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Maintain Travertine Tiles for Australian Homes:
Expert Tips for 2024

Travertine tiles are a dream come true for anyone who loves simple and minimalistic luxury. These natural limestone tiles radiate timeless elegance and look great both indoors and outdoors.

Browse the Travertine tiles collection at Royal Tiles here if you need any help or have any questions feel free to visit our showroom. You can also contact us here.

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Benefits of Choosing Travertine Tiles

If you are wondering whether these tiles are for you, let’s go through some qualities of the tiles that make them so popular and well loved.

Durable as well as affordable

Travertine is a hard and durable natural stone that is resistant to scratches, cracks and wear and tear. When properly installed and maintained, these tiles can last for decades without losing any beauty or structural integrity. Please know that proper installation is one of the key factors that help the tiles’ durability.

These tiles are also a lot cheaper than many other natural stone tiles. And since they are durable too, travertine is financially beneficial both in terms of upfront cost and long-term value.

 

Recyclable and biodegradable

Travertine floor tiles are simply natural stones, so they don’t require extensive manufacturing and are considered environmentally friendly. If you ever decide to get rid of these, they are also completely biodegradable and recyclable. A bonus is also that since these tiles last longer, you won’t need to replace them frequently and can avoid unnecessary waste.

 

Heat resistant

For Australian summers and the scorching Sydney sun, heat resistance is a non-negotiable quality especially if the tiles are being used outdoors.

Thankfully, travertine is a good conductor of heat. You can use the tiles in fireplaces, pool areas or outdoor spaces with ease as the tiles won’t crack or discolour due to heat exposure. Travertine can remain cool even in high temperatures providing a comfortable surface to walk or lounge.

 

Natural beauty and uniqueness

Travertine wall tiles have a distinct and unique appearance characterized by their earthy tones, ranging from beige and cream to reddish-brown and grey. Each piece of travertine is naturally patterned with swirls, veins and pits, making it a truly one-of-a-kind material that adds visual interest and character to any space.

 

Versatility

The simple and minimalistic aesthetics of travertine make it so easy for homeowners and designers to use it in multiple spaces like flooring, wall cladding, countertops, backsplashes, patios and pool decks. Their natural colour variations also allow for a range of design possibilities.

 

Slip resistance

Travertine’s natural surface texture, combined with its porosity, provides excellent slip resistance, making it a safer choice for areas with high foot traffic or where moisture may be present, such as bathrooms or outdoor spaces.

Types of Travertine Tiles

Travertine porcelain tiles come in various types, primarily categorized based on their finish and surface texture. Here are the main types of travertine tiles:

1. Polished Travertine: This type of travertine tile has a smooth, glossy and reflective surface. Polished travertine has a sleek, luxurious and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for indoor applications like flooring, countertops and wall cladding.

2. Honed Travertine: Honed travertine tiles have a smooth, matte finish that is achieved through a process of grinding and sanding. Unlike polished travertine, honed tiles retain some of their natural pits and textures, providing a more subtle and understated look. You can use these tiles to create a rustic ambiance in your space.

3. Brushed Travertine: If you want your space to have a rustic and earthy appearance, Brushed travertine tiles are the way to go. Their textured surface created by brushing the stone with abrasive materials amplifies the natural pits and ridges. This process helps add character and depth to the surface.

4. Tumbled Travertine: These tiles have a highly textured surface with rounded edges. They embody an aged, antique and rustic vibe that is mostly suitable for outdoor spaces. The tiles are produced through a tumbling process in a large drum, hence the name Tumbled Travertine.

Popular Applications in Australian Homes

You can use these tiles in most parts of your home. Here are some of our top choices for Travertine Tiles.

Bathrooms

Bathroom Travertine tiles are a popular choice for bathroom floors, walls and shower surrounds. Their slip-resistant surface and easy maintenance make them ideal for wet areas.

They can be used for countertops and vanity tops.

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Flooring

Travertine tiles are widely used for flooring in living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, entryways and public spaces. Their natural patterns and earthy tones create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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Kitchen countertops and backsplashes

Travertine tiles can be used for kitchen flooring, backsplashes and countertops. Their natural variations in colour and texture create a rustic and warm ambiance.

They are heat-resistant and durable, making them suitable for areas around ovens and cooking surfaces.

 

Pool areas and patios

Travertine pool tiles are a popular choice for patio flooring and decking areas. Their natural texture provides excellent traction, making them slip-resistant even when wet.

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How to Clean Travertine Tiles?

Travertine Tiles are easy to care for and maintain. But you can’t confuse this with no maintenance. Simple efforts taken regularly to take care of these tiles can help them last for decades.

Here are a few tips that will make sure your tiles are as good as new for decades:

  • Use a dry dust mop or vacuum for regular cleaning of dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, you can use a mild, PH-neutral cleaner of diluted dish soap and water. Please avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners as these tiles might get etched or dull.
  • Apply a travertine sealer to the stone and grout every six to 12 months to prevent stains and damage from moisture.
  • For any stubborn stains, mix baking soda with water and gently scrub with a soft brush
  • Don’t drag heavy objects across these tiles. Use furniture pads or coasters for precaution and safety.