Travertine - Considered a sedimentary rock, formed when limestone is altered by deposits from hot springs. Geothermal pressure cause gasses to trap other minerals giving the stone its distinct porous look. Travertine also makes up many cave formations.
Although this geological process can be found throughout the globe,
Turkey and Italy are know to have the largest deposits. Travertine has been choice building material for thousands of years, most notably the Roman Coliseum.
Travertine Pavers vs. Brick & Clay Pavers
`As a natural product, color will not fade unlike the pigments in man-made pavers.
`Does not have to be set in mortar
`Individual pieces can be replaced or interchanged without fear of unmatched color due to `Travertine’s natural color variation.
`Travertine stays cool under hot conditions compared to man-made pavers
`Travertine pavers are typically 1-¼” thick, much thinner and less weight than is need to accomplish the same performance out of brick pavers.
A flamed finish is achieved by heating the surface of the stone to extreme temperatures, followed by rapid cooling. The surface of the stone pops and chips leaving a rough, unrefined texture. This process is usually done with granite. Flamed granite has a highly textured surface, making it ideal for areas where slip resistance might be a concern, like shower areas. The pores in the travertine tile are filled with colored resin or cement to produce a pristine, solid surface. At the fabricator’s facility the natural stone slabs are customized for specific installations.
An underlayment that provides a solid foundation for the tile, while still allowing for slight movement of the substrate without damage. Plus, in the event that water penetrates the grout, in a bathroom for example, it provides a protective waterproof barrier. Wood subfloors usually require a CBU or cement backer unit for support and a moisture barrier. During this stage, the stone slab’s surface is worked down to a relatively uniform thickness across the length of the material.Edge One of two types of edges for natural stone floor tile. A polished bull nose edge has a rounded or curved appearance.
Brushed features a worn-down look achieved by brushing the surface of the stone, simulating natural wear over time. An acid-washed finish is shiny with small etching marks (pits in the surface). This finish shows fewer scratches and is much more rustic in appearance than a honed finish. Most stones can be acid-washed but the most common are marble and limestone. Acid washing is also a way to soften the shine on granite.
Marble
Unsanded Grout A dry, Portland cement-based product that is mixed with water onsite. The grout mixture is spread over the tiled area with a grout float to fill in all the joints. A sponge is then used to remove excess grout from the surface of the tile while leaving the grout in the joints to cure. Un-sanded grout is most commonly used in natural stone installations because it is able to fill the small joints more easily and will not scratch soft stones like sanded grout. Delivers a smooth or slightly pitted surface, and broken, rounded edges and corners. There are several methods used to achieve the tumbled look. 3/8" thick tiles can be tumbled in a machine to achieve the desired look, or 3cm tiles can be tumbled and then split, creating two tiles that are tumbled on one side. Marble and limestone are primary candidates for a tumbled finish.
A crystallized, partially metamorphosed limestone which, because of its structure, can be filled and honed and is dense enough to be a type of marble. A cement based adhesive that is applied to the surface with a notched or grooved trowel. The tile is then placed into the thinset and pressed firmly into place. Since stone tiles vary in thickness and size, the amount of thinset mortar applied is adjusted where needed. The surface on which the stone tile is laid. A metamorphic stone that has a sheet-like structure. It is composed of clay, quartz and shale, and comes in a multitude of colors including reds and greens.Formed from deposits that have undergone consolidation and crystallization. Limestone and sandstone fall into this category. Saw-cut refined offers a matte finish. After initial cutting, the stone is processed to remove the heaviest saw marks but not enough to achieve a honed finish.
You can purchase granite, marble and limestone this way, typically on a special order basis. A sedimentary stone that is primarily composed of loose grains of quartz sand that are rough in texture. A number of varieties are available. For millions of years, a combination of heat and pressure created blocks of natural stone, including granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and slate. As the earth's crust began to grow and erode, it pushed minerals up from its core, forming massive rock deposits, which we refer to as “quarries”. The amount and size of the pores in a stone. Travertine is very porous and granite is not. A polished surface creates a beautiful glossy shine from the natural reflection of the stone’s crystals. The mirror-like shine is accomplished by using progressively finer polishing heads during the polishing process, similar to the way that sandpaper smoothes hardwood furniture. Created when other kinds of rocks are changed by great heat and pressure inside the earth. Marble, slate and quartzite are examples of metamorphic rocks.
A derivative of limestone. It is a metamorphic stone that can be polished. Marble is characteristically soft and easily scratched or etched by acids. There are countless types of marble from around the world.
Limestone - Travertine - Marble are often grouped together because the are all forms of calcite(a very white and pure mineral), each are distinctly different.
Limestone is calcium carbonate know to contain fragments of fossils. Its most common use is as an aggregate in concrete, but is also used as a dimensional stone.
Marble is formed when limestone and dolomite undergo a metamorphosis. Heat, pressure, and time destroy sediment and fossil textures, resulting in the crystalline looking marble. Marble is also a widely used dimensional stone for its ability to shine and variety of looks.
Travertine is formed when limestone is altered by deposits from hot springs. Geothermal pressure cause gasses to trap other minerals giving the stone its distinct porous look.
Why Travertine?Travertine is versatile. It can be manipulated and fashioned to the users imagination. Many different shapes, sizes, accents, and moldings are possible with this stone.
Travertine can be used almost most anywhere when properly maintained. Even though its porous, proper sealers allow it to be used for exteriors, or even in a shower.
Travertine has a warm and earthy look that other stones may not have.
Because of its versatility and natural appearance, damaged dimensional travertine can be replaced at anytime without regard to manufacturer.
Travertine offers finishes that are naturally slip resistant.Color
Classic Ivory Desert Gold Noce/Dark Walnut Scabas Classic Country Antique Gold Silver LenardoFinishes, Edges, & Sizes FinishesSquare
Tiles can be 3/8”, ½”, and 5/8” thick
½” x ½” mosaic 4”x12” mosaic 12”x12” F.P. mos.
1”x1” mosaic 4”x4” 16”x16” Bullnose
2”x2” mosaic 3”x6” 18”x18” Pencil Bullnose
2”x4” mosaic 6”x6” 24”x24” Ogee
Pavers are typically 1-¼” thick
6”x12” 16”x24” Pool Coplings
12”x12” 24”x24”
16”x16”
French Pattern - Because of travertine’s versatility, it can be manufactured in to limitless shapes and sizes.
Travertine UsagesTravertine’s place in history has been of coliseums, basilicas, castles, walls, and roads. Today it is most often used for facades, cladding, floor covering, driveways, patios, accenting with intricate mosaics, and even sinks.
Tiles PaversInterior/exterior floor covering Garage floors
Interior/exterior wall cladding Driveways
Shower walls Outdoor Patios & Landscaping
Backsplashes Sidewalks & Pathways
Ceilings Pool Decks & Copings
Travertine vs. Porcelain, Ceramics, HardwoodsTravertine is naturally a “through” product, where as Porcelain and Ceramics use glazing and textures to produce the surface appearance.
Can always be used in outdoor applications. Hardwoods do not have the versatility, most ceramics are not suited to the freeze/thaw.
Individual pieces can be replaced or interchanged without fear of unmatched color or exact manufacturer, due to travertine’s natural color variation.
