When in Rome Travertine Floors and Tiles

UPDATED 2/27/21

Tile floors remain extremely popular in the United States. Tiles are fairly easy to clean as well as install, and if taken care of properly they can last for decades — or even centuries! Ceramic tiles alone make up about an eighth of all American floor covering purchases every year, generating more than $18.76 billion in 2012. Tiles can go with any kind of room but they are especially popular for the bathroom and the kitchen. In fact, a recent survey has shown that nine out of 10 homeowners prefer tile (or hardwood) floors in the kitchen. Needless to say, you can’t beat 90%!

There are a number of materials you can use for tiles: ceramic, granite, limestone, marble, terrazzo, travertine, etc. Of all the materials, travertine is one of the most popular. Every year, the U.S. uses approximately 850,000 tons of travertine for construction work, including floors, walls, columns, statues, etc. As a building material, travertine has been used for thousands of years. The Romans, for example, used travertine for many of their buildings, including what is now the largest predominately travertine structure in the world, the Colosseum. During the Renaissance, the material was used for many buildings and works of art, including in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Though much has changed since then, the use of travertine has not. Travertine floor cleaning services are still widely used by homeowners and property managers alike. Travertine tile cleaning can be tricky, depending on how dirty or damaged the travertine is. Travertine polishing and travertine restoration services are in hot demand. Travertine tile cleaning companies have the tools, materials, and knowhow to restore your travertine tiles as good as new! Eventually, all tiles are in need of restoration work, and for that professional tile cleaning companies can get the job done.

Homeowners have many options for flooring. When redoing your home decor tile flooring is an excellent choice. Tile is the most versatile type of flooring and is easy to clean. Tile manufacturers produce tiles from cement, ceramic, stone, glass, marble, porcelain, and more. Travertine stone forms when natural spring water evaporates. Minerals from the spring water collect and develop into rock. Travertine often has swirls and unique patterns, making it a popular tile choice, especially for walls. Also, manufacturers can produce travertine tiles with a smooth polished surface. Other finish choices are honed, brushed, or and tumbled. When stone processors create a honed finish, the tile is smooth, without polished travertine’s reflective shine. Visit a residential tile and stone store to see examples. Homeowners looking for a high end wall tile often install polished travertine wall tile. Many people mistake travertine for marble, but it is limestone. Usually light in color, travertine can be used in any room. It is suitable for walls, floors, columns, and countertops. Travertine withstands heat and is acceptable for most outdoor projects. Before you purchase your tile be sure to ask the person at the home tile store if your choice is suitable for the job. Since travertine is porous, you will have to seal it periodically. Purchase sealant at any home and tile store.