Selecting the right countertop for your kitchen can be a
tricky and expensive matter. Let’s study about the specialities of Travertine
stone.
Travertine is composed of Calcium Carbonate, which belongs
to a large family of stones called limestone. Marble, a type of limestone, is
formed by the additional heat and pressure of the earth’s crust, whereas
travertine is formed by dissolving the minerals in groundwater and then getting
deposited on the earth surface by rivers, geysers and natural springs.
Travertine countertop and floor tiles can provide a classic
and traditional look to your kitchen. It evokes a feeling of antiquity. Travertine
stone comes in variety of sizes and shapes and is available in both slabs and
tile formats. The size ranges from miniature mosaics to huge 36 inch tile. It
may be a pleasant surprise for you to know that travertine countertop can be
installed at the rate below the cost of mid-grade granite.
Travertine comes in earth tones from colours of ivory to
rich shades of gold, red and brown and is popular for its slightly pitted
surface texture. The predominant colour trait of travertine never appears as
one solid colour but perceived as inherent tonal variations and veining characteristics.
You can perceive the overall coloration of the countertop after laying a
significant portion of the tile.
Travertine has not only diverse sizes and colour tones, but
also available with various surface textures such as saw cut, tumbled,
polished, chiselled-edged, brushed, bush hammered and undulated. Some of the
travertine tile finishes such as undulating finish and pillowed are not
suitable for kitchen countertops.
With its old-world classic appearance, Travertine is known
for its texture of slightly pitted surface. Though these pits offer the
character for the stone, it can trap food particles and absorbs liquid and
eventually stains the countertop. The softness of travertine makes it easily
prone to etching and abrasion. The acidic substances can also stain the stone
very easily. However, you can protect the stone from dirt, stain, scratches by
honing it to a slightly matte finish with the help of a natural stone restoration specialist. The pits that are occurred naturally can be perfectly filled in
with resin or grout and the stone surface can be sealed to prevent staining.
A good effective impregnating sealer can provide the
necessary protection from staining but any acidic liquid spilled can leave
etched area on the stone surface. If there is severe etching on your travertine
countertop, a qualified professional like The Marble Man is needed to refinish
it. You can keep your travertine countertop looking new by using cutting boards
and coasters when handling hot items or acidic substances.
It is crucial to know the nature of this stone prior to
choosing this as the countertop material. Naturally the travertine stone has
tiny depressions and holes on the surface. There are many ways to make it as a
smooth plane, if this pitted surface is not to your liking. Filled travertine
is available where the factory applies stone dust resin to the surface. You can also order it in the natural state,
unfilled and you ask your installer to fill the holes with the suitable epoxy
or grout. It is important to know that when the installer fills the pitted
surface there is possibility for slight depressions.
Though travertine is a high-maintenance countertop
especially for kitchen applications, the aesthetic benefits of the stone
overcome the cons. Regardless of its various colour, size and finish,
travertine appeals well for a countertop material. It is becoming more popular
among designers and people who seek for the essence of age-old classic beauty.
Do you want to polish, seal and repair natural stone
countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, or stone floors in your home or
business place? Contact The Marble Man who is Australia’s leading Marble,
Granite, Travertine Stone Benchtop and Tile Restoration Specialist. Their team
of professionals offers effective stone care solutions at affordable prices.
Call them today on 1300 627 626 for a free stone restoration quote.
