What is Travertine?
Travertine is a lesser-known limestone type, but it once served as the favorite choice for ancient cultures when they erected monuments. (Even if you haven’t heard of Travertine, you have heard of the Coliseum.) Because it naturally reflects light, it makes your spaces look brighter and more prominent.
With an earthy, creamy color tone travertine works in just about any style home. It has a classic look that is a nice compliment to more traditional homes. It’s sure to make your home look fabulous!
What are the Pros of Travertine?
- It adds a luxurious touch to your home. Its light and natural beauty enhance any room.
- You can put Travertine anywhere, even in kitchens with the oddest angles.
- It’s cost-effective, making it one of the most budget-friendly natural stone options.
- It’s all-natural, so it’s good for the planet!
What are the Cons of Travertine?
- Travertine is very porous, due to this it can stain and scratch easily. You can minimize this by using cutting boards, quickly blotting up spills, and avoiding prolonged exposure to acids.
- The composition of the stone makes it highly reactive with acids. To best protect the stone, a sealer should be reapplied every year.
- You’ll want to use cooling racks or hot pads as travertine is sensitive to heat.
How to Care and Maintain Travertine
- Blot up any spills immediately. This will reduce the chance of the stone staining or etching.
- Clean with a stone maintenance cleaner and hot water. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. The microfiber will also help pick up crumbs and debris that could otherwise scratch the surface.
- Use an alkaline-based cleaner that says it’s safe for natural stone. Always read labels! Steer away from using vinegar, bleach, or any cleaners containing citrus. The acidic nature of these products can eat away at the surface of travertine stone and dull the finish over time.
- Place a tray underneath your soaps & lotions to prevent any drips from affecting the stone.
- Use coasters and cutting boards to avoid scratching and staining your counters.
- Apply a coat of sealant at least once per year.
The Best Uses of Travertine
Due to the nature of the stone, travertine does best in spaces that aren’t heavily “lived in”. A wonderful place to utilize travertine is in your bathroom. Travertine also performs wonderfully as a backsplash.
