Travertine tiles stood the test of time through the years, and as years go by, these tiles have become more popular. This can be attributed to the fact that prices have been reducing steadily. In this particular article, we are going to give general information about travertine tiles and the factors that one has to put into consideration when they want to purchase the travertine tiles.
What Is Travertine?
Travertine comes from the limestone family, and this is why it is referred to as travertine marble or in other instances as travertine limestone. However, we should bear in mind that travertine in not a limestone nor a marble. One major factor of identifying it is that its surface is porous, with noticeable crevices and holes.
The use of this stone as a construction material can be traced back to the ancient Roman times. One notable example where the travertine stone was used is the Coliseum of Rome. This stone is still widely used in today’s construction industry but in the form of tiles. Below, we will highlight the factors that one should put into consideration when selecting the travertine tiles.
Desired Appearance
The first and most important factor to determine is the type of finish that you require for that particular area. In the case that you are looking to achieve either a chiseled or tumbled finish then you should probably be looking for rustic tiles. But in achieving modern or contemporary finishes, you should go for polished filled and pushed tiles.
Stone Quality
The second most important factor that you need to deal with is the quality of the stone to be used for the tile making. We can’t avoid the fact the each seller will claim that the stones they are using are top grade and the tiles are made of premium quality. Since there are no official classifications on the quality of the stones, determining the quality of the stone will be a challenge especially for those people whose new to this industry.
Hard Travertine & Soft Travertine.
If you prioritize smoothness, go for a soft travertine. However, if you want durability, go for hard travertine. If you want to know whether it’s soft or hard before you make a purchase, take a broken piece and try to crumble the edges. If the edges crumble easily, chances are those are made of soft material. When it comes to travertine floor tiles, it’s advisable that you go for the hard travertine because of its durability.
Samples
We all know that each manufacturer that produces travertine tiles has almost the same process. However, when it comes to the quality, each manufacturer has their own standards. That’s why it’s important for you to ask samples before making a purchase in that way you can determine if they meet your standards.