The Different Types of Finishes on Denver Travertine

Travertine is a natural, neutral colored stone that is often used inside and outside of homes. Even though travertine only comes in neutral, earth-toned colors, that doesn’t mean it will be easy to choose the right travertine for your home. There are many other decisions to make when selecting Denver travertine tile, starting with which type of finish you would like. Here are some of your many options:

Tumbled

The first type of travertine that you should consider for your home is tumbled travertine tile. Tumbled travertine has a rough, uneven surface that looks aged and antique. To create this finish, travertine is machine-tumbled with small rocks that hit against its surface. Because tumbled travertine is more porous than traditional travertine, it’s not a good idea to use this finish on flooring. If you do, debris can become trapped in the pores and liquid that is spilled on the floor will immediately soak into the stone. Play it safe by only using tumbled travertine on hard-to-reach areas such as kitchen backsplashes. Learn more about travertine tile finishes: tumbled, polished, and honed.

Polished

On the opposite end of the spectrum is polished travertine, which is clean and smooth. At first glance, polished travertine looks very similar to marble, but it’s not nearly as expensive. Just like marble, polished travertine will need to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent damage. It will also need to be polished once the glossy finish starts to look dull. Because of its elegant appearance, polished travertine is often used in luxurious living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.

Honed

Most flooring professionals agree that honed travertine is the most popular choice for the home. Both honed and polished travertine have flat and smooth surfaces, however honed travertine has a matte finish, whereas polished travertine has a glossy finish. The matte finish tones down the look of the travertine tile and makes it appropriate for every room in the home. Although honed travertine has a more versatile appearance, it’s more likely to stain than polished travertine. Keep this in mind when deciding which finish is right for your home.

Brushed

Brushed travertine has a matte finish similar to honed travertine, however it is not nearly as smooth. This type of travertine is rough on the surface, so it may not be a good choice for indoor flooring. However, because it is not as slippery as honed or polished travertine, it is often used in outdoor spaces, especially in areas around swimming pools.

Now that you are familiar with the many different finishes, are you ready to install travertine in your home? If so, contact Natural Stone Sales today to get started. Our expert staff has been working one-on-one with customers in the greater Denver area for over three decades. We specialize in providing superior and personalized natural stone and hardwood services using only the highest quality products on the market. Contact us today to find out how we can create a beautiful custom look with slate for your home!