DIY reality TV is the inspiration for many home improvement projects. It’s not uncommon to choose a particular appliance finish, wall paint color, or flooring based on inspiration gleaned from the latest episode.
One celebrity host loves travertine flooring! She installs it in the kitchens and bathrooms of a significant number of homes flipped on her show.
Travertine flooring makes a stunning statement, but is it right for your project? Read today’s post before you decide.
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A Story of Fame and Longevity
So, what is travertine tile? If you’ve only seen it on reality TV, you’re missing out on the whole story.
Reality TV doesn’t always get it right, but in this case, they may be on to something. Surely the ancient Romans knew what made an excellent choice for building materials. They used travertine in their most well-known structures— the Colosseum.
You can also see this popular material in the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, and in Los Angeles’ Getty Center.
A natural stone, travertine, is a sedimentary rock. It’s formed in limestone caves or hot springs. The Romans made it famous, but homeowners today love it because it makes an excellent choice for flooring.
Why Homeowners Love Travertine Flooring
If you’re looking for beautiful, versatile flooring material, you’re on the right path. Travertine is available in four finishes:
- Polished
- Honed
- Tumbled
- Brushed
The most common finish is the honed finish. The aged, weathered look of this finish makes it ideal for a home with a rustic design. It fits in with a wide range of other room designs as well.
If you’re looking for durability, you can’t go wrong with this flooring material. After all, look at some of the ancient buildings made from it—they’re still standing today! It carries a measure of hardness rating similar to marble, making it an exceptional choice for high traffic zones like kitchens and bathrooms.
A Few More Things to Consider
While certainly not deal breakers, you do need to think about certain disadvantages associated with travertine.
First, you’ll pay more for it upfront than you would vinyl flooring or carpet. That said, because it’s so durable, it will last longer. It may even add to the resale value of your home.
Many homeowners want maintenance-free everything. Travertine requires more frequent cleaning, and it needs routine sealing. If you choose an unpolished finish, you’ll need to avoid juice spills and certain cleaning products.
Travertine is a hard material, which is why it’s so durable. However, because it’s a type of limestone, it may chip more quickly than other flooring materials.
Excited about Your Next Flooring Project?
Whether you choose your flooring materials based on inspiration found in ancient history or reality TV, it’s always good to consider the pros and cons before you buy. Even with its higher price and maintenance requirements, you won’t go wrong with travertine flooring.
If you enjoyed today’s post, don’t run off! Continue browsing the blog. You’ll find an array of articles designed to inspire all aspects of home improvement and more.
