Ultimate Guide to Travertine Tiles: Natural Stone Elegance for Floors, Walls, and More

Journalist (Moderator): Sarah Winslow
Interior Designer (Questioner): Isabella Price
Tile Expert (Responder): Tony Marquez

Introduction

Sarah Winslow: Welcome to today’s in-depth discussion on travertine tiles, where we’ll be exploring everything from design versatility to practical considerations for interior and exterior spaces. I’m here with Isabella Price, a seasoned interior designer, and Tony Marquez, a tile expert who has been in the business for over 20 years. We will cover a range of topics in this conversation, from the basics of travertine to more detailed advice on choosing the right type of tile for your projects. Isabella, why don’t you start by asking Tony some key questions?

Understanding Travertine Tiles

Isabella Price: Tony, for those who might not be familiar with travertine, can you explain what exactly travertine tile is and why it’s such a popular choice in home design?

Tony Marquez: Absolutely, Isabella. Travertine is a natural stone, specifically a type of limestone, that forms around hot springs and limestone caves. Travertine tile is highly valued for its luxurious, timeless look, often bringing natural warmth and texture to homes. People love travertine because it comes in a variety of earthy tones and unique patterns, making it a top choice for flooring, walls, and even outdoor patios.

Travertine Tile Varieties and Styles

Isabella Price: That’s fascinating! Could you tell us more about the different types of travertine tile and what makes each variety unique? I often hear about honed travertine, polished travertine, and others. What should homeowners know when selecting one?

Tony Marquez: Great question. Travertine comes in several finishes, each offering a distinct appearance:

• Honed Travertine Tile: This is a popular choice for interiors because the stone is sanded down for a smooth, matte finish. It’s less glossy but provides a sophisticated look, ideal for places like kitchens and bathrooms.

• Polished Travertine Floors: For a sleek and shiny appearance, polished travertine is the way to go. It reflects light beautifully and is often used in high-end living spaces and entryways to create a dramatic effect.

• Tumbled Travertine Tile: This option is best for those looking for a more rustic or antique look. Tumbled travertine has rounded edges and a textured surface, which makes it slip-resistant and ideal for outdoor flooring and pool decks.

• Brushed Travertine Tile: If you’re after a natural, slightly weathered look, brushed travertine tiles are lightly textured and work well for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Isabella Price: It sounds like travertine is incredibly versatile. Are there specific styles that work better in certain rooms of the house?

Tony Marquez: Yes, exactly. For example, in kitchens and bathrooms, honed or tumbled travertine is preferred due to its slip-resistant properties. On the other hand, polished travertine is perfect for living rooms or hallways where you want to make a style statement. For outdoor spaces like patios or around pools, tumbled or brushed travertine is ideal since it provides a non-slip surface.

Travertine Flooring: A Practical Choice

Isabella Price: Let’s shift focus to flooring. Why is travertine such a great option for flooring, and how does it compare to other materials like ceramic or porcelain?

Tony Marquez: Travertine flooring has so much going for it. First off, it’s incredibly durable. Travertine flooring tiles can withstand a lot of foot traffic, which makes them great for high-use areas like kitchens or hallways. Moreover, because travertine is a natural stone, it doesn’t show wear and tear as quickly as some man-made materials like ceramic tile might.

• Travertine Floor Tile: Its natural beauty adds value to your home, making it a long-term investment. Unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, travertine offers a unique texture and warmth that other materials simply can’t replicate. Plus, travertine stone flooring ages beautifully, acquiring a patina over time that adds character to your space.

• Tile and Travertine Flooring Options: Travertine is often compared to ceramic and porcelain tiles, but the difference lies in its natural composition and appearance. Travertine tiles are thicker and can better withstand heavy loads, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Is Travertine a Natural Stone?

Isabella Price: Some clients of mine are curious about whether travertine is a natural stone. They often ask, ‘Is travertine natural stone?’

Tony Marquez: Yes, it absolutely is. Travertine is one of the most classic examples of natural stone used in architecture and design. What’s more, because it’s formed naturally, no two tiles are alike, meaning each tile brings a unique blend of patterns and colors to your space. This is one of the main reasons why travertine natural stone is so highly sought after in the design world.

Travertine Tile for Walls

Isabella Price: I’m often asked about using travertine tiles for walls. Would you recommend it, and if so, what should homeowners know before installing it on vertical surfaces?

Tony Marquez: Travertine tiles work wonderfully for walls, adding texture and warmth that you don’t get from other materials. It’s particularly stunning in bathrooms as shower walls or backsplashes in kitchens.

• Travertine Tile Floors and Walls: However, when installing on vertical surfaces, it’s essential to seal the tiles to protect them from moisture, especially in areas like bathrooms. Sealing helps prevent water from seeping into the stone, which could cause staining over time. Also, when using large travertine tiles for walls, make sure your substrate can handle the weight because natural stone tiles can be heavy.

Colors and Patterns of Travertine Tiles

Isabella Price: Travertine comes in so many beautiful shades. Can you elaborate on the available colors of travertine tile and how homeowners can use them in their spaces?

Tony Marquez: Of course. Travertine is known for its earthy, neutral tones ranging from ivory and beige to gold, brown, and even silver. Here’s a breakdown of some common colors:

• Ivory Travertine Tile: Light and airy, perfect for creating a fresh, open feel in any room.

• Noce or Brown Travertine Tile: This deep, rich tone is often used in more traditional or rustic settings.

• Silver Travertine Tile: A modern, sleek option for contemporary spaces. Silver travertine tiles are often used in high-end bathrooms and kitchens.

• Travertino Tiles and Colors: Travertino tiles, often available in shades of beige and cream, are versatile and work well in both classic and modern design schemes.

Isabella Price: It’s amazing how much variety there is! I also see a lot of requests for large travertine tiles. What are the benefits of going big with tile sizes?

Tony Marquez: Large tiles create a seamless look, especially on floors. With fewer grout lines, the space feels more expansive, and the natural beauty of the stone can truly shine. Large travertine tiles are also easier to clean, making them practical for busy households.

Travertine Tile Maintenance

Isabella Price: Let’s talk maintenance. Travertine is stunning, but what does it take to keep it looking its best?

Tony Marquez: The key to maintaining travertine tiles is proper sealing. Natural stone is porous, so applying a high-quality sealant is essential to protect it from stains and spills. Depending on how much wear and tear the surface gets, you might need to reseal it every year or two. Aside from that, cleaning travertine tiles is straightforward—just use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the stone.

• Polished Travertine Floors: Polished travertine tiles are especially easy to clean because of their smooth, glossy surface. For honed or tumbled tiles, a soft broom or vacuum works well for day-to-day cleaning.

Cost of Travertine Tiles

Isabella Price: Cost is always a factor. How does the price of travertine tile compare to other materials like marble or ceramic?

Tony Marquez: Travertine tiles are generally more affordable than marble, but they are typically more expensive than ceramic or porcelain. The price of travertine flooring can vary based on the quality, size, and finish, but in general, it’s a mid-range natural stone option. The price of travertine tile starts at around $3 to $4 per square foot for basic options, but more premium varieties can go up to $10 or more per square foot.

Travertine Tile: A Natural Stone Investment

Isabella Price: Would you say that investing in travertine tiles increases the value of a home?

Tony Marquez: Definitely. Travertine is a high-end material that adds elegance and sophistication to any home. Potential buyers recognize its value, especially when it’s well-maintained. A travertine stone floor or travertine stone tiles on the walls can make a big impact, often increasing a home’s resale value. Plus, because it’s a natural stone, travertine tiles never go out of style.

Where to Buy Travertine Tiles

Sarah Winslow: We’ve covered a lot today. Before we wrap up, Tony, can you tell our readers where to buy travertine tile?

Tony Marquez: Absolutely. For a wide selection of premium travertine tiles, I highly recommend visiting Surfaces Galore. They specialize in high-quality natural stone, including travertine, marble, and more. Not only do they offer a variety of finishes and sizes, but they also provide excellent customer service. Whether you're looking for travertine floor tiles, wall tiles, or outdoor travertine pavers, Surfaces Galore has it all. Plus, shopping online with them is easy, and they ship directly to your home.

Conclusion

Sarah Winslow: Thank you, Tony and Isabella, for this insightful conversation on travertine tiles. Travertine offers timeless elegance, versatility, and practicality, making it a fantastic option for both interior and exterior design projects. For homeowners looking to enhance their spaces with natural stone, travertine might just be the perfect fit. And remember, for the best selection of travertine tiles, visit Surfaces Galore, your go-to source for high-quality natural stone.