Travertine is a lovely tile option that can be used throughout your home. There are a number of things to consider when choosing the right tile for your project. If you have settled on Denver travertine tile, it’s important to understand what your needs are, what travertine is, what to look for, and what maintenance is required.
History
The use of travertine dates back to the first Dynasty of Egypt. Because it is often found near water, it was used to build many of the greatest cities around the world, like New York, Paris, and Rome. Travertine can be found in a number of places all over the world, but Italy has the largest deposits.
Production
Travertine is extracted from quarries across the globe. The geological conditions of the different locations affect the look of travertine tile. This natural stone is extracted using wire saw, chainsaw, waterjet cutting, or channeling machines, and then sent manufacturers to be cut and polished into usable slabs.
Grades
While different manufacturers tend to use different names when grading their travertine, there are three basic grades available: commercial, standard, and premium. The lowest grade has larger pores that aren’t filled in completely and other visible flaws. The highest grade will be nearly flawless with only a few filled-in pores. Midgrade tends to fall somewhere in between.
Finishes
Because the stone is naturally occurring, travertine comes in a number of colors ranging from light beige to dark chocolate. You can also adjust the appearance of your travertine based on the finish. The most common finishes are polished, honed, brushed, and tumbled, providing you with an array of options from a sleek, glossy look to a more natural, weathered look. In addition to finishes, you can customize your tile even further by opting for a customized edge.
Maintenance
It is very important to understand the proper cleaning and care required for whatever tile you choose in order to maintain its appearance and last for years to come. You will want to regularly use a dry dust mop and a wet mop with a specially formulated stone cleaning agent as needed. If a stain does occur, it can often be lightened or removed with the use of a natural poultice.
Installation
You may be considering installing the travertine tile yourself. If you have experience with laying tile, this can be a great way to save some money on your project. On the other hand, if you are new to DIY tile projects there is a chance you will need to buy tools and have to replace tile as you make mistakes. In this case, it will likely be more cost efficient to hire a professional to help you with the installation so that it is done quickly and correctly the first time.
Travertine tiles are a beautiful option for just about any project and are a great way to add value to your home. Because it is a natural stone it will have some variation in the color, which lends to its uniqueness and beauty. If you are ready to upgrade your space with some beautiful travertine tile, contact us today.
