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Travertine Pavers: For Elegant And High End Landscaping

Travertine pavers are a good choice for homeowners looking to give their outdoor and landscape areas a natural, elegant and high-end look. The pavers are good to use around pools, on driveways, patios, terraces, walkways and if one so wants, they can be considered for indoor use, too. While flagstone pavers are generally made of natural stones like sandstone, limestone or slate, travertine is itself a kind of natural stone and the blocks are prepared from it.

Travertine pavers generally come in different shapes and sizes, although rectangular patterns are the most commonly used ones. Unlike flagstone pavers, travertine paving does not leave any gap between stones. A bed of mortar or sand is prepared and the stone tiles are placed in interlocking patterns on top of the bed. The pavers come in a host of different color and shades, too. So you can choose one that will sync with the dominant theme and tone of your place and with the surroundings. For example, if you have brick designs and grout motifs, you can go for a slightly beige or tan colored travertine paver. Around pools, it is best to use either white or light brownish-themed pavings as they contrast well with the azure blue of the water. The same goes for drive or walkways that are flanked with green foliages.

There are many benefits to using travertine paving, apart from the air of elegance it bestows to your place, that is. For one, since they are made of natural stone, the pavers come with high durability. The corrosion is minimum over the time and the colors do not fade in a long time, too. The amount of dust gathered is also less than other kinds of materials used for paving. Also it is a better choice than tiles in places that are likely to get wet, like around pools or walkways. The paving does get slippery even with waters on it and reduces chances of an accident.

When planning to go for a travertine paving, keep this in mind that there are first and second quality natural stones available in the markets. So only do the purchase with a trusted dealer. You may alternatively contact a reputed and trusted landscape designer and leave the task of choosing the stones to him. A beauty of travertine paving is that no two stones are ever exactly the same. Different stone blocks have different patterns and when you place them together it becomes a consortium of free varied patterns and looks great on the surroundings.

Also there are different manners of travertine stones available. There is honed travertine, tumbled travertine, brushed travertine or polished travertine. Because travertines are natural stones, there will always be certain unevenness in the overall design and that is the unique beauty of them. But you can decide as to what extent you will allow this non-uniformity to exist. There are stones filled with more holes than the others or come with more uneven and rough edges. You can choose to go for stones where those holes are filled and the edges and surfaces polished and chiseled mechanically. Both types look good on surfaces and it is entirely a matter of one’s preference which kind of travertine paving he will go for.

“Honed and filled” pavers are a favorite with people who like to go for a more polished look. Silver, Gold and Pool Coping honed travertine are the most popular among them. At the same time, “Honed, Unfilled and Chiseled Noce Travertine Tiles” have many takers, too. Ones who like to go for a less polished version settles for brushed travertine paving. “Opus Romano” and “Brushed and Filled Noce” are two common and popular types. However, those who love those uneven edges and wavy surfaces and do not want any mechanical interference to their natural appearance, go for the tumbled look which gives the whole place a more natural and rustic appearance.
Before starting with a travertine paving project, make sure to do good research. It goes for both buying your materials and choosing your landscape designer. The designer who will coordinate the whole project is almost as important as the quality of the materials itself. Because the style is a non-uniform one, a good designer would know best about the orders the stones should be set in and which pattern will look well next to another. Do not go for a rookie designer because an inept placement of the stone blocks can, at times, ruin the total effect.

Travertine pavers are thus a great way to give that high-end feel to your place. The total expense of the project, including the cost of the materials and the fee of the designer, may be a bit on the upside but consider the distinguished look and the longevity of the travertine and you will know that your money will be well spent.

Scabos Travertine 3-Pieced Mini-Pattern Tumbled Mosaic Tile – 6 X 6 Sample

Scabos 2 X 2 Tumbled Travertine Mosaic Tile – 6 X 6 Sample

Scabos Travertine Roman / MIDI Versailles Patterned Tiles (UF/B/CE)

Scabos Travertine Versailles / Ashlar Patterned Tiles (UF/B/CE)

2×4 Scabos Tumble Travertine Tiles for Backsplash, Shower Walls, Jacuzzi

Scabos 12 X 12 Travertine Tumbled Tile – 6 X 6 Size Sample
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Travertine Floor Tiles: Getting the Facts Straignt

There are many benefits to installing travertine floor tiles in your home, of which one of the most appealing is the beautiful appearance it gives to any room setting.  The tiles come in a variety of attractive and elegant colors and tones which will nicely coincide with both contemporary and traditional home decors. But appearance is not the only reason many people choose travertine flooring over other types of floors.  Travertine offers many worthwhile features and characteristics that gives them an edge over other types of flooring, thus making them a better choice to use.

The natural Travertine stone dates back thousands of years where it was well known for its durable, long lasting properties. Many buildings using the stone lasted for hundreds of years, proving its resilient qualities.  The stones today are treated with a specific finish before using; this finish determines what kind of texture the stone  will have on the surface. The four finishes travertine stones may have are:  polished, honed, tumbled and brushed.  Polished and honed finishes produce a smooth hard tile surface while tumbled and brushed finishes produce a textured floor surface.  Your choice of floor surface will determine which kind of finish you choose. Polished travertine manifests the greatest durability of the four finishes with its glossy, slick appearance, resembling the look produced by marble.  In contrast, if you prefer a textured surface, then a brushed or tumbled finish would be your choice.  Many homeowners prefer a honed finish for their bathrooms and kitchen floorings as it gives the stone a natural matte appearance along with a hard durable construction.

Installation of travertine stones is less expensive and less complicated than other stones such as marble or granite because the stones cut and shape easier into whatever size and form you need.  They are available in a wide range of colors and hues, to include different shades of beige and tan, reddish stones, white, gray, yellow and more.  Because they come in many different shades and colors, you have more choices of floor design, whether a design where the stones complement one another in a specific pattern, or a more unique mix and match floor design, combining different shades for an equally attractive finish.  Either way your floor will come out looking great. Because there are so many options for floor designs, it makes it more feasible to match travertine floor tiles with different styles of home decor.  Regardless of your existing décor, there is a travertine floor tile combination that can complement or enhance your surroundings for a stunning, eye-catching effect.  In addition, finding a matching travertine tile to replace one that gets damaged due to staining, chipping or whatever reason is comparatively easier than with other floor material.

Other advantages of travertine stones include their all natural composition, i.e. they contain no hurtful or unsafe chemicals that could cause problems for people who are sensitive to allergies, asthma or other breathing difficulties.  They are hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial which means they help provide a clean and safe  environment that the whole family can appreciate. Maintenance of these tiles takes an investment of time to maintain their beautiful appearance, but is worthwhile. First tiles should be swept often using either a soft or semi-soft bristle broom.  Avoid all cleaning products containing anything acidic such as lemon or vinegar as they will stain or tarnish your floor.  Instead use mild soaps which are made for stone surfaces as they are the best tile cleaners.

When cleaning your floor, the following steps should be followed.  First make a mixture of soap and water and using a damp microfiber mop, mop the tiles.  Next using a soft damp cloth rinsed only in water wipe the tiles again to remove the soap.  Last, dry the tiles with a soft cloth, rubbing thoroughly so all moisture is absorbed.  Observing this process on a weekly basis will help maintain your floor clean.  Once a month you can polish your floor using regular stone floor polish to keep its shiny, glossy look.

Most travertine flooring can be installed in either inside or outside environments of commercial or residential property. However, because of its porous surface, great care should be taken that no acidic solutions fall on the floor as they will cause stains. It is best to properly seal your floor promptly after installation to protect it from possible stains.  Sealing is a time consuming process which would need to be repeated every few years, however, it will maintain your floor looking its best for years to come.

Prices of travertine floors are much higher than other floor types, but this is offset by both the beauty and longevity of the product.  Even with some of its obvious flaws, these floors continue to gain popularity due to their stylish, luxurious appearance that completely transforms the environment and in many cases helps to increase your home’s property value.

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A Guide To Installing Travertine Tile In Your Home

Travertine tile is one of the more popular choices for tile used in the home. Whether you are considering using travertine floor tiles to redo a floor in your home, travertine wall tiles for a kitchen backsplash or any other purpose, you should first take time to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of this type of tile before getting started. There are some important pros and cons of travertine floor tile to consider before you can accurately decide whether this tile is right for the job.

One of the benefits of travertine tile is its durability. This tile is incredibly strong and can handle the wear and tear of high traffic areas. This is especially important in a home with children and pets, where the floors get worn much more. Also, travertine tile is available in a wide range of colors and styles. No matter what particular look you have in mind and want to achieve, you can find the right tiles to work with your ideas. Travertine tile is really gorgeous and its aesthetic appeal is one of the main reasons homeowners so often choose it. It is also very unique because it is natural and no two tiles are the same. Unlike regular manufactured tiles, the travertine tiles are easy to lay because there is no worry of having to match them up and find exact tiles to go together, as is the case with most ceramic and porcelain tiles.

There are also a few downfalls to the travertine type of tile. That includes the fact that the tiles are quite porous and can absorb liquid spilled and cause it to stain. You can avoid this by sealing the tile and this should prevent any staining. Travertine tiles do tend to be quite expensive, which can be problematic for people working on a tight budget. The larger space you have to cover the more tiles you need, so if you have limited funds the travertine tiles may not be the ideal choice for you.

If you decide to go ahead with travertine tiles, decide what style you want. There are all sorts of travertine tile floors to choose from, everything from travertine mosaic tiles to colored travertine bathroom tiles. Purchase any additional supplies you need for installing the tiles including grout, tile adhesive, a tile scraper, rag, and sealant.

Before laying any tile, you must review your working space and plan everything out. You do not want to get started only to realize you have made a mistake and have to go back. This is only going to make a mess and cause you more problems. Once you have made sure the area is ready you can begin applying tile adhesive to the floor. It is best to work in smaller areas at a time, so that some of the adhesive does not dry by the time you make your way to it. Apply only enough adhesive for two to three tiles at a time. Lay the tiles down one at a time, wiggling it down into the adhesive to ensure a secure hold. Place spacers in between each tile. This leaves room for the grout to go in between and the spacers come out before you put the grout in. You can install the tile without using spacers but the spacers ensure consistent spacing so the tiles come out looking even and balanced.

Snap a chalk line perpendicular from the main entrance to the room. This is where the tiles will start and the reason you start from the main entrance of the room is so you get the best view of the room from the main entrance. Start laying tiles, by placing the first in the center of the line showing between the main doorway. Lay tiles to each side of this center tile, all the way until you each the sides of the room. Continue laying the tile until you have covered the entire room. You may need to cut extra tiles to make border tiles for the outside perimeter of the room. Next apply the grout, ensuring it gets all the way in the spaces between the tiles. Wipe the excess off with a damp sponge and allow the grout time to dry. After about 24 hours you can go over the whole floor with a wet mop to remove any remaining grout.

Whether making a travertine tile backsplash or travertine tile shower wall, travertine tiles can look beautiful and unique. They are a quality and durable option for tiling and can be used in an array of designs. It is easy to install travertine tile and it is nice to know you can do it all on your own, without having to hire in a professional flooring company to do the work for you.

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