Many people appreciate the natural and rich beauty of Travertine tile. Truly striking in appearance, Travertine also has the advantages of real natural stone - the weight, the durability, the permanence and the luxury. When investing in such an important upgrade, we want our clients to feel secure.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a natural stone often found near beautiful natural stone springs. Though related to limestone and often referred to as "Travertine Marble" or "Travertine Limestone," it is neither. In ancient times Travertine was an all purpose building material. Today Travertine has been refined into an elegant flooring and coping covering, a fantastic accent or full feature for any home or commerical venue.
Travertine finishes and uses:
What is the difference between Travertine Tile and Travertine Pavers?
Primarily the thickness. Tile is 5/8 or 1/2 inch thick where pavers are usually 1.25 inch thick. Tile is used more frequently indoors and pavers are mostly used in more demanding and outdoor situatons.
What are my options for Travertine Tile?
Our tiles come in a variety of sizes and patterns including 12x12, 16x16, 18x18 and the ever popular French Pattern. Each selection in our catalogue has sizing available. Be sure to measure your area carefully! Tile are typically 5/8 or 1/2 inch thick, as indicated in our catalogue. Travertine comes in four primary finishes:
- Honed and Filed - for indoor use
- Polished/high gloss - indoor, not reccomended for wet areas
- Brushed and Chiseled - indoor or outdoor use.
Travertine Tile also come in a variety of uses, including indoor tiling, outdoor paving, pool areas, bathrooms and shower tiles, and outdoor coping to increase the beauty and security of your home. Whatever the case, Travertine is a high quality building material; be sure to implement it over a high quality substrate such as a concrete patio or other hard surface
What about Travertine Pavers?
Pavers are good for high traffic, outdoor, sport, pool, deck and driveway areas. Travertine has huge advantages over other materials often used in these areas, such as brick, including but not limited to increasing home value. Travertine naturally withstands the elements, including freezing, thawing and heavy rain. They do not retain heat and always offer a pleasant and durable surface that does not crack. The most popular pavers are French, or Versailles Pattern as wella s 6x12 patterns an can be laid in varying designs. Pavers also come in two finishes: Tumbled, most often used on pools and decks, and Brushed & Chisled for driveways, decks and other areas.
Where can I use Travertine?
Anywhere you need a sturdy, durable, beautiful finish to your home that has a solid surface on which to install. Travertine naturally withstands heavy foot traffic, wet, cold, heat and erosion.
Can I get Travertine Tile and Travertine Pavers in thesame color and finish?
Absolutely yes. Whenever available, we carry complimentary Travertine Tiles and Pavers to accomodate those who would like to coordinate their indoor and outdoor styling.
Tell me more about the finishes of each stone.
There are four finishes available in Travertine:
- Honed and Filled: Travertine's natural pourous surface is filled for a smooth even surface then sanded to a matte finish.
- Brushed and Chiseled: This popular indoor/outdoor finish is rustic and textured to the touch. Wire brushes and artistic chiseling are used to create this effect.
- Tumbled: Tiles are tumbled together, using one another to create their finish. The edges become soft and rounded and the stones look naturally and beautifully aged.
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Polished: The durable and versatile Travertine is buffed and polished to a high gloss for an unforgettable indoor presentation.
What is the French Pattern?
Used for both patios and pool decks, French Pattern is a classical old-world style consisting of four unqiue sizes for 16sq ft per set. Each set is made of 2- 16x24 pavers, 4 -16x16 pavers, 2-16x18 pavers and 4-8x8 pavers.
Purchasing with Skipping Rock Imports:
Is there a minimum for purchase?
Skipping Rock Imports does not require a minimum on in-stock materials.
How do I get samples?
Our samples are FREE! Just call your Travertine representative today. Give your name and address and for a nominal UPS shipping fee ONLY, you will recieve your sample in 3-4 business days. Overnight is available by request!
How much should I allow for breakage, waste and cuts?
It is reasonable to order an additional 10% of material in anticipation of possible cuts, turning radius or breakage. Remember, colors and shades may vary from batch to batch of this natural stone, so purchase enough to cover a single job if consistency is a high priority. Have a little extra on-hand!
The Advantages and Uses of Travertine:
I live in very hot, cold or rustic environment. Should I use Travertine?
Yes! Travertine withstands the elements including heavy foot traffic, wet, cold, freeze, thaw, heat and erosion.
I live near the ocean or plan to use my Travertine in a saline or salt rich environment. Is this safe? Should they be sealed?
Salt water can not damage or corrode Travertine Tile. Sealing is never required.
Which Travertine should I choose for my swimming pool or other wet areas?
We recommend our Tumbled Paver for pool decks or padios. The porous, textured finish absorbs water quickly and keeps feet from slipping. This is an especially good option for active children.
Which Paver should I use on my driveway?
Our Chiseled Travertine Paver is created with your driveway in mind! Chisled pavers have intentionally "broken" edges to provide a tighter fit and to withstand the weight ofyour vehicle. These special tiles are carefully chiseled and are not more prone to breakage because of their treatment; they are just as sturdy as other finishes.
Should I seal my Travertine Pavers?
Sealing Travertine is not necessary. It may bring out the natural splendor of a tumbled paver. Sealing is not required for elemental damage prevention, though it may be desireable on a deck intended for heavy entertaining; some foods and wines may stain natural tile.