Travertine Tile, Is It
Right For Your Kitchen?

Travertine tile is a type of limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that has been placed under pressure in the earths crust. Marble is also limestone but it's placed under greater pressure than travertine.

Travertine is actually the name of the town from which it originally came from. Travertine is not limestone but a member of the limestone family. Travertine is also called marble but this is incorrect. Marble undergoes more transformation to make it more dense and recrystallizes the internal structure of the the stone.

It's not uncommon to see fossilized aquatic life in travertine which adds to the natural look. Marble would not have any of the fossils.

Travertine comes in four basic finishes polished, matte (or honed), tumbled, and brushed. The latter two are textured surfaces. Colors are usually tans and beige.

The Advantages Of Travertine:
• Durable
• Attractive
• Available in different finishes
• A natural product
• Easily cut with tile saws

The Disadvantages:

• Easily chipped
• Affected by acids
• Requires maintenance
• Unpolished travertine is porous

Travertine is rated by most flooring suppliers as a light to medium traffic floor. Light to medium is more than enough for the home kitchen. This tile is very easily chipped and cracked, so care needs to be taken not to drop them when installing them.

This flooring is comprised of calcium carbonate which is highly reactive to acids. Ordinary household materials such as vinegar and orange juice reacts with the calcium carbonate in the stone and weakens it. Sealing the stone cuts down on this greatly, if not completely.

Travertine is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. The natural beauty of these tiles is undeniable and the durability is also good. Consider travertine tiles as an affordable and attractive option.