Travertine Tiles For Sale – What Are They?

We generally are cautious when inviting strangers in our home until we know where they’re from and why they’re there. Before purchasing travertine stone tiles, you might find it beneficial to get a little background on this popular tile variety too. Also, where can you get Travertine tiles for sale?

What’s In A Name?

Travertine gets its name from its hometown—Tibur, in ancient Rome. Initially called by a Latin expression meaning “tibur stone”, its name evolved into the well-known “travertine” of today. Was it all the craze back then? You could say so. The Romans used it as one of the primary construction elements in one of their most famous structures—the Colosseum.

The Birth Of A Star

What about the background of travertine? It is from the limestone family and is made when minerals dissolve in water, especially hot springs. Then the water evaporates leaving the calcium carbonate deposits stranded. You can see this in action at Mammoth hot springs in Yellow Stone National Park. Travertine’s natural colours are white, tan, cream, beige, walnut, noce, and gold, though you can purchase travertine in a wide range of colours, even coral-red.

A Natural – Travertine Tiles For Sale

When it comes to adding that “aged” look to your home décor, travertine tiles are “a natural”. Remember though, since it is a form of natural stone, no two pieces are exactly alike. They generally contain pits and troughs in the surface which give the look of age. Compare tiles to get the right look for your home. In addition, travertine tiles are also available in three finishes—honed, polished, and tumbled. Honed travertine tiles are smooth but have a matte finish, meaning there is no shine. Polished travertine has both the smoothness and the shine. However, tumbled travertine is exactly as you would guess—it is tumbled to give it a rough textured finish and an antique look. Many times the edges are rounded.

Armed with this background knowledge you can begin your search for discount tiles to give your home a travertine touch.

Want to know why travertine tiles and pavers are so popular? Explore their benefits and design options here.