Travertine Pool Decking Pros and Cons
It just hit mid-July and the summer’s scorching heat is making you retreat to the confines of your air-conditioned living room, but with summer vacation, the kids are desperate to play outside, which is why you keep hearing the phrase “I’m bored.” Sound familiar? At this moment you’re probably putting together a list of responses and dreaming of finally building that swimming pool for the backyard so that the family can once again enjoy the sun and heat that summer so generously provides.
If you’ve finally made the jump to designing the pool for your backyard, travertine is a perfect choice for pool decking, not only for beautiful aesthetics but also for functional reasons that will keep you in the pool area for long hours. You’ll no longer hear the phrase “I’m bored” again because both you and your kids will be pleased with your choice of a travertine designed pool area. Besides our gallery, there are plenty of travertine pool deck photos online to help you with ideas.
Travertine Pool Decking – Pros
There are several pros when it comes to designing your new pool with Travertine pool deck. Read our list and find out if it works for your space.
Non-Slip Surface
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to swimming pool surfaces is if it will prohibit children from slipping and falling on a wet surface. The outer surface of your pool is bound to get wet, but with travertine’s porous nature, the water is absorbed making it not slippery.
The holes that are naturally occurring as a part of travertine’s facade easily retain the water that is pushed to the surface while you’re enjoying the pool. The absorption also makes it more difficult for water to remain in puddles or flood the inside of your house. It is also a good choice if you’re in a place with high amounts of rain, the travertine pool deck once again will prohibit any runoff or flooding.
Heat Resistant
If safety is an important issue for you, a travertine pool deck has you covered. Not only does it prevent slips and falls due to its non-slip surface, but also it is heat resistant.
If you live in an area with temperatures exceeding 85 degrees, have no fear – travertine decking will keep your feet cool. Travertine transfers the cool, low temperatures from the Earth underneath while reflecting the sun’s rays. The movement of cool air allows travertine’s surface remains cool to the touch, which is great when you want to have BBQ’s or play in the pool midday without the worry of people burning the bottoms of their feet.
Durable
Not only is travertine good for safety, but it is also well known for being durable and can withstand high heat. It doesn’t matter how high the temperature gets in your city, travertine is naturally made to last. There is sometimes confusion between indoor travertine (or travertine tile) and outdoor travertine (or travertine pavers) but the type of travertine that is used for pool decking is travertine pavers, which are thick and durable.
This is also true in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or sleet.
Rocks, spills, shoes, or whatever it may be that you want to move by the pool also won’t damage travertine decking. The durability makes it an easy choice when you want to enjoy your backyard and won’t get ruined when you have parties, bbq, or move patio furniture near the surface.
Travertine Pool Decking – Cons
Travertine drives a hard bargain. It looks nice, won’t get ruined easily, can withstand the heat, is great for safety, and is extremely functional when it comes to design – but there is one drawback for travertine pool decking, and that is that travertine pool decking is its porous nature.
Sealing is an Option
Unfortunately, one of the cons of travertine is, although the pores make it easier to absorb water (which is beneficial during hot summers), this can be a disadvantage if your pool decking is near loose soil, where dirt can get trapped in the pores.
This will reduce the natural beauty of the travertine. Although this may seem problematic, you can keep your travertine decking looking beautiful year-round by sealing it once every 3-5 years.
Sealing travertine is not required, but many installation professionals will seal the stone to ensure their customers enjoy the look of that natural travertine and its pores for years to come.
If you consider that the Roman Coliseum has stood the test of time, and it is made of Travertine, you shouldn’t worry about the material breaking down. Travertine stone is one of the most durable and beautiful applications that a home or business owner could invest in.
If you have any questions about which travertine is right for you, or want more information about the types of travertine for your next swimming pool or other project, feel free to contact a Travertine expert at Texas Travertine: (855) 588-7272.
Texas Travertine sells premium travertine at Wholesale prices to the public.
Call us at 1-855-588-7272 for pricing for your next project. We can ship anywhere and beat any price!
- Published in Travertine Blog
The Roman Colosseum: Travertine’s First Famous Architectural Use
Standing in the midst of what was the epicenter of an empire, the Roman Colosseum, remains an emblem of the legacy of the Roman Empire. Built from the finest travertine mined from areas in central Italy, the Colosseum wouldn’t be the same structure it is if it was constructed with something other than the durable, natural material.
Originally named the Flavian Amphitheater, construction began under Vespasian in AD 7 as a place for wealthy Italian aristocrats to gather to watch dramatic events unfold. Vespasian never made it to the opening of the amphitheater, his son and successor Titus, opened the Colosseum to the public in AD 80.
History of the Colosseum
The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the world and could hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, which was impressive during this time period. It was also one of 250 amphitheaters situated around Italy, noting the importance of public events for the Romans.
The Colosseum held several events such as public spectacles, animal hunts, dramas based on Classical mythology, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and most notoriously for gladiatorial competitions.
Despite withstanding the test of time, the Colosseum was not easy to build. Vespasian gave the order that it was to be constructed on top of a lake, which made planning a more tedious process and required building materials that were resilient to water. It was also a large structure with four stories and 76 arches, allowing for mass audiences to get in and out of the entrances easier.
Notable for its arches and the square designs in its facade, travertine was an ideal material to create beautiful aesthetics and remain functional for a design choice. The travertine was quarried from neighboring Tivoli and sent back to Rome for construction. The Romans built a special road designed to transport the travertine from Tivoli straight to Rome for construction.
Travertine and the Colosseum
Travertine was used for the main pillars, ground floor, and external wall. Travertine slabs were also paved in the area surrounding the Colosseum to support the outer realm of the building. The seats inside were also designed with travertine, although it is no longer exists in the modern structure. The remaining areas were constructed with a mixture of concrete, which was a new invention in this era and helped make building the structure easier.
The outer wall is estimated to have required over 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stones. Unlike traditional travertine, set in mortar or plaster, the Colosseum was held together with 300 tons of iron clamps. This made the structure susceptible to damage during extreme weather conditions; earthquakes, for example, caused significant damage to the outer wall.
Gilded bronze shields line the exterior of the Colosseum. The Romans etched markings in the travertine for a unique and original touch.
Travertine in Today’s Building Projects
Although your next project may not reach the same heights and require the help of hundreds of Romans, travertine building material is a viable option to express individual tastes and fulfill the design requirements you may have for your next project. If you want your project to last as long as the Roman marvel, travertine is an easy choice for the job, because it is durable and doesn’t 
require a lot of maintenance.
Travertine can also be constructed in a myriad of ways, similar to the Roman arches. Although it is typically cut into squares and rectangles to form travertine pavers and tiles, you can deviate from the original cuts to form your own patterns. Travertine is also an easy material to form columns and poles. The sturdy nature of the stone allows it to remain intact without losing its appealing aesthetics.
If you want a project that lasts as long as the Roman Colosseum with all the beauty, travertine should be your first option.
- Published in Travertine Blog
Facts about Travertine Pavers
Travertine comes in many different patterns, thickness and cuts, sizes, and variations depending on your next project.
Choosing the right type of style of travertine from pavers to tiles, split face or standard mosaics, and moldings and copings are important for the functionality of your project, but travertine pavers are a great choice for any outdoor needs you may have.
Travertine Pavers vs. Tiles
Travertine pavers are durable, long-lasting, can withstand fluctuating weather conditions, and its porous nature – which easily absorbs water – makes travertine’s surface cool to touch. These characteristics make pavers the most popular choice of travertine for walkways, driveways, areas surrounding pools, decks, and patios.
They are a cost-effective solution to expensive alternatives and have the benefit of being environmentally friendly and won’t lose their original color.
Travertine Pavers are also distinct from travertine tiles due to the thickness of the material, which ranges from 1 1/4 – 2″ inches thick and are cut into blocks. Pavers are usually rough to the touch and have chiseled edges, unlike tiles, which have a smooth finish.
Pavers are likely to be installed on top of sand and gravel and mortared (a mixture of cement, water, and sand laid beneath the stone) on mud due to the thickness of the material.
Most popular designs of Travertine Pavers
Travertine pavers can be arranged in any formation and cut in a distinct pattern based on your needs. They can be finished in three ways: tumbled, honed, and polished.
A tumbled finish is designed to look “worn in” or rustic, so the travertine is tumbled to provide more texture. This process can take 3-5 weeks and requires the travertine to be coated with rubber or plastic barrel with grit and water. The holes in the travertine can be filled or unfilled depending on the look you want to achieve.
A honed finish appears glossy and has a matte or sheen look with a smooth texture. In order to achieve a honed finish, the travertine is ground on one side. Travertine with honed finishes are the most common in the United States are frequently used in bathrooms and outdoor patios.
A polished finish requires filling the holes in the travertine. Similar to the honed finish, the travertine is sleek and smooth to touch.
Noce
Noce and silver travertine pavers are the most popular variations and colors of travertine pavers. Noce pavers consist of earth tones that vary between deep browns, yellows,
Silver
and red coloring. Noce pavers are a great way to make your space more vibrant and sunny. Silver pavers usually consist of darker hues of grey and white and have speckles of black coloring within them, adding a unique touch to any design.
Pavers also come in ivory, country classic, walnut, scabos, tuscany, and many more. Consult Texas Travertine for help selecting the best color for your project.
Travertine Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers
When weighing the options for planning the design of outdoor spaces, people typically go back and forth between travertine and concrete pavers. Travertine pavers can typically only be cut into squares or triangles, but the characteristics and unique appearance make it a much aesthetically appealing choice.
Although builders may try to replicate travertine pavers’ natural appearance, concrete pavers simply won’t achieve the same look because it is man-made and not all natural like travertine. Concrete pavers also come in pieces, 2 ⅜” thick, and require more finishing to achieve the same texture as travertine.
The surface temperature is also a big factor when deciding whether to buy concrete or travertine pavers. Travertine is usually 20% -30% cooler than its concrete counterpart, once again due to its porous nature. This fits in well with safety requirements and won’t be a cause for concern during hot summers. Travertine pavers within pools are also non-slip and can be sealed to prevent mold and deterioration.
Concrete pavers are not protected during extreme weather conditions and are likely to crack in freezing conditions. Also, rain, sleet, and snow can cause the color to fade, so this will require re-staining every 2 years. Travertine’s colors are naturally derived from the Earth, so there will be no need to stain the surface.
Travertine pavers also don’t require lengthy installation times and is a stronger material than concrete pavers. To get a better idea about how much a travertine install might cost in your area, you can check the typical cost considerations over at Home Advisor.
There are many great advantages of using travertine pavers for your next project. But if you have any questions at all, please feel free to give the experts a call at Texas Travertine: (855) 588-7272.
- Published in Travertine Blog
What Is Travertine?
Despite the surge in popularity and the high demand amongst developers and builders for travertine, many homeowners may not be too familiar with the stone when compared to marble or granite.
Travertine is a sedimentary limestone deposited by mineral springs with formations located all around the world, notably Tivoli, Italy, where the name travertine was derived. The first mention of a travertine discovery dates back to 75 BC during the reign of Julius Caesar. The springs of Tivoli had an abundance of the stone due to the volcanic activity from Mt. Etna, making it the prime building material for the Ancient Romans.
The most well known Roman marvel, the Colosseum, was constructed using travertine and still remains structurally intact due to the durability of travertine – one of its main characteristics. Michelangelo also chose travertine as the outside border of the dome in St. Peters Basilica.
Where is Travertine Mined?
Travertine is mined from quarries all over the world, including some of the largest quarries in Turkey, Italy and Mexico.Although there are natural formations of travertine scattered within the United States, there aren’t any travertine quarries that mine travertine in the United States. In the 1980s, travertine was only mined in Italy, but now Turkey, Iran, Peru, and Mexico are frequent exporters.
Travertine vs. Marble and other stones
Travertine is often confused with marble, granite, onyx, limestone, and slate, but the main difference is the formation process of the stone. Travertine is formed when carbonate materials rapidly precipitate, caused by rain, sleet, and snow undergoes extreme heating or cooling caused by weather fluctuations usually at the mouth of a hot spring or limestone cave. Both marble and limestone are categorized as metamorphic rock and are formed under extreme heat and pressure.
Travertine is easily distinguishable from other stones due to the deposits that form in the rock when precipitation from the heat and air erodes the stone underground, which is why it’s frequently found in springs, lakes, and valleys. Travertine is also an environmentally friendly alternative to other building material because it doesn’t go through a rigorous manufacturing process.
Travertine is also distinct from other stones due to the fibrous pores in the stone. The holes in the stone can be filled for a smooth finish or left untouched, giving a rugged and natural look. The pores in the travertine are not only aesthetically appealing but they also quickly absorb water, making travertine a perfect choice for an outdoor area for a pool.
How is Travertine Used Today?
You can find travertine structures all across the United States, such as the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California to the natural formations that line the Grand Canyon. Travertine is also becoming a popular choice for home designers, so you may have seen it in homes or office buildings.
Travertine is becoming the preferred building material for the design of the facades of buildings and walls, the linings of pools, outdoor decks, and tiling in showers and tubs. It doesn’t require extensive maintenance or upkeep and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it durable in any weather condition.
It is also a cost-effective solution to other stones – unlike the alternatives, if one of your tiles or the travertine material gets damaged, it’s easy and simple to replace.
Travertine Designs and Patterns
Travertine comes in several finishes such as polished, tumbled, brushed, and honed, depending on your preference. Polished and honed travertine is glossy and is smooth to the touch. A tumbled finish gives travertine a textured look and has a non-slip surface. Smooth finishes are ideal for indoor surfaces and liners and tumbled travertine pavers are primarily used for outdoor columns, decks, and pool areas.
Due to the fluctuations in weather and carbonate materials, travertine comes in an array of natural colors that range in hues and design. Smoothing travertine makes it a great choice for indoor shower and tub liners.
Travertine comes in several different patterns and its versatile nature also makes it a great choice for pavers, mosaics, tiles, and moldings depending on your project. Every piece of travertine is different, which is what adds a unique touch to your space. Travertine ranges in size and thickness, consult Texas Travertine for help with your project.
Unlike other distributors, at Texas Travertine we work directly with the quarries to get travertine delivered to you. We supply the highest-grade travertine and guarantee that everything you buy will be of premium quality.
- Published in Travertine Blog
How Texas Travertine gets Turkish Travertine directly to Customers
Dug from large quarries in Turkey, shipped to the United States on a cargo ship, driven to our warehouse for distribution, then delivered across the country (well, depending on your location) by truck to you – stone distributors in the United States don’t have travertine on hand and it travels a long way to arrive at your doorstep. Here’s how we get travertine directly to your location, so you can get started on your project right away.
Our Direct Travertine Source
Wondering where Texas Travertine gets its high quality travertine that comes in an assortment of colors and is found in very few places in the United States? At Texas Travertine we are the single largest producer of travertine in the United States and with 13 of our own quarries in Denizli, Turkey we don’t require a middleman, unlike other distribution companies.
Texas Travertine only sells Turkish travertine because compared to other places in the world, such as Peru, Mexico, and Italy – Turkish travertine is more abundant, dense, the highest quality, and has the most expansive range of colors in the world.
Travertine is located underground and is dug from one of our 13 quarries and then delivered to our 3 factories for distribution within the United States. Travertine has to travel a long way to get to you because there is a very small amount of domestic travertine and it is not as dense, which is less ideal for building or a remodel.
Turkish Travertine availability
As the only one of the five sellers in the United States, we want it to be easy for you to get high quality travertine at a low price and with no minimum or maximum amount you are required to buy, so that your project turns out perfect.
We get a shipment of Turkish travertine delivered to our warehouse in Houston, Texas once daily. We don’t waste time once the travertine is dug from our quarries. It is briefly stored in our factory and then shipped directly in a cargo container to the Port of Houston.
You shouldn’t be required to wait months to get started on your project, which is why we have a significant amount of travertine stored in our warehouse. All of our travertine is ready for delivery as soon as you want with no limits on how little or how much you can buy. Bulk orders do require some wait time, which is as little as six weeks; custom orders are about 10-12 weeks.
With our roots in Turkey, we continue to maintain a strong relationship with our factories and quarries there so we can continue to keep prices low and the quality high.
- Published in Travertine Blog
Empowering Our Customers
Texas Travertine’s mission is to empower our visitors to make an informed decision when purchasing travertine products. To achieve this mission we regularly supply value adding content to further educate about travertine. As the popularity of travertine has grown the industry has seen wider range in quality of travertine products. Some companies have preyed on the vulnerability of less versed customers and have overpriced and mis-marketed the quality of their stone.
Before becoming a go-to flooring option travertine begins as a limestone mineral that is usually deposited by hot springs. A natural phenomenon a rapid precipitation causes much of the coloring of the stone. As owners of over 13 quarries where this occurs our team is able to hand select the finest stones to fabricate and create a final product with unmatched precision.
These products ultimately become travertine tiles, mosaic, split face, pavers, and copings. In addition to the aesthetic beauty travertine has become a go to product for many of it functional capabilities as well. As a pavement it provides a unique slip-resistant grip. This along with its heat resistance has made travertine a favorite for outdoor and particularly pool sidings, pavers and copings.
- Published in Travertine Blog
French Pattern, Versailles, or Ashlar?
Trying to decide on French pattern, Versailles, or Ashlar travertine tiles and pavers – well, the choice may be easier than you think.
If you’ve been scouring the stone market in search for the perfect travertine tile or paver but can’t decide on a particular pattern you like, the choice may be easier than you think. Although the names are different, French, Versailles, and Ashlar pattern are all pre-assigned patterns of travertine with the same dimensions, size, and layout.
Travertine Patterns
These patterns are compromised of a 12-piece set that covers an area of 16 sq. ft. The patterns are pre-assigned with a combination of four pieces of 8” × 8” and 16” × 16” and two pieces of 8” × 16” and 16” × 24”. Patterns are distinguished by colors gradients. Despite the name difference, there is little difference in the pattern. For instance, the name “French pattern” is mainly used in the South, especially in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. In the east coast, the term “Ashlar pattern” is coined to represent this combination of travertine. West coast distributors have opted out of using Ashlar or French and call it “Versailles pattern”.
Travertine Naming
In the stone market, distributors and sellers are notorious for not naming things uniformly across the industry. This is why you may have a “coffee” colored travertine paver you like in French pattern but another distributor may have a “cappuccino” colored paver in Ashlar pattern – despite them being exactly the same. It’s important not to be swayed by the names of the travertine pavers and tiles and focus on the color and pattern you want instead. You may start to feel frustrated when you reference “mocha” pavers in Versailles pattern and the seller you’ve chosen doesn’t have it, although they may but with an entirely different name.
Tips: Focus on colors and patterns, not so much on names. If you attend stone outlets or markets, take pictures of the color you like or specific styles so that you can show the seller later without confusion. Don’t get frustrated if you’re not finding exactly what you want, chances are that they have what you’re looking for.
At Texas Travertine all of our products come in a French pattern or in 6×6, 6×12, 12×12, or 12×24, 16×16, 16×24, 24×24 size pieces. Review our product listing to find the color and style you want. Feel free to send us an email or call about any inquiries you may have.
- Published in Travertine Blog
Color of Travertine
Finding the right color of travertine or any stone can be a daunting process due to the range of color gradients and industry names that frequently change based on the distributor, but with knowledge of what to look for in your next stone can help eliminate the unnecessary stress.
It may have taken weeks and many searches online, but when you finally decided to make the commitment to buy the “Alaskan Silver” color of travertine pavers for your outdoor project and your distributor only had “Silver” or “Shell Stone”, you felt a sting of frustration – a problem we hear too often from our clients. The good news is, despite the myriad of hues and their given names, a lot of names are decided by the distributor, even though the patterns or stones may be the same. Finding the right material for your next project is extremely important, but color can help express individual tastes, preferences, and really set your project apart from others. The color of travertine is made naturally and cannot be manufactured or replicated, which is why each groove and color in a travertine tile or paver is truly unique.
How Travertine Gets its Color
Travertine is a form of pure calcium carbonate and releases carbon dioxide once its heated, which is why its commonly found in warmer regions where there are a lot of precipitation, or in colder climates where there is a presence of hot springs. Travertine gets it color naturally once it’s exposed to extreme temperatures.
Travertine becomes white, red, yellow, orange, and brown once the carbonate material aragonite is activated through extremely warm temperatures and precipitation. Travertine gets the gray, white, and yellow, and sometimes green color from calcite, which is released in cooler temperatures where hot springs occur.
Due to the formation of travertine, all of the tiles and pavers come in pre-assigned patterns. Travertine is arranged based on the size of the pieces and are put together in a consistent way so that your project looks natural. You won’t have to worry about piecing together each tile, paver, or mosaic – that is already determined and it is guaranteed to match.
Helpful Tips
In order to avoid backing out on your design because you can’t find the pattern with the exact name, here are some tips to help you navigate the warehouses or online travertine stores. Next time you are trying to find the perfect color for your project, avoid looking at names and focus on the patterns or colors that make your project pop. Take pictures or get samples of the travertine you like, so you can keep in mind what you’re looking for. Consult a professional at Texas Travertine so that we can help closely match, if not get the exact color you want. Remember not to get frustrated if you can’t find travertine matching with the same name, usually the names range even though the travertine is the same! Visit Texas Travertine so we can help find a match that’s right for you.
- Published in Travertine Blog
5 Steps to Choosing The Right Tile Contractor
In the last few years, the amount scams, incomplete work, and unfair payment amounts reported to the Better Business Bureau regarding contractors has been steadily increasing, here are some tips to choosing the right contractor for your Travertine tile install!
Choosing the right travertine tile contractor shouldn’t be the hardest part of your pool deck or home remodel, but if you choose the wrong one, it can create significant problems long-term and cause stress until the project is completed. It’s important to be mindful of the process and avoid hire someone that doesn’t have the proper credentials or refuses to ask questions. Here are some tips for hiring the best tile contractor for you.
Travertine Contractor Referrals
Even if you are trying to create a pool that is the talk of the neighborhood and rivals your neighbor’s newly installed pool deck, it may be best to use their contractor. Referrals are a great way to find a travertine tile contractor because it could prevent you from overpaying or being scammed. It may also be helpful to review past contracts and negotiations if you have never done it before. Referred contractors are also more likely to do a good job if they know that someone you knew liked their work or they may give better rates. Although knowing someone who’s used a contractor in the past may be helpful, sometimes it may not be the best fit for your project or you may not be getting the best workers – so if your cousin’s son just started a tile contracting business, it may be a good idea to go over other options too.
Research Contractor Credentials
It’s all too common that people hear about horror stories of travertine tile or home contractors over charging for work, not completing the work, or making fraudulent claims – so it’s important that you protect yourself from scams. One of the most important things to make sure before hiring is to check to see if the contractor is “bonded”, insured, and has the correct license.
The Better Business Bureau website https://www.bbb.org/en/us/ is a good place to start. The BBB requires that all contractors are bonded and insured. If a contractor is bonded it means that if they don’t complete the work or the work is not done correctly, then you are financially protected. Also, you need to ensure that the contractor is completely covered by insurance and not partly. For example, are all the contractor’s workers covered?
Asking the contractor for the correct license is helpful. Most of the proper licenses are held from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. Even if a friend of family member referred the contractor, it’s important that they have all the proper documentation, full insurance coverage, and are listed on the BBB.
Interview Candidates
It’s common practice to interview at least three tile installation contractors before settling on one to do your project. Before you set up the interviews, it’s best to have a good idea about what you want your project and design to look like, so that you can get an exact estimate for what you want.
In the interview process make sure that the contractor is specialized for the type of project that you need and that they are using the proper tools to complete the project. You don’t want to hire a contractor that has done work on your cousin’s bathroom, but can’t correctly install tiles for an indoor walkway, even if the contractor says it’s the same. No question is a bad question. Make sure to go over everything before getting started, especially costs, time constraints, installation patterns, insurance coverage, credentials, and past work history.
Even if a contractor is busy, it may be worth the wait because if they are in high demand it usually means they have a lot of clients due to their promising work. So don’t hire someone simply because they are available, waiting a few weeks may make all the difference between something that you love!
Check References
Most tile contractors have worked on travertine projects before, don’t be afraid to ask them for references of their past work or for a portfolio. Most reputable flooring contractors will provide you pictures of designs from previous projects, if they don’t have one or have just started their work as a contract, don’t fret yet. But make sure you are showed something before the project begins to ensure that you aren’t getting cheated. At Texas Travertine, we want to ensure that your project is exactly how you want it, so ask us for recommendations on contractors or project ideas!
Set Expectations
If you are planning to use travertine pavers to build your pool decking, have an idea in mind of what you want. Compare previous installs of friends and neighbors, or compare pictures online to get an idea of the scope of your install. If friends don’t mind sharing pricing with you, it’s a great way to estimate what you might expect to pay. If you are doing a remodel or new home construction and want to use travertine backsplash or travertine flooring in the home, have an idea of the linear footage of your backsplash, as well as the approximate square footage of the flooring area where you want to install the tile. If you can have these dimensions in mind, it will come in handy to help you estimate the cost of materials. This is important because it could be less expensive to buy the travertine through a local or online dealer and just pay for the install, rather than budgeting a turnkey job.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime. We are more than happy to help you plan your next travertine tile install!
- Published in Contractor
Benefits of Using Travertine
Designing your next indoor or outdoor project but don’t know what type of stone to use? Here are 5 benefits for using travertine materials, so that you can get the design, style, and look you want without the worry.
Your project is important, and you want everything to be perfect so you can enjoy your new space, but picking the right material may be a long, frustrating process. Although some stones may be referenced more frequently when you’re doing design research, travertine is one of the best stones to use compared to the alternatives.
Here are some benefits:
Travertine is Durable
Travertine materials are extremely durable and long-lasting, check out the Colisseum in Rome if you don’t believe us! The architectural wonder was built out of travertine and has managed to withstand seasonal changes and the test of time.
The durability of travertine makes it a better solution for outdoor projects, especially in places where the weather is constantly changing and temperatures are extreme.
When designing an outdoor or indoor space, you want people to feel comfortable moving or placing things without damaging or scratching the stone – with travertine you won’t have to monitor these activities, your stone will withstand damaged. When you use travertine you rarely have to change or replace travertine tiles or pavers, there’s not a lot of wear and tear.
Travertine is Safe
Watching your kids playing around the pool may have led you to yell from the kitchen window, “don’t run around the pool” to try to prevent a dangerous slip, but most of the time kids don’t heed our safety advice. But instead of getting in a screaming match trying to avoid a trip to the ER, purchase travertine for your pool design.
Travertine is the safest option when it comes to choosing a lining or flooring in the area surrounding your pool. Travertine is not slippery because the porous nature of the stone absorbs the water, making it the safest option for your pool project.
Installing a pool in your backyard as a way to find some relief from the scorching summer heat? Don’t forget to get travertine tiles and pavers as a way to protect your feet. Travertine reflects heat unlike other materials and the nature of the stone allows for it to absorb cooler temperatures from the Earth below. Travertine is also resistant from freezing temperatures, so it won’t be slippery or difficult to walk on during snow season.
Travertine is Affordable
Remember the granite craze? When builders and homeowners were desperate to build countertops with granite – well, what a lot of people don’t know is that travertine is a much more affordable option and has the same glossy look compared to other stones. Travertine, which can have a matte or smooth finish, is ideal for any indoor project.
Stones like granite, marble, and limestone may be more of a household name than travertine, but installing travertine in your project is a much more cost-effective solution and you won’t have to compromise on the beauty of the design.
Travertine is Easy to Maintain
Although travertine is known for its durability, you may encounter a problem and need a tile replaced. For some stones that is an exhausting and a dramatic process, but not for travertine! Installing or replacing travertine materials is a quick and easy process, that won’t be costly.
Travertine is also incredibly easy to clean. Depending on the style of travertine you use, hone-finish or polished-finish, you can use regular cleaning products to get out stains or simply clean the surface.With a little bit of maintenance, travertine retains its natural color and shine, making it ideal for years to come!
Travertine is Versatile
Have a vision of what you want, but don’t know if you can pattern the stone to get exactly what you dreamt of? Well, with travertine, pieces can be cut or shaped in any pattern of design so you can get exactly what you want.
Also, the various finishes, colors, and styles of travertine allows for several different options when designing your project. Travertine can be used for walls to linings, ceilings to walkways, the inside of bathrooms to the inside of pools – the uses are endless.
The range of styles, cuts, and patterns makes travertine the easiest choice when it comes to picking your stone. Its uses are endless and it can be used for a range of building uses. Don’t limit travertine to just your bathroom or pool, it can even be used for the façade of your house or the structure inside.
- Published in Travertine Blog
- 1
- 2