Travertine is a natural stone that has become a popular option for many designers, homeowners, and architects. The material is used for various purposes, including walls, outdoor pacing, flooring, and countertops. Travertine forms around hot springs and mineral springs. It’s characterized by unique textures, patterns and colors that add sophistication and elegance to any space. But with a myriad of options in the market, choosing the appropriate travertine can be unnerving.
Here are essential tips when selecting a travertine for your outdoor project.
Table of Contents
1. Type of Travertine
Travertine is available in various types, which have unique characteristics and features. The most common types of travertine are Silver, Noce, Beige, and Classic. Silver is an elegant brown, gray, and black stone. No matter how and where you install this stone, it will always look terrific. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas like tub surrounds and bathroom tops.
Silver travertine has a subtle exquisiteness of marble but with different ambiance and patterns. When taken care of, Silver can last for several years. Choosing this material for your remodeling project will offer the best results.
Classic travertine, which you can buy here, has a creamy ivory color with subtle veining. Beige travertine comes in a light brown or beige hue, while Noce has a darker brown color. It would be great to consider the type that compliments your home or commercial design.
2. Finish
When choosing the suitable travertine, you will encounter various finishes, such as polished, chiseled edge, honed, and more. The polished finish has a semi-gloss or gloss finish with a smooth texture. Enhancing sealers rarely affect this finish, which may darken on other finishes. A polished travertine is commonly used as an insert piece or wall tile.
A chiseled edge finish is characterized by an irregular and rough edge. It’s intended to give the surface a weathered or aged appearance. This travertine finish is commonly paired with a honed or brushed finish.
The honed travertine finish has a smooth texture, and it can range from a high sheen to a dull matte. The filled or honed travertine is used outdoors, indoors, in bathrooms, kitchens, and on walls. There is also a tumbled travertine finish, brushed tile, and straight edge.
3. Grade
Travertine is graded according to its durability, quality and appearance. It’s categorized into three grades: commercial, premium, and standard.
Premium grade, first grade, offers a great selection of colors ranging from gray to black. The tiles are double-filled by machinery and hand to seal holes. The edges are evenly sized with a smooth texture. The times have few or no holes, no chips or cracks.
Standard is the second grade which offers a decent selection of travertine colors. The colors may contain some swirls or striations. Just like the premium grade, the standard grade tiles have smooth and evenly sized edges.
The third grade, commercial grade, is characterized by small unfilled holes. The edges may be broken or cracked, with more texture and color variations.
4. Maintenance
When selecting travertine, it’s good to consider the required maintenance routine. The level of maintenance depends on the finish, location of placements, and the type of travertine. Honed and polished finishes need more maintenance than tumbled or brushed finishes. Thus, polished or honed finishes are suitable for less-traffic areas.
Sealing travertine tiles regularly protects them from etching and staining. Wear and tear takes a toll on travertine finishes. Etching happens when acidic substances eat away the surface. Substances like coffee, acidic cleaners, wine, and vinegar can corrode the stone. Travertine is also prone to mold and mildew if exposed to constant moisture.
5. Cost
The area to lay travertine tiles is the major cost factor. But quality, pattern, sealant, location, and finish are other elements to consider. The grade or quality of travertine can impact the cost per square foot. A commercial grade is an ideal option for those who want budget-friendly tiles. But these tiles have gray and black discolorations, with cracked edges and holes on the surfaces.
The standard grade doesn’t have discoloration and has better quality than the commercial option. The premium grade is more costly than the rest due to its good quality. They don’t have discolorations, swirls or holes.
Tile finish also affects the cost of travertine tiles. Honed travertine tiles have a smooth finish and are versatile, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Polished tiles come with a glossy, smooth finish that offers a sophisticated look. They’re easy to clean, making them an ultimate option for countertops. A polished finish is pricier than honed and brushed tiles.
Each travertine pattern comes at a cost. The traditional stack bonds are the common patterns and are easy to install, attracting low cost. The French pattern is elegant but comes at a higher cost than conventional patterns.
Location is another cost factor to consider. Installing tiles on a pool deck attracts a high installation cost. Kitchen countertops and entryway steps are easy to install travertine tiles, meaning low cost. When choosing travertine, pick the grade and type that fits your budget.
6. Size and Thickness
Travertine times come in different sizes ranging from tiny mosaics to large slabs. The tiles’ size and thickness depend on your project’s design and space. Thicker tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and are more durable. However, they come at an added cost compared to their thinner counterparts.
7. The Supplier
Quality travertine tiles trickle down to reputable suppliers. The experience and reliability of a supplier can influence your selection of travertine. Be sure to choose a supplier with a solid reputation and stellar customer service. Look for a trustworthy supplier with a proven track record of providing high-quality tiles. You can check testimonials and reviews from previous clients to get a glimpse of their services.
Conclusion
Selecting a suitable travertine can improve the functionality and beauty of your space. High-quality travertine tiles are durable, which can prevent you from having costly repairs and maintenance. By taking these facets into consideration, you can make an informed decision effortlessly.
