven’t really pieced together that that’s exactly what you are looking at. This may make you wonder what exactly it is.

Travertine is a form of porous limestone that gets its look because of the different temperature and pressure in which it is treated. This is usually formed near hot springs or geysers and is often used in the construction industry, usually winding up in people’s bathrooms or front entry ways because of the fantastic way that it looks.

Since travertine is porous, a special sealant has to be applied to ensure that water or other materials do not seep into the tile. This protects it from liquids, dust, and debris.

Colors

The colors of polished travertine tiles depend on many factors. It starts with temperature and pressure, which will cause the limestone to become denser which will have an effect on color. However, not all travertine is made of the exact same composition of limestone. This is why you may find colors such as walnut, gold, silver, or pearl.

Styles

These stones can be used in a variety of ways. It really depends on where you are installing it and what exact look you desire. The primary styles fall into one of three categories:

Tile - tiles are usually about 3/8” thick and are installed over mud. This is most commonly found indoors.

Mosaic - these are small pieces of travertine that range in length from 1 inches up to 8 inches. They are combined with other shapes and sizes to give a unusual and unique look.

Paver - this travertine stone is about 1 ¼ inch thick and is installed over sand. This is usually what is positioned around a pool, used in driveways or in patios.

Finishes

The finish of the stones is what really separates them from one another. This not only helps to protect the stone, but also enhances specific colors or gives it a different form of beauty. The primary four varieties of finishes include:

Honed - this style is mostly used inside houses and has a smooth surface that is flat and provides a minimal amount of shine, something that works perfectly inside a home.

Brushed - this style comes with a rough texture and matted finish. It gives a more antiquated look.

Polished - this style is smooth to give a reflective surface that is very much like marble you are likely to find this finish used most often in commercial areas such as businesses or museums.

Tumbled - this finish is commonly used in outdoor areas, such as around pools, where it provides a more ragged look but still does not have shine.

The Factors

When deciding if you want polished travertine tiles there are a number of factors that you must consider. Some of these factors include such things as:

Durability - depending upon the type of finish, some tiles are much more durable than others. You likely spent a good deal of money on this already, so you likely want tiles that will last and be resistant to the shine wearing off. Plus, you have to consider that sealants can wear off over time, meaning that the pores can become open.

Appearance - there is no doubt that this type of tile gives an amazing look. It is luxurious and will give your home a feel like you are in a castle or palace. It’s simply a matter of where you would like this look, whether it be in your bathroom, and the countertops in your kitchen, on the shower walls, or as people enter your home.

Installation – when you compare it to several of the other types of luxurious decor kinds of materials, you will find the travertine is much more economical, making it more likely to fit your budget. However, you don’t lose anything in the look, as this still gives you a luxurious appearance.

Insulation – remember that this is a porous material, which means it doesn’t act well as a sound or thermal insulation. A better type of sealant applied will help with this, something to consider.

Colors – polished travertine tiles come in a variety of colors allowing you to accent your homes decor however you desire. However, there are choices that are much more common, such as grays, shades of dark red or brown that can really give your home a unique look.

Porosity – remember that this is a porous tile, meaning that it can absorb spills and debris. This may make it so you don’t want to use it on your kitchen countertop or as the flooring in your kitchen or bathroom. If you do, make sure that it has the proper sealant applied.

Reactivity – while this tile does not react to most substances, one you have to be concerned about our acids. Consider that limestone is nothing more than calcium and mineral salts, which are prone to react to acids, even mild ones such as citric acid. This can lead to stains, holes, or other issues with your tile.

Slippery – with any kind of tile you have to worry about the possibility of falling down because they are slick. This is true of the travertine as well, which may actually be an even bigger problem especially with the polished finishes.

Polished Travertine Products

there are two widely used polished travertine tiles that are available. These include Persian Red Vein Cut Polished Filled Travertine, which provides a very subtle brick look that includes yellow as well as red. The stone is enhanced through a polishing process that gives it a glossy finish.

The Sparta Vein Cut Polished Filled Travertine also provides a shiny polished surface, but the shades are more of a gold color. There are three primary color varieties that you would be able to purchase.

Maintenance

As with any kind of tile, you want to make sure that you protect this product from becoming damaged or tainted, and the best way to do that is to properly maintain it. Here are things you need to do to keep your polished tile looking sharp.

Protectors - a protector keeps the tile safe and should always be used with polished travertine products.

Avoid Substances that Can React - acid was mentioned before, and is one of the primary reactive substances you have to worry about. However, make sure that you check with the manufacturer to see if there are other substances to avoid.

Stains - if you should get a stain within the travertine, there are products out there that you should use that can help remove those stains. However, check to make sure before deciding to use any product. The wrong choice can cause damage and make those stains permanent.

Refills - you may have an instance where a whole develops, and there are products you can purchase to fill that. Make sure if one develops that you treated quickly so it does not become a bigger issue.

Sealants - you may have an instance where your sealant is beginning to wear down or has completely faded in one area. Find a sealant that matches the product you are using.

Cleaners - your tile should be clean on a regular basis, but make sure you choose a soap that is specifically designed for the type of tile you are using. This will not only help to enhance the shine, but will also prevent it from becoming damaged.

Uses

Where to use this kind of tile is important as well. There are some locations that are much better choices, and here are some of the more common that you may want to use yourself.

Hallways and Entryways - there is really nothing like the look of polished travertine tiles when a person enters your home. It truly says that your house is something special, and would be perfect in the hallways and entrances of your home or business.

Tub or Shower - some really love the look of this in their tub or shower, either on the floor or around the walls. However, make sure that the tile is properly sealed so that water, oils, dirt, soap, and other debris does not get inside the pores of the tile.

Vanity and Counter Tops – These tiles make for a sensational look in your bathroom or kitchen. They look spectacular as a counter or vanity top, but you also need to ensure that sealant is properly applied.

Bedrooms - your bedroom is a great place for polished tile. Not only does it give it an incredibly elegant look, but can help to keep the temperature lower especially during the summertime. Plus, it is durable enough to handle the weight of your dresser or bed.

Living Room - your living room is usually the showcase of your home, because this is where you entertain people when they come to visit. What a great look adding travertine tiles would provide. Plus, it helps to keep this room cooler.

Kitchen - your kitchen is very much like your living room in terms of being a showcase place, but this is also a location where it can become quite warm because of the amount of cooking you do there. Choosing this tile not only gives you a good look, but it helps to keep your kitchen area cooler as well.

Driveway - you don’t want to use the polished travertine tiles in your driveway, but choosing mosaic stones would give a sensational look to your driveway. Much like a cobblestone road but more elegant.

Patios, Decks, Pool Area - the same kind of great look you can get for your driveway can work equally as well for your patio or deck area, or around your pool. In fact, travertine products are most often used in these areas because of the durability and elegant look they provide.

Design Ideas

If you are really wanting to spice up your home through the use of travertine, here are some great design ideas that should help you with that.

·         Consider using polished old wood travertine flooring. This gives a country sort of look, a rustic style, which is a great look, especially for a person who lives in a rural area.

·         Consider using brick shade polished travertine along with mosaic styles. This will add grace and beauty, especially if you used a mosaic travertine as the middle portion with the polished tiles surrounding it. Blending colors can really spice it up as well.

·         In your hallway, consider using polished travertine in a mosaic style, that is geometrically shaped. This will really become a great way to welcome people and make your guests have a gasp of all as they enter your home or business.

·         Along your bathroom walls or flooring, consider choosing contrasting shades. This is one of those new forms of style that really accents a room, and there is no better place to do this and then in your bathroom. Even go as far as the choose different patterns or sizes.

·         If a contemporary look is what you are opting for, then consider the silver polished travertine or an ivory French pattern. You can even mix-and-match these two together, creating an almost artistic look.

·         The goal travertine gives an expensive look to your home or business. This makes it look like you are living in a palace, which will truly make it feel like you were coming home to your Castle.

Conclusion

The use of polished travertine tiles can instantly transform your home. It is a look that is timeless, and provides great durability. It may be the kind of perfect investment that can make you enjoy your home a whole lot more, while also adding a significant amount of value to your property. You may not want a house that’s 2000 years old, but you can clearly make your home look like it was built in antiquity. What a great look and feel that will be.