Raw travertine has pitted holes or a bubble-like appearance and natural grooves. These grooves or troughs can be filled with grout or left natural. Tile can be bought already “filled” or “unfilled” and can then be finished by polishing until smooth like marble, honed to smoothness but retaining a matte finish or brushed and tumbled to obtain a naturally aged look.
The Four Finishes are:
- Polished for a shiny, flat smooth surface
- Honed for matte, flat smooth surface – the most common finish.
- Brushed for a flat yet textured surface
- Tumbled for a flat yet textured surface – this finish reflects the least amount of light
*Caution –Although sealed for protection, travertine tile doesn’t react well to certain types of spills such as orange juice or vinegar.
Travertine Tile Care
It goes without saying that if you have chosen stone it’s going to last a long time even if you abuse it a little. And if you have chosen travertine wall tiles or flooring it is aesthetically pleasing. However here are a couple things you should know about travertine tile care. Bear in mind that travertine IS NOT granite or marble but originates with the limestone family, so it’s not stain resistant or indestructible.
- Travertine is a porous stone by nature, made of solidified bubbles, to simplify geology down to kindergarten level. But what this means to you is that if you spill something on your travertine countertops or mosaic tiles the spilt liquid could be absorbed into the stone unless you wipe it up quickly.*
- Travertine tiles are sensitive to acidic substances like alcoholic drinks, citrus juice and acid-based cleaners. Don’t use the ever popular vinegar and water solution to disinfect your countertops and don’t mop your travertine floor tile with any acidic cleaners that will either erode the surface or leave nasty stains.
- It is easily stained unless it has been entirely sealed and even then may still be susceptible to discoloration by water or juice. Try to select wall tiles that will be used as backsplashes and travertine countertops and shower tiles that are the most water-resistant as possible and have been well sealed. Ask your retailer about sealants and make sure whoever does your tile installation fills the crevices with grout and finishes everything with a final protective sealer.
Don’t panic just yet about travertine porosity, stain-ability or erode- ability. Most people who have installed these tiles in their homes know that it takes very little care to keep the tile looking great. In fact, many would say that travertine tile is one of the most elegant and durable flooring solutions available.
*The line of products from Aldon offer cleaners and care products specifically designed for these tiles. Some of their products are: Insta-Clean, Maintain, Dust Whiz and Aldon Lifeguard which is said to add extra gloss to sealed surfaces and prevents wear on previously sealed surfaces.
