Travertine tile is a durable and attractive natural stone in a class by itself. Famous structures like the Roman Coliseum stand as a tribute to the long-lasting nature of travertine as a building material. There are many installers and Dyers today who have used travertine tile as both flooring and as wall tile who will also sing its praises as a practical and uniquely decorative addition to their interiors and exteriors. So, travertine tile has been used and relied upon as tile for thousands of years, holding a place in the development of civilization from the Ancient Greeks, to the Roman Empire, and onto today’s modern age in equal measure. But what are some of the defining characteristics of travertine which sets it apart from other natural stone flooring and tile options?
Origins of travertine
Travertine is related to marble, actually falling somewhere between marble and limestone in terms of its development over thousands of years. Travertine is formed by subterranean springs, underground rivers, and other water sources. These water sources carry mineral elements such as calcium carbonate that build up over long periods of time in the same way stalactites and stalagmites in caves are formed. The resultant stone is a smooth and very hard substance further characterized by its porous surface. These pores are the result of gases escaping as the travertine is formed. By the time it is quarried, travertine is naturally beautiful – a smooth, dense stone that exhibits a notable creamy colour that evokes a certain old-world refinement. Commonly found in Italy and Turkey, travertine remains to be a popular import for construction products all over the world, including North America.
Processing travertine tile
Travertine is removed from the earth in large blocks before it is cut into what can be recognized as travertine tile. It may be cut in any of the following ways:
Cross-cut – The travertine is cut with the grain of the stone bedding and on the same layer as it is formed in the earth. This makes for a more uniform texture and colour
Vein cut – the travertine is cut across several layers of the stone bedding, making for a more mottled, tiger-stripe effect when cut into tiles
After the travertine is quarried, it is strictly selected for colour variances, and further assessed after it is cut for holes and chipped edges. Beyond the selection process, the travertine may be subject to any of the following processes
Honed – the surface of the tile is sanded to create a matte finish
Tumbled – the travertine is literally tumbled with gravel and bearings, giving it a rough-hewn, aged appearance.
Brushed – a wire brush is used to give the surface of the travertine tile a worn, textured surface
Filled – The pores in the travertine tile are filled with collared resin or cement to produce a pristine, solid surface
Polished – the travertine is sanded and polished, producing a shiny look
Popular uses of travertine tile
As old an option it is for a sturdy and reliable building material, travertine tile remains to be a highly diverse natural stone, suitable for all kinds of applications. Travertine was used in the ancient world, but can also be found as a major component of many modern buildings such as the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, and the UCLA medical centre. Travertine tile is used as floor tile in both residential and commercial settings, as well as a decorative option for wall cladding and backsplashes. Travertine tile has both indoor and outdoor uses, being a durable stone, and can be both functional and aesthetically striking. A featured design element of which anyone would find to be a source of pride, the popularity of travertine seems to be undiminished. In fact, it’s getting more popular!
