|
Travertine is a porous decorative stone, used as a building material dating back to the rise of Western civilization in ancient Greece. Travertine is one of the most popular stone materials used today on exterior and interior applications in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, including flooring, countertops, walls and backsplashes. Described as a cross between marble and limestone, travertine has been an admired building material for thousands of years because of its durability and the ability of masons to shape it to fit almost any purpose.
Travertine is a type of limestone composed of a material known as calcium carbonate that was produced from deposits built up over time from rivers, springs, and subterranean water sources. This resultant stone is a soft, absorbent, naturally decorative material that offers a soft cream hue, traditional beauty and durable surface. Travertine is most commonly quarried in Italy, Turkey and the surrounding regions.
Travertine is cut in several ways. When cut on a “layer” with the bedding a linear pattern is noted. When cut on a “layer” that is against the bedding so the bedding plane is a reveal cut, a flowery circular pattern is noted. This cut is also known as a “crosscut” pattern.
The idiosyncratic holes and cavities in the travertine are formed by gas that escapes during the process of stone formation. These small pits might be filled with matching Portland cement, polyester resins or with colored epoxy either in the plant or in the field, although owners may prefer to leave the holes “unfilled”.
Some of the finishes accessible on travertine are:
- Tumbled: This stone is tumbled with sand, pebbles, or even with steel bearings to generate a weathered, aged finish to the travertine.
- Filled: Natural travertine comes with pores and small holes where gases were trapped. These holes are generally filled in with cement in order to make a uniform surface.
- Unfilled: The natural finishing of the stone is actually unfilled, leaving the pores and holes in the travertine exposed.
Regardless of the kind of surface is to be maintained, it is recommended that all travertine be protected with a sealer.
Travertine is recognized as a reliable type of natural stone, well suited for flooring. From the Roman Coliseum to the Getty Center in Los Angeles, travertine had been a part of human progress throughout the millennia. In choosing travertine, you are not only gaining the advantage of a reliable and stunning natural stone tile – you are extending its history.
As with any stone material, the advantages of travertine are durability and natural beauty.
The colors represented here are a sampling of available materials. Additional colors are available.
| |
Travertine Samples |
| |
|
 |
| Osso Travertine |
|
|
 |
| Noce Travertine |
|
|
 |
| Roman Travertine |
|
|
 |
| Navona Vein Cut |
|
|
 |
| Mexican Red Travertine |
|
|
 |
| Anidino |
|
|
 |
| Coliseum |
|
|
 |
| Imperial |
|
|
 |
| Storm |
|
|
 |
| Yurac |
|
|
|
|
|
