Travertine tiles are a beautiful element to tiling options.  Dating back to Roman times, travertine tiles utilize crystallized minerals and limestone in their composition.  These highly polished tiles are often less expensive than ceramic tiles and hardwood flooring.  As such, it is easy to see why Travertine floor tile sales are on the rise.

Average prices are $2 to $5 per square foot depending on the size, color, and type.  Travertine may come from many locations, the most popular of which are Italy, Turkey, and Mexico.  The natural resources of these areas make production cost effective and desirable.  The travertine rock itself is most often found in waterfalls of Rome and outlying areas, but may also be found in the United States in Yellowstone National Park and certain parts of Oklahoma.

In ancient times, Travertine floor tile was often used for walking paths and gardens.    However, if not combined with limestone, the softness of the stone leaves it prone to wear and tear quickly.  Many travertine tiles are highly polished, but if the “unfilled” version of the tile is purchased, it will show small holes throughout.  This is more commonly used in outdoor applications.

As travertine tiles are based on a naturally occurring rock, the most common colors are natural hues.  Gold, granites, browns, and beiges are frequently seen, many times in combination.  Travertine tiles may vary in shade from tile to tile, and a good mix of shades should be expected when installing.  This is mainly due to the impurities in the travertine, limestone, or iron found in the individual tile.  By laying tiles out in their exact location prior to adhering to the floor, the homeowner can more easily determine if the layout is visually appealing.  Home Improvement stores also offer strips of pre-cut and designed travertine tiles to make layout simpler.

Travertine floor tile is an uncommon choice for bathrooms.  It is not very skid resistant, and the moisture content of a bathroom would create a hazard when used as the predominant flooring.  However, using travertine as a paving stone or garden stone is still a popular choice.  The coloring of the tile matches the natural outdoor environment with little need for arrangement.  Travertine is available in glossy, matte, and textured finishes, and the finish type is commonly determined by the application.  Textured surfaces are more common outdoors, while glossy finishes would make a great addition to an entryway.

This ancient stone is still alive and well in the modern world.  In addition to being economically viable, the limestone infused tile is known to be highly durable in dry applications.  The natural colors and textures combined with the unique characteristic of each tile appeal to many homeowners to add an old world charm to their homes.