Many homeowners know and appreciate the benefits of marble, limestone, and quartz tile. Less commonly known is travertine, which shares certain characteristics with these options—including durability and natural elegance—but is generally more affordable. The guide below discusses some of its other advantages in case you want to incorporate it into your bathroom or kitchen remodeling ideas.

Where Can You Utilize Travertine?

Travertine is an easy-to-cut material. This allows it to conform to a wide variety of design styles easily. For example, you could use it to create a simple backsplash made up of square tiles or give your flooring a cobblestone look by utilizing more irregular pieces. Colors range from white to almost golden to rusty red. 

Travertine's surface is more porous looking than marble, giving your home a more organic feel. However, you can choose from several different textures, including a more matte "brushed" appearance, a glossier "polished" style, or a more rustic "tumbled" aesthetic. Use large tiles oriented diagonally to give rooms a grander sense of space. Choose smaller ones for mosaics.

This material is durable against foot traffic, making it popular for grand foyers and living rooms. However, it can scratch. Pick a brushed or tumbled style where this seems more likely, which can help disguise imperfections. 

This material is porous. However, to counteract this, it is sealed against water, which means it resists mold growth. This makes it a worthwhile choice for bathrooms, including shower walls. It is also highly resistant to temperature fluctuations. For this reason, it is as often used outdoors for patios as for indoor kitchen remodeling projects.

How Should You Maintain This Tile?

While travertine tile is meant to last for decades, you can help it to look its best by taking precautions. This includes having it resealed every one to two years. 

You should also be careful what cleaning products you use on this material since it is susceptible to acids. Instead of using store-bought cleaners, sweep or wipe down your surfaces regularly and then use mild dish soap, baking soda and water, or a combination of these options for deep cleaning. Avoid staining the stone by wiping up spills or splashes as soon as possible. 

If you have travertine countertops, utilize a cutting board during food preparation to prevent scratches. You should also not drag furniture across it or let your dogs' paws get so long that they leave behind indents. 

If you're interested in utilizing travertine tile in your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, turn to Ceramic Tile Plus & Exclusively Yours in Kahului, HI. With 44 years of experience, these contractors pride themselves on offering top-of-the-line products for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring and maintaining open, honest communication with their clients. In addition to helping bring your vision to life, they can also help you narrow down your ideas if you are debating options. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. Call (808) 871-7595 to schedule a consultation.