If you’re building a new home or remodeling an old one, you’re in the market for flooring. There are so many types of flooring materials, the list is overwhelming. 

If you’re looking for durable flooring with a long history of use, travertine is a great option. Travertine was even used in the ancient Roman Colosseum that’s still standing today!

Are you wondering if travertine is the best flooring for your project? Read on for the pros and cons of travertine flooring. 

What is Travertine?

What is Travertine? It’s a limestone that’s been under pressure for thousands of years.

Marble is a travertine that’s been under pressure for many thousands of years. That means travertine is of higher quality than limestone but not as high quality as marble. 

Because it comes from limestone, travertine is a natural stone product. It comes from areas of former rivers, lakes, and springs. 

Travertine was bountiful in Italy but most modern travertine comes from Mexico, Peru, Iran, and Turkey. 

Qualities of Travertine

This beautiful stone comes in tiles. It’s available in earth-tone colors. Your options range from beige to browns, tans, and rust colors. 

The stone itself is quite heavy. 

Pros of Travertine

Travertine is a beautiful natural stone with many pros for its use in flooring. 

Durable

Travertine holds up well. It’s durable and damage-resistant as compared to other types of flooring. It doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, though it does need some. 

Long-Lasting

Travertine is the main stone used in building the Colosseum in Rome. The Colosseum still stands! Need we say more?

Beautiful

This solid flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors. There are many different patterns for installation. Over time, a nice patina develops that gives it a gorgeous look. 

The natural veining in the stone means all floors have a unique look. Even if your neighbor has travertine floors, they won’t look the same as yours. With regular sealing, the beautiful finish is easy to maintain. 

Repairing Made Easy

If a floor tile does sustain some damage, fixing is easy. Replace or repair the damaged tile. Buy some extra tiles at the outset and you’ll never worry about matching the tiles if one gets damaged.

Cons of Travertine

There are a couple of cons if you decide on travertine.

Cost

This beautiful stone is a little more expensive than other types of flooring. This is because the tiles are so heavy that shipping and installation drive the cost up. 

Porous

Travertine is a porous material that needs sealant for protection. The tiles need an initial penetrating sealer as well as a surface sealer. The floor needs re-sealing periodically. 

Travertine is a Beautiful Flooring Option 

If you’re in the market for new flooring, travertine is a great option. It’s a gorgeous natural stone that wears well. 

It’s as long-lasting as the Colosseum in Rome and easy to repair if damaged. Travertine comes in a variety of hues and has a marble-like texture. 

Although heavy and on the high-end of cost, it’s well worth it once you see it in place. 

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