If you feel like spicing up your home with something a little bit different, travertine tiles could be the perfect fit for you. Providing a classical look, travertine tiles have been used throughout the ages so there is no wonder that they are used to provide this look in today's architectural designs.

Travertine tiles can be used on walls and look great on floors and provides that clean airy look in any environment. They are naturally dense and hard-wearing, with pitted holes in theirs surfaces. These holes occur naturally. Nearly all travertine comes as cross cut, which means it has been cut across the pitted bands. They come in unfilled and filled finishes. Some installers use a grout to fill these holes, whereas others leave them open. Honed is the most popular finish. Very little maintenance is required with this stone.

Where can travertine tiles or pavers be used?

Well, just about anywhere but be careful when using the pitted version on floors, as they can be extremely difficult to clean. Apart from this they are suitable for all floor and wall installations, excellent for swimming pools and courtyards. Just the thing for bathrooms floors and bathroom walls. Travertine comes in many colors one of which you will find will fit any color scheme. You will also find you can create fantastic tiled patterns for kitchens that will give it that unique look.

You should be careful when selecting travertine for areas where this is expected to be heavy loads (driveways etc.). In this case Travertine pavers should be used. Tiles are considered pavers when the thickness is 20cm or greater. The thickness required will also depend upon the type of substrate. Where the substrate is concrete and the pavers are laid with mortar or adhesive then a 20cm paver could be used. If they are laid on sand then a 30cm or higher thickness should be used.

How much do Travertine tiles and pavers cost?

Travertine can be considered in the medium and up price range. The finish can also determine the cost. Below is a list of the main types of finishes. One should be careful when selecting a source where the cost seems too cheap.

Honed Finish Travertine, Filled or Unfilled - A honed travertine tile has a smooth finish. This is achieved by grinding one side of the tile or paver. The finish achieved can be in the range of matte, high sheen or satin.

Tumbled Travertine Finish - This is achieved where the stone is placed in a rubber coated or plastic barrel with an abrasive grit and water. The stone is packed so the stone pieces rub against each other with the grit between them.

Brushed Travertine Tile - A brushed Travertine surface is achieved when the surface is brushed with a wire wheel.

Polished Travertine - Polished travertine has a smooth texture that has a gloss or semi-gloss finish. The main advantage of this kind of finish is that they retain their color and is not altered when sealers are used.

Sealing Travertine stone tiles.

Any type of stone should be sealed and travertine is no exception. It is the most importance when it is used on floors. Stone may seem non-porous but it is not and over time dirt can ingress the surface. Even worse is when spills occur that can possibly never be removed depending on the spill type.

To end, always look at several sources of supply for your travertine tiles and take advice from your supplier about the amount of sealing required depending where you intend to use them.