Everything You Need to Know About Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles are popular for homeowners in Newcastle due to their natural beauty and versatility. 

This article will cover various aspects of travertine tiles, including costs, suitability around pools, alternatives, pros and cons in different settings, and maintenance tips.

What is Travertine Tile?

Travertine is a type of natural stone formed by mineral deposits from natural springs, particularly hot springs. It features unique, earthy colours and patterns, making each tile unique. Travertine is commonly used in flooring, walls, and splashbacks. Its natural appeal and durability make it a favoured choice for indoor and outdoor applications. The stone’s unique texture and appearance, resulting from its formation process, add a rustic yet sophisticated touch to any space.

What is Honed and Filled Travertine Tile?

Honed and filled travertine refers to tiles smoothed to a matte finish (honed) and had their natural pits and holes filled with resin or grout (filled). This process enhances the tile’s durability and makes it easier to clean while maintaining its natural beauty. The honing process gives the tile a smooth, even surface, while the filling process ensures that the tile remains sturdy and easy to maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

How Much is Travertine Per Square Metre?

The cost of travertine tiles can vary significantly based on factors such as quality, finish, size, thickness and the supplier. You can expect to pay between $70 to $140 plus per square metre. Here’s a breakdown:

• Standard Grade: Usually priced around $70 to $110 per square metre, these tiles may have more natural imperfections.
• Premium Grade: At $85 to $140 per square metre, premium grade tiles offer more uniformity and fewer imperfections.
• Custom or High-End Finishes: Prices can exceed $140 per square metre for custom cuts, finishes, or rare colours.

30mm standard grade will cost more than 12mm Premium grade. When budgeting, consider installation costs, which can vary depending on the job’s complexity and local labour rates.

Is Travertine Good Around Pools?

Travertine is an excellent tile choice for pool surrounds because it can stay cool underfoot, even on hot days. Its natural texture provides traction, reducing the risk of slipping when wet.

However, because travertine is porous, it can absorb water, chlorine, and other chemicals, leading to staining and degradation over time. To combat this, it’s essential to properly seal the tiles pre and post-installation to protect against moisture and chemical damage. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and resealing, will ensure the longevity and appearance of your travertine pool surround.

Travertine Tile Heat Resistant

Travertine is naturally heat resistant, making it suitable for areas exposed to high temperatures, such as kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor spaces. This property adds to its versatility and appeal in various home applications. It’s important to note that while travertine can handle heat, it should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking.

Travertine Tile for Fireplace

Travertine is an excellent tile option for fireplaces due to its heat resistance and natural beauty. It can withstand high temperatures without cracking or discolouration, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing choice. Here are some benefits of using travertine for fireplaces:

• Heat Resistance: Travertine can handle the high temperatures emitted by a fireplace.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural stone provides a warm, rustic look that can enhance the overall design of your living space.
• Durability: Travertine‘s durability ensures that it will remain intact and attractive over time.

It’s important to note that it is suited for the area surrounding an enclosed fireplace only, and not open flame

Pros and Cons of Travertine Tile in Showers

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Travertine provides a luxurious and elegant look, with its unique patterns adding a touch of natural beauty to your shower.
• Durability: It can last for decades with proper care, making it a long-term investment.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Requires regular sealing to prevent water damage and staining. Proper maintenance involves using pH-neutral cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals.
• Porosity: Travertine is porous and can absorb water, possibly leading to mould and mildew if not properly sealed. This makes it crucial to keep the shower area well-ventilated and dry.

Sealing Travertine Floor Tiles

Sealing travertine tiles is crucial to protect them from stains, moisture, and wear. Pre-sealing is often recommended and is a must for travertine pool coping. We recommend and stock DRY-TREAT 40SK Consolidator & Water Repellent.

Here’s how to seal your travertine tiles:

1. Clean the Tiles: Thoroughly clean the tiles to remove dirt, grime, or previous sealant residue. Allow the tiles to dry completely.
2. Choose a Sealer: Select a high-quality penetrating sealer designed for natural stone. Enhancing sealers can enrich the stone’s colour, and matte-finish sealers give the stone a more natural look.
3. Apply the Sealer: Apply the sealer evenly across the surface using a clean, lint-free cloth or a roller. Ensure all areas, including grout lines, are covered.
4. Allow to Penetrate: Let the sealer penetrate the stone for the time specified by the manufacturer, usually around 15-30 minutes.
5. Remove Excess Sealer: Wipe any excess sealer with a clean cloth to prevent streaking or residue buildup.
6. Cure Time: Allow the sealer to cure fully before using the floor. Depending on the product used, this can take up to 24 hours.

We recommended testing your travertine every year to check if resealing is required. Testing is easy – simply put a few drops of water on and wait a few minutes. If it is still sitting on the surface, re-sealing is not required. If it has absorbed into the stone, it’s time for another coat of sealer!

A high-quality sealer can last for a decade, though I would expect 5-8 years, depending on cleaning and use. A cheap sealer may last as little as 6months.

Travertine Tile Stain Removal

For everyday cleaning, gentle, non-acidic stone cleaners are essential. We stock and recommend EzyClean+ Concentrated Stone, Tile and Grout Cleaner + Disinfectant.

Stains can be difficult to remove from travertine. If the unfortunate happens, we recommend using a poultice designed for natural stone like Poultice Plus – Easy Stain Removal – Sealers Plus.

Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners, which can damage the stone’s surface.

For persistent stains, consider consulting a professional.

Porcelain Tiles That Look Like Travertine

Suppose you love the look of travertine but prefer a more affordable or low-maintenance option. In that case, porcelain tiles that mimic travertine are a great alternative. These tiles offer the same aesthetic appeal with added benefits:

• Durability: Porcelain is more resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike natural travertine, porcelain does not require sealing and is less prone to staining.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, porcelain tiles are more affordable than natural stone.
• Consistency: Manufactured tiles offer more uniformity in colour and pattern, providing a more predictable appearance.
• Slip Resistance: Outdoor porcelain travertine pavers have a high-grip finish.

Porcelain tiles are also available in various finishes, including matte, polished, and textured, allowing you to achieve the desired look and feel of travertine with minimal upkeep.

Conclusion

Travertine tiles offer a timeless and elegant option for various home applications.

Travertine Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Natural Beauty: Unique patterns and colours give a sophisticated, timeless look that enhances any space.
• Durability: Long-lasting with proper care, suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Versatility: Can be used in various applications, from floors to walls and outdoors.

Cons:

• Porosity: Susceptible to staining and water damage without proper sealing. Regular maintenance is required to keep it looking its best.
• Maintenance: Regular sealing and cleaning with appropriate products are required to maintain its appearance and durability.

Whether you’re considering travertine for your pool area, shower, fireplace, or floors, understanding the pros and cons, maintenance requirements, and cost implications will help you make an informed decision. Porcelain alternatives are worth exploring for those seeking the travertine look with less maintenance. With proper care, travertine can add a touch of luxury and durability to your home.