Travertine is a calcium carbonate which is very dense and closely compacted. It’s a form of Limestone that is made when minerals are dissolved in groundwater and brought to the surface through rivers, streams or geysers. It is then sized down from a larger stone to smaller blocks, and created into tiles. They are developed in countries such as Turkey and Italy, and have been incorporated into architectural designs worldwide, such as the Coliseum in Rome. Many people today choose to use travertine tile floors in their home design to add an elegant touch to the decor, and some even choose to use travertine as an accent in their landscaping. They do have many advantage, but there are still several disadvantages to consider.
The Advantages of Travertine Tiles
Since it is a natural stone travertine floor tiles come in a variety of earth-tone hues such as cream, beige, mahogany, and even gold, due to iron deposits. They are much easier to shape than marble, therefore it is more preferred by builders. The tiles are also available in different finishes like matte, brushed, polished and tumbled. Surfaces of the tiles can also be filled and sealed so that they are more durable and less resistant to staining. These tile create a lovely accent as flooring, countertops or wall splashes on fireplaces, in kitchens, bathrooms, and main living areas. Incorporating tile flooring into home decor can add great aesthetic appeal and beauty t
o any home, and it’s even so versatile that it can be used to accent a patio or landscape. Another large advantage is that it can add value to your home due to its elegance.
The Disadvantages of Travertine Tiles
Though it has many wonderful advantages, there are still has a few disadvantages. Travertine is very porous and reacts with acidic substances, which can cause staining and etching of the surface even if there is a minor spill of a liquid such as vinegar, or orange juice. Because it is easily stained it is advised not to place travertine tile in locations that are highly trafficked or where spills are likely, such as a counter surface in a busy kitchen. It is also ill advised to use travertine floor tiles as a floor surface in bathrooms because it becomes very slick when wet. Since they are more susceptible to staining they do require extra care, but this can be minimized by adding a sealant on the surface of the stone.
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