Travertine stone is soft and delicate to look at. It breathes spaciousness. It's relaxed and soothing. The feeling is peaceful, tranquil, serene.  It's a simple beauty. A casual formalness.

The classic aged look of tumbled stone will warm your home. A polished or honed travertine becomes a bit more formal, yet it's still inviting. The soft earthy hues of this natural stone keep it in tune with nature.

Travertine stone is a form of limestone. It often forms near hot bubbly mineral rich springs. Gas bubbles become trapped and create a pitted surface on the stone. These pitted surfaces can be filled with an epoxy or dust resin. Filling the small holes and pits gives the travertine a more finished look. A refined beauty.

The stone surface can be left in its natural state with the small holes and pits unfilled. This is a warmer aged look which will acquire a beautiful patina over time. Leaving the stone unfilled will affect the durability. It will attract dirt much easier than a filled travertine making it harder to keep clean.

This is a calcareous stone. It is will react negatively to acids found in common household items such as lemons, vinegar, alcohol and some cleaning products. These acids will etch the stone by leaving marks, rings or dull spots.

Similar to limestone, travertine also varies in hardness, density, and porosity. Some travertine stones are harder than others.

Although the hardness varies, it will still scratch. It's not as soft as soapstone but it can't compete with the hardness of granite. You can always test a sample stone by running a sharp blade across the top or even tossing your keys on it a few times.

What about colors? Travertine colors are in warm earthy tones. From the softest ivories to the palest creams. Rich shades of golden honey and silvery greens to deep mocha browns. Travertine never appears as one solid color. The color tones vary and veins or bands of contrasting color run throughout the stone. No two stones or tiles are alike.

If you plan to tile with travertine stone, lay out all of the tiles first. This will help with the flow of color and veining. It will give you a feel for the stone.

What else is Travertine used for? Since travertine comes in all different sizes, from small mosaics, to 36"x36" tiles, to huge slabs, it is used for numerous architectural items.

Interior walls such as backsplashes, travertine sinks, floors, mosaic tiles, statuary, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, vanities, and end tables. Travertines also used for accessories such as light switch plates, trim, vases, and coasters.

Travertine can be used for kitchen countertops but it's not recommended. It's easy to scratch and to etch. It works well for flooring, some bathroom vanities, accessories, and smaller spaces. This stone seems to open up small areas and makes them feel more spacious and airy.

The surface finishes for travertine stone vary. Not all travertines are capable of a polished or high gloss finish. Only the harder types. This stone will never achieve the same glossy finish as a granite will.

A honed finish is the most popular type of finish. It's not shiny nor reflective... more of a matte or a sheen finish. Tumbled travertine makes the stone appear scuffed, weathered , or aged. Talk to your Fabricator about the different types of finishes they may provide.

Creating a unique look with travertine stone is simple. Mix and match with other natural stones for a more dramatic look and feel. Or, use it alone for sheer simplicity. This natural stone will give you years of beauty to enjoy. Using travertine stone is only limited by your imagination and a little common sense.