Travertine has a soft and delicate look to it. It is relaxed and soothing and breathes spaciousness. Travertine imparts a sense of tranquility and serenity. It is a simple beauty and casual formality in one.
The classic aged look of travertine will warm your home. The polished and honed travertine becomes a little more formal, yet still inviting.
Geologically travertine is a calcium carbonate rock, deposited around lime-rich spring sand lakes. When the water evaporates it leaves behind layers of dissolved limestone, other minerals and shells, giving the stone a banded look. Its natural pits and holes, resulting from bubbles in the hot spring where it was formed, lend it a distinctive character.
Although travertine holes are usually filed with grout or resin before it is polished or honed, unfilled travertine is also quite beautiful and is frequently seen in building exteriors.
MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Travertine is a porous material with naturally occurring holes that may remain unfilled or be factory-filled with resin or cement. All travertines will acid etch when exposed to acidic foods such as lemons or tomatoes. All travertines have high absorption ratings and low abrasion resistance ratings.
Abrasion Resistance
Travertine is highly abrasive and fragile stone. Will scratch easily.
Absorption
Travertine is very porous material. Its naturally occurring holes which regardless of whether they are be filled or unfilled, make the stone highly absorbent. It stains easily.
Acid Sensitivity
Travertine is a calcareous rock and is highly sensitive to household acids, such as lemon and vinegar. It should always be sealed.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Do not use resin-filled material outside, as the resin will discolor over time. Choose cement-filled or unfilled materials as an alternative.
- Fabricators will often need to resin-fill the exposed edges to match the filled surface of the material.
- Do not use travertine for kitchen countertop applications.
- Always seal travertine prior to grouting or use.
- Use walk-off mats at entrances and expect the material to patina rapidly.
- Always use a grout that is similar in color to the stone to avoid a picture-frame effect.
- Always use a neutral detergent to clean travertine.
- To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Oil and highly pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain.
APPLICATIONS AND FINISHES
Applications
- Interior and exterior walls
- Flooring
- Fireplace surround
- Vanity
- Decorative stonework
Finishes
- Polished (select material)
- Honed
- Tumbled
- Filled or unfilled
Disclaimer:
Please note that the information on this page is a general summary of industry-accepted standards and tips regarding natural stone considerations, applications and care. We have compiled this information to help you in your stone selection and care. MGSI is not involved in geological testing and has no formal proof of the information presented in the article and relies on industry wide information and standards. MGSI will not be responsible for any direct or indirect claims and damages, resulting from the improper application and/or interpretation of this information. Please note that natural stone varies substantially. Ask your stone specialist what works best for your project
