Travertine Worktops For Kitchens, Bathroom & Flooring

Introduction of Travertine

Travertine Countertop, an earthly limestone, is formed from the minerals accumulated around the thermal springs. It is quarried and used as a premium construction stone. There are three grades of stone; premium, standard and commercial. Travertine comes in filled and unfilled forms; filled stones go through a process of filling polyesters to close large pores in factories and unfilled stones are available in more rustic forms. Travertine has a coarse, co-extensive look and is available in tan, white and cream tones. It is generated by the fast precipitation of calcium carbonate, which occurs frequently at the outlet of a hot spring or in a limestone cave.

Composition of Travertine

Travertine, a dense layered rock, is composed mainly of calcite(CaCO3), with varying amounts of  other components listed as under;

CaO (Calcium Oxide)

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

H2)O (Water)

SO3 (Sulfur Trioxide)

MgO (Magnesium Oxide)

NaCl (Sodium Chloride)

K2O (Potassium Oxide)

C (Organic Carbon)

Na2O (Sodium Oxide)

SiO2 (Silica)

Al2O3 (Aluminium Oxide)

Fe2O3 (Iron Oxide)

KCl (Potassium Chloride)

H (Organic Hydrogen)

Origin and Availability

This natural sedimentary rock is popularly found in Italy and was quarried since Ancient Roman times, primarily used as building material. Guidonia Montecelio and Tivoli are the most famous quarries in Italy. Some other places where travertine deposits are common are Turkey, Mexico, Peru, Croatia, Iran, China and the USA. Most of the materials used in the USA are imported. Another site which shows enormous travertine accumulation in Europe is the valley known as Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Based on the geology of its origin, the quality of material found in these various regions may differ. 

Finishes of Travertine

Depending upon the use of material, travertine worktops can be delivered with different finishes; 

Polished 

Polished travertine tile is an incredibly popular option. It’s glossy, sophisticated look adds to the sophistication to any room, and while it’s often utilized in modern spaces, reception in additional transitional or vintage-inspired houses and businesses can also be considered.

Many people love the slick look of polished travertine, especially if they’re building or renovating a modern home. However, it is best advised to avoid using polished travertine in shower areas, near the bathtub or in outdoor spaces as they can turn out to be extremely slippery and can be dangerous to walk on when wet.

Honed

A honed worktop surface looks smooth, giving stone worktops an impactful character. This finish is created similarly to the polished finish but with a coarser grade of grit which makes the worktop appear matte, less glossy and reflective but still smooth. The level of honing depends on the motive. For example, they are honed to a lesser grit if they are being used in an area where it should not be slippery like bathroom floors.

Aged

In this type of finish, the worktop surface turns out to be somewhat irregular. A special treatment is given to the stone to achieve a texture that enhances its natural properties and aesthetic forces of its seams.

Rough: In this case, the stone worktop is displayed in its most natural form, both in color as well as texture.

Natural Characteristics of Travertine

The very rigid nature of travertine makes the stone durable(perfect for kitchen worktops). Daily impacts like a dropped plate or glass won't cause damage to it. Even the uncommon heavy impact shouldn't cause damage thereto . Chipping, scratching, and cracking are rarities with this sort of fabric . it's robust enough to where if any damage were to occur, it might actually blend in or possibly even improve the design of the natural stone. This however doesn't imply any recommendation to intentionally damage travertine. Countertop materials, especially, are finite to the purpose where damage would be more so noticeable compared to flooring. In addition , they are water and moisture resistant. Spills won't harm travertine, no matter whether the spill is cleaned up directly or left to take a seat . Likewise, vapor resulting from stove use won't damage travertine either. Thus far, travertine has the physicality to avoid heavy impacts, also because of the innate ability to resist liquid. Another feature that makes travertine durable and perfect material for kitchen worktops is that the stone is slip-resistant.

Colours

Every given piece of travertine may display a variety of colours based on the amount and type of mineral it possesses, and place of origin. The commonly observed range of colours are tan, brown, grey, white , yellowish and greenish.  

Hardness

Travertine normally features a hardness of 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness; which suggests it's somewhat soft. 

Texture of Travertine

Natural travertine has holes in it (also referred to as pits or voids). These holes are filled during processing with a travertine filler that could either be colored or transparent. Colour is chosen to compliment the stone, but when crammed with a transparent filler, it is done to preserve the natural appearance of it. 

Heat-Resistance

They are immune to heat and are non-flammable so in addition to adding value to your home, they provide a secure space between your home and hearth. Another great point about using travertine for a fireplace is that it requires a really few tiles. 

Porosity

The presence of hundreds of tiny voids or holes undetectable to the naked eye present in a natural travertine makes this material highly porous. This high porosity of Travertine allows the absorption of water, thus making the material permeable.

Application and Uses

Travertine countertop is excellent for flooring and walls, and also makes an exquisite choice for the countertops and backsplash; overall a material in demand for kitchen worktops UK.

These tiles can be used to surround the fireside and make a classy mantel.

If you've got a pool in your backyard, travertine pavers are often a wonderful choice for the deck. They not only make the surface slip-resistant, which is beneficial in such an enormous splash zone, but the pavers stay cool even on hot days, meaning bare feet won't be scorched. 

Whether you've got a patio within the back of your home or a courtyard in the back of a hotel, travertine pavers are a powerful choice which will dazzle your guests. It's tasteful and may match a spread of exteriors, and there are many patterns you'll choose when it involves the layout.

Inside or outside, travertine tiles and pavers can bring some stunning stairways.

Fabrication and Installation for Travertine

We as work-tops help homeowners get quotes on the desired stone for Kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom fabrication & installations.  The homeowners can connect with our registered KBB network of fabricators who have the experience of installation and knowledge to give the best advice. Our KBB network can offer planning, designing, and implementation of the design that perfectly suits to create your dream home. 

Remodelling Project

Work-tops is the right destination for your queries like “worktops near me’’ and/or “cheap kitchen worktops’’. Remodel your Travertine countertop, bathroom worktops, or bedroom by choosing stylish contemporary or traditional classic Travertine countertops from work-tops.com.

Care and Maintenance of Travertine 

As with many other natural stone surfaces, there are some fundamental practices which will increase life and preserve the looks of travertine. The primary care that's required for a travertine surface will depend upon the use of it. It is necessary to use sealers that protect the stone from oil or water based stain causing agents. Acid will breakdown stone sealers immediately upon contact, hence are to be strictly avoided. Due to this sensitivity, travertine requires a pH neutral cleaner. 

If you get an etch on a travertine worktop, use an etch remover to blend the looks of the stone so that the contrast of the colour becomes practically invisible and discoloration is avoided.