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What Is Travertine?

Travertine is a preferred and highly sought-after construction material made of natural stone. It can be used for a breath of applications, including entertainment areas, driveways, around pools, and so much more. In this post, we'll take a look at travertine more in-depth and explain what it is to help you decide if it's the right natural stone material for you.

What is travertine?

Travertine boasts marbling textures and earthy tones but what is it exactly? It is a natural stone made from metamorphic rock and it is formed around mineral spring deposits, mostly hot springs or limestone caves. Travertine is essentially a type of limestone.

Where does travertine come from?

Travertine can be imported into Australia from many countries across the globe with the main ones being Turkey, Iran, Peru and Mexico. Most of the travertine found here in Australia is from Turkey.

Different grades of travertine

When in the market for travertine, it’s important to know that not all travertine is equal, and it does come in varying grades. The grade of the travertine is typically determined by how many holes the stone has in it, the fewer holes it has, the higher grade it is and the more holes that it has, the lower grade it is.

Knowing this can help you select the best travertine for your money. Some travertine pavers will have a filled finish and this means that a filler has been added to the holes of the travertine to give it a smoother finish. You can typically see the filler in the paver, and if it has a lot of it, the quality of the paver is likely lower.

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How much do travertine pavers cost?

Entry-level travertine typically starts at around $45 per square metre and goes up from there the higher quality they get.

How long will travertine pavers last?

Travertine is an exceptionally hard-wearing paver choice and will last for many decades if looked after properly. The better quality your travertine is, the longer it will last. Additionally, the right installation technique needs to be used to ensure longevity.

What colours do travertine pavers come in?

The most popular colours of travertine are whites and creams however, it does come in a variety of other colours including browns, beiges, silvers, and reds.

What finishes can travertine pavers come in?

Travertine can come in an array of finishes enabling you to find the most suitable one for you and your project, here are some of the most common travertine paver finishes:

  • Tumbled
  • Polished
  • Unfilled
  • Chiseled edges
  • Bush hammered
  • Filled
  • Sawn cut
  • Brushed

Most common uses of travertine

Travertine is a classic paver choice that is ageless! It looks classy today and will continue to decades down the track. This makes it popular among the masses and is why many people choose it for their homes. It ties in nicely with any era or style of home. Here are some of the most common places people use travertine for:

  • Pool surroundings
  • Walkways and pathways
  • Entertainment areas
  • Steps
  • Driveways
  • Outdoor fireplaces
  • Walls

And so much more!

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The most popular pattern of travertine

Travertine can come in a multitude of different patterns however, some favourites tend to be herringbone and the French pattern. Some prefer no pattern and like to lay their travertine side by side. If you do choose a patterned design, you should pre-lay your travertine before installing it to work out the best installation method. This way, you can make any changes if needed before you’ve set them into position.

What kind of maintenance does travertine need?

It’s a good idea to give your travertine pavers a good sweep once a week and wash with a pH-neutral cleaner every other month. Harsh or abrasive cleaners should be avoided at all costs as they can deteriorate the surface of the stone and cause irreversible damage. It’s equally as important to clean up spills or stains as soon as you notice them to prevent them from damaging your stone or staining them permanently. To protect your travertine, sealing them is highly recommended.

There are lots of different sealers you can choose from, including matte finish or high-gloss. They work by propelling water and spills rather than allowing them to soak into the stone. Natural stone such as travertine is naturally porous, and moisture can infiltrate the stone. Over time this continuous exposure to moisture can affect the structural stability of the paver and cause it to weaken after a short period. Once you’ve applied your paver sealer, it only needs to be reapplied every 3 to 5 years depending on which sealer brand you choose. It’s simple to apply and can be completed in less than half an hour or less.

Why choose travertine for your next outdoor hardscaping project

Luxurious and attractive

One of the main reasons people choose travertine is because of its undeniable beauty. They look luxurious, are comfortable to walk on and can enhance a space dramatically. If you’re looking for a high-end finish, you can’t go past travertine.

Hardwearing and strong

Travertine is a stand out when it comes to durability and longevity. As it ages, its appearance only enhances further. It can withstand all climatical changes and heavy loads with no hassles at all, and it doesn’t chip or crack easily.

They offer great traction

Travertine offers natural non-slip properties which makes it safe to add to areas that can become slippery such as around swimming pools. It is smooth yet soft underfoot.

Easy to look after

Unlike some other paving materials, travertine doesn’t require any elaborate maintenance. They are super simple to look after.

It can add value to your home

Adding high-quality materials like travertine can boost the value of your home. Spending money on premium products like this almost always pays off when it comes to boosting equity in your home.

Speak to the travertine specialists

Travertine is a fantastic option for any type of outdoor or indoor application. It is strong, beautiful and timeless. Whatever your paving needs are, travertine makes a great choice. If you would like more information on travertine, feel free to reach out to us here at Bonita Stone. We specialise in stunning pavers, travertine included and would love to be of assistance if we can.