Definition: Travertine

Tue, Apr 14, 2009

Blog

Travertine Backsplash with Glass Accents.

Travertine Backsplash with Glass Accents.

Travertines are chalky, limestone-like rocks.  Found in the earth’s crust, its unique look and qualities are derived from thermal springs of water which are forced up and through it by geologic pressures.  This water washes out any weaker materials, leaving the bubbly, miniature swiss cheese look behind.  Sometimes silica will collect and grow in the holes, which creates a crystal formation.

These stones are usually found with a honed finish in slabs or a tumbled finish in small tiles. In larger tiles, they may be tumbled or square cut.  Sometimes the voids are filled and then the tile is honed, but it is much more common to find the cavities left open to add texture and visual interest.

Travertine works very well for backsplashes and bathroom countertops, as well as tub decks or shower interiors.  It’s not recommended for kitchen countertops, because it is slightly more fragile than granite and tends to stain more easily.  Travertines get sealed, just like any other natural stone, and require re-sealing occasionally throughout their lifetimes.

Usually found in colors ranging from light cream to dark cocoa browns to yellow golds and light greens, they usually (but not always) tend towards the neutral color zone.  There are a few travertine-like stones which have light color hues; for example, a rose or purple tone is often found in Burma Teak.

Some travertines and limestones have small fossils visible in the surface, which can add considerable visual appeal.  They are available in 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm thicknesses, and can achieve the same edges as granite or marble.

Heidi Breton
Schumacher Tile & Stone

Subscribe or give us a shout!
SubscribeDiggdel.icio.usFacebookStumbleUponTechnorati

These might also interest you:

, , ,

14 Comments For This Post

  1. Jeff Jones Says:
    May 9th, 2009 at 11:53 am

    It’s a real shame that travertine is not appropriate for the kitchen because it would be the perfect complement to a kitchen make-over.

    I just discovered your blog and will be back because it is loaded with practical and useful information for anybody interested in learning trade secrets about tile and stone work.

    Jeff

  2. Heidi Says:
    May 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Hey, Jeff!

    Thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree with you that it is sad that travertine doesn’t stack up well for kitchen counters; the creamy colors and opaque pastels are so beautifully classic, they’d certainly go well!

    Thanks for the compliment on the blog. We appreciate you stopping by, and will try to keep the good information coming!

    –Heidi

  3. Jeff Jones Says:
    May 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    Thanks, Heidi.

    I’ve got you bookmarked and will be back.

    Jeff

  4. jason colling Says:
    July 1st, 2009 at 2:53 am

    thanks for giving the right information about travertine tiles, still now many peoples don’t know about travertine tiles very well but from your blog they know it and will used it at their home because these are perfect for giving a different look to your home.

  5. Heidi Says:
    July 1st, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Hi, Jason.

    I certainly hope people will find my articles useful; thanks for the good words. If there’s anything else you think people would be interested to know about, please don’t hesitate to mention it!

    Thanks,
    Heidi

  6. Katie Says:
    August 13th, 2009 at 2:07 am

    Hi there,

    I’ve just read your feedback re: Travertine tiles not being advisable for kitchen counters, but please could anyone advise if they have heard of Travertine tiles used on the floor of the kitchen – and if so, have you heard of any problems?

    Thanks all,
    Katie

  7. Heidi Says:
    August 14th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Hi, Katie!

    Roger Schumacher, our founder and resident stone expert, has authored an article on the usage of travertine for floors which I am going to post very shortly. I hope it answers your question – let me know if you are wondering about anything else!

    Thanks,
    Heidi

  8. Heidi Says:
    August 28th, 2009 at 11:07 am

    I’m sorry for the delay in getting the post up – Roger has just put in a beautiful travertine floor for one of our customers, and he is going to get me a picture to post with his article.

    Thanks,
    Heidi

  9. Travertine Tiles Says:
    September 15th, 2009 at 4:49 am

    i find myself first time to read that Travertine tiles are not good for kitchen countertops and it need re-sealing occasionally.

  10. Travertine Tiles Says:
    September 15th, 2009 at 4:51 am

    i find first time that Travertine Tiles are not good for kitchen and it always need re-sealing.

  11. jasper @ kidney stone treatment Says:
    October 3rd, 2009 at 5:27 am

    Thanks for the interesting post about travertine. I was going to buy these for my kitchen but I don’t want to keep re-sealing them. I look forward to coming back to this site in the future.

  12. Heidi Says:
    October 12th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Hi, jasper, thanks for the comment! I’m glad to hear that my post has helped you learn about materials before you use them. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions I might be able to answer!

  13. Teak furniture Says:
    November 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am

    I think you can’t go wrong when you choose quality materials for your home. It may cost a bit more, but it is almost always worth it in the long run, in the life of the counter/floor/furniture, etc. I didn’t know travertine could be used on floors … I bet it looks great, probably a bit southern European?

  14. Alli Croft Says:
    January 15th, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    travertine is so nice. i have friends who used travertine in their kitchen and the finished project turned out fabulous. i wish i had a space in need of new tile work.

Leave a Reply