subject: Travertine Tiles Add Style To Your Home [print this page] Travertine tiles are known for their strength and fantastic appearance. Travertine is probably one of the oldest stones and has been used throughout history. Visiting Italy one can see many examples of travertine being used on monuments, buildings and floors. Travertine is produced by nature featuring high density and hardness.
Travertine belongs to the limestone family also known as Calcium Carbonate. Marble is also a type of limestone that has had additional heat and pressure applied to it by the earth"s crust. Travertine is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then being deposited on the earth's surface by rivers, natural springs or geysers.
Travertine tiles have one advantage over other natural stones tiles, They harden with age and exposure. Due to travertine's origins and structure, it can be processed in many ways, leading to different visual effects. Prior to polishing, the cracks can be filled either in a matching color or with clear poly-resin, or even in a contrasting colour, that can change the appearance quite remarkably.
This is why homeowners are attracted to travertine tiles as well as architects for construction of commercial buildings. Not only are they hard wearing but are attractive for their beauty. Travertine tiles are proving an ideal option for both indoor and outdoor use. In fact, they are widely used for back splashes and wall cladding. Apart from that they complement kitchen and living rooms very well.
Travertine tiles come in many colors. Ivory, beige, reddish brown, and gold are but few of the colours that are the most chosen. Travertine tiles contain iron in various amounts, this gives the tile completely different colors in each lot purchased.
Travertine tiles can have four major finishes, polished (shiny), honed (matt), brushed and tumbled. The type of finish given to the travertine tile will determine how shiny the surface will be. Polished and honed surfaces are flat and smooth, the brushed and tumbled surfaces are flat and textured. The polished surface is the shiniest, while the tumbled surface reflects the least amount of light. The most favored finish for travertine tiles is honed.
Another feature that makes Travertine tiles favored by home owners are their resistance to dust. Maintenance is easy, as it is naturally a clean material that is impervious to dirt. All that is needed to keep them sparkling is to mop the tile with a damp cloth after sweeping the dirt away.
Travertine tiles are certainly a nice choice for people who seek a unique appearance to their room as none of the tile lots are the same. This gives them uniqueness to your home. They are easy to cut to shape, and is top of the list of building material preferred by builders. Travertine tiles are seen as one of the very strong and functional tiles as well as one that give beauty to your home.
Travertine tiles are soft and delicate to look at. They breathe spaciousness. Travertine is relaxing and soothing. The feeling is peaceful, tranquil and serene. This is why it is widely used for bathrooms and other areas where it aids in relaxation and gives a feeling of tranquillity.
You too can bring an antique and exciting look to your home with Travertine tiles.
