Travertine tile: features and scope

Travertine tiles are a unique material with excellent properties. It can be used for both external and internal finishing work.

Travertine (or limestone tuff) is a stone formed in stagnant waters and reservoirs with an active current. This material is a cross between limestone and marble. It has the properties of both breeds.

Natural travertine tiles can be made in several natural colors: white (it is quite rare, as there are impurities of various precipitates), beige, light brown and light gray. There are Iranian stone rocks with a reddish tint. The most prized tiles are dark colored stone tiles from Vietnam, as they are the least prone to abrasion.

Travertine has many useful properties that make it suitable for interior and exterior decoration:

• durability and higher strength than limestone;
• frost resistance and heat resistance;
• environmental friendliness. It can even be used in rooms where small children live;

• good sound insulation and thermal insulation due to porosity and low density;
• fire resistance;
• taverine is easy to cut and polish due to its porosity;

• possesses water-repellent properties due to closed pores;
• non-slip, therefore it can be used as a floor covering for bathrooms;
• lighter and easier to work with than natural marble;

• does not corrode;
• beautiful, noble appearance;
• relatively low cost.

Despite its many advantages, travertine also has some disadvantages:

• afraid of acids, including vinegar;
• needs careful care;
• material can be scratched if mishandled.

The scope of application of travertine tiles is extremely wide. It is used as a finishing material for external and internal works:

• mantel;
• wall tiles for decorating bathrooms, toilets, showers and saunas;
• decoration of doorways, facing of stairs and columns;

• wall tiles for kitchens and living rooms;
• floor tiles;
• facing of facades.

Fireplaces decorated with natural stone tiles look noble and luxurious. However, marble is a very expensive material, not everyone can afford it. Travertine is much cheaper, while it looks no less impressive.

The floor tiles are abrasion resistant, water resistant and non-slip thanks to their rough surface. In addition, the material can be additionally polished, and it will look more elegant than an untreated stone.

Travertine is not afraid of cold, heat and direct sunlight, does not lose its appearance over time, so tiles from it can be used for external cladding of the house. Limestone tuff will look great in a classic-style home as well as in a trendy modern building.

Travertine wall tiles look very elegant. Thanks to its natural pattern, the material will help to make any bathroom, washroom, sauna or shower room modern and stylish.

Travertine tiles will look great in your living room or kitchen.The warm colors of the stone will add comfort and light to any interior, while tiles can be used to decorate not the entire room, but only part of it, creating a beautiful and unusual pattern on the wall.

To visually highlight a certain area, use stone tiles of different colors.... Travertine tiles can be used to decorate stairs, doorways, columns.

Travertine tiles are heavier than ceramic tiles, so there are a few things to consider when laying them. To strengthen the surface, a metal plaster mesh is pre-packed on it, then the plane itself is leveled. As with conventional ceramics, the surface should be free of any irregularities, grease and dirt.

The styling itself has no peculiarities. For fixation, a special composition is used, which includes cement, sand and a modifier for natural stone... Compliance with all these simple rules guarantees the durability and strength of the coating.

In addition to tiles made of natural travertine, there is also a tile made of artificial stone, which is made from stone chips by pressing. Artificial travertine can be presented in a different number of colors, and it is in no way inferior in its properties to natural stone. On the contrary, artificial limestone tuff is not afraid of moisture, it is more durable. Artificial travertine tiles vary in size:

• large formats;
• standard sizes;
• small mosaic.

In addition to artificial travertine slabs, there are ceramic tiles with a texture that imitates natural stone. The Turkish company Vitra, specializing in the production of sanitary ware and ceramic tiles, has a similar collection. The series is called Travertino. It is for those people who love everything natural. This includes wall tiles with a travertine look.

Several colors are available:

• White;
• mink;
• beige;
• cream.

The tile has a different surface:

• matte;
• semi-glossy;
• with decor;
• without decor.

Product sizes also differ from each other:

• 300x600 mm;
• 500x600 mm;
• 450x450 mm;
• 150x900 mm.

Most people who decide to decorate their home with travertine slabs outside or inside speak well of this natural material. Those who decide to lay tiles in the bathroom or sauna, note that the surface of travertine is warm, pleasant to the touch, requires special care, it is impossible to slip on it.

Those who decide to use travertine tiles on the facade do not regret their choice at all. Buyers note that the material looks great due to its natural pattern, and it does not lose its attractive appearance over time.

For more details on the technology of installing travertine tiles, see below.