Why travertine is so popular
Why travertine is so popular
Travertine is a beautiful natural stone that lends its surroundings real beauty. That is exactly why it is so popular in the design of living spaces and gardens. Travertine is a sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate. It is similar to tufa, but less porous.
It is deposited in layers, usually at warm springs and in rivers. Most of it formed in the Quaternary. As a building material, it is mainly quarried today in the north-eastern Mediterranean, where it is common. One of the best-known travertine quarries is in Tivoli, another well-known one in Guadeloupe Montecello. Both date back to the time of ancient Rome.
Did you know that Michelangelo chose travertine for the outer stone ribs of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican? And going back even further, the Romans built temples, aqueducts, monuments, public baths and great amphitheatres such as the Colosseum from travertine.
Finishing
Travertine is often used for paths and garden paths and is classed as a limestone, not a marble. Typical are the many pores and hollows on the surface. They are natural in origin, but their walls are sintered, so water does not penetrate deep into the stone. The surface can be finished in different ways: polished, honed, matt or sandblasted. Each option gives your home a different effect, depending on your taste. Polished travertine looks more formal, while travertine with open pores has more of a rustic feel. The stone is also easy to cut and shape.
Advantages
If you want a high-quality, natural look without spending a lot of money, travertine is an excellent choice. It comes in many forms, from very small pieces to large slabs, so it is used for floors, mosaics, kitchen tables, fireplaces, mirrors, sinks and much more. As a natural stone, no two pieces are alike. Thanks to its porous texture, it is non-slip and therefore ideal for garden paths and pool surrounds. It is also very well suited to bathrooms, because it absorbs water and moisture and is very robust. That is why it lasts much longer than most other materials. Another advantage: travertine is easy to care for. Wipe it with a damp cloth now and then to remove dust.
Appearance and colours
With travertine you can create modern and rustic spaces alike. Various minerals give it a beautiful palette of earth tones, from light ivory and honey to dark brown. Travertine is never a single colour, and it is precisely these nuances that make it warm, interesting and unique. Its soft natural colours bring elegance and a Mediterranean feel to the garden and outdoor areas. Travertine also does not fade, so the beauty of your garden or rooms is preserved.