Travertine Flooring Pros And Cons – There are some consideration before purchasing and installing travertine tile. In deciding whether you are going to use travertine floor tiles for your flooring, it is best that you know the pros and cons before you start to install them. People who are selling these tiles are only focused on informing you about the great things the tiles can offer but there are certain negative aspects that they may fail to inform you of.
Before we talk about travertine flooring pros and cons, we must understand what travertine is? Travertine is formed when limestone is exposed to minerals which have dissolved in ground water, rivers, streams and natural springs. Over long periods of time, if this mineral-infused limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep in the earth, travertine is formed. If the travertine stone remains in the earth for a long time, it becomes marble. One of the components within travertine is iron, which causes travertine to form in a family of earth colors such as brown tones, beige, tan, reddish hues, gold tones, ivory and other off-white shades.
Since it’s a natural stone,travertine tiles come in a variety of earthy colors, like walnut, gold, cream, beige and ivory. Most of these striking and rich colors are formed due to the mixing of iron compounds and other impurities. Its visual appeal explains why travertine tiles are used quite commonly for flooring, wall coverings and countertops.
Travertine Flooring Pros And Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of travertine tiles for your home’s flooring.
Travertine Flooring Pros
- Benefits
The first and most important benefit is the beauty. This would not be a popular rock to use if it were ugly. You will not find too many who think this is an ugly stone. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. You will not have a problem creating a unique look. Travertine has the durability and aesthetic appeal of marble, but at a lower price and greater versatility. Its range of rich, radiant hues can add warmth to almost any room.
- Ageless Appearance
Travertine stone does not need to be sealed and will look good longer than most building material, especially for the exterior walls of buildings. It already looks old and weathered, so it gives a distinctive look to new buildings, and its appearance will not deteriorate for centuries. The natural stone appearance is timeless and attractive than manufactured materials such as concrete. The travertine walls and flooring have been known to outlast the building itself.
- Impervious to Temperature Extremes
Travertine withstands weather extremes and temperature extremes of hot and cold. Travertine stays cool even in direct sunlight, which makes it suitable for swimming pools and outdoor furniture such as park benches. It resists cracking and other physical changes with changes in climate, such as extremely freezing temperatures. This quality would give excellent insulation to buildings for which it is used as walls and floors. Its resistance to hot and cold water damage also makes travertine suitable for shower walls and floors.
- Easy To Install
Travertine is much easier to cut and shape than porcelain tile. This makes it easier to fill in oddly shaped spaces and vary the pattern of the flooring. Travertine may be a better choice for someone who is new to laying tile.
Travertine Flooring Cons
- Not Resistant to Damage
The main disadvantage of Travertine tile is that it is not resistant to damage. If you have pets or young children in your home, the flooring could very easily become scratched or even stained. However, by sealing the floor, you can prevent this from happening.
- Expensive
Another disadvantage is the cost of the flooring. Generally, it is a little more expensive than other types of flooring and you will need to use a multipurpose thinset to adhere it to the floor, which again, is more expensive than other types.
- Porous
The natural state of travertine means that it has many holes, some very small and some quite large. The holes are normally filled in the factory to give the tiles a smooth surface, but over time, wear and tear can cause the filling material to wear away. Maintenance of travertine can include filling holes as they appear, to keep it in good condition.
Travertine tile may have a few disadvantages, but if you are really concerned about the appearance of your home, you will choose this material. It has been used for many years and is often found in many of the most luxurious homes. For most the benefits of travertine outweigh the drawbacks. This is a gorgeous tile to use in your home, apartment, business, office or garden. It is very durable and will last for decades. If you wish this may be the last tile you ever need to install.
I Hope this short reviews regarding travertine flooring pros and cons help you when decide to purchase floor tile for your home.
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