By Travertine is a popular paving material, and for good reason. It offers so much more than just fantastic aesthetic appeal. If you’re undecided on which natural stone to choose for your next hardscaping project, you’ve come to the right place because, in this post, we’ll explain all the reasons why travertine is a great paving choice regardless of the application.
What is travertine exactly?
Travertine Pavers is one of the most common stones used in Australian architecture and landscaping. It’s made from a type of terrestrial limestone that forms around hot springs. The process occurs when calcium carbonate precipitates rapidly. Different types of minerals blend in with the calcium carbonate as this is happening, and this is what gives travertine its unique appearance. You’ll find it often features distinctive formations such as swirls, marbles, and numerous colour variations throughout.
Here are some fantastic reasons to choose travertine
It’s timeless
When it comes to classy building materials, travertine is a hard act to follow. It has been used since ancient times and remains a timeless classic still today. While many other hardscaping materials come into trend and then out again, travertine never loses its appeal and will still look stunning decades down the track. This type of natural stone has a weathered appearance to it and as it ages, this only adds to its appeal. Travertine most commonly comes in earthy tones such as whites, creams, beiges, greys and even tans and reds.
Can be used for virtually every hardscaping project
Due to its durability and ability to withstand extreme conditions and the elements with ease, travertine can be used for virtually every type of hardscaping project. Here are some popular ways to use travertine around your home:
- Patios and entertaining areas
- Pool surrounds
- Paths and walkways
- Driveways
- Crazy pave
- Steps and steppingstones
Travertine can tolerate heavy loads and exposure to harsh conditions such as around a swimming pool where its in frequent contact with chlorine or salt. To get the most from your travertine, it’s best to seal them with a suitable sealer. This can extend their lifespan for longer by protecting them from stains and other external contaminants that may prematurely damage the surface of the stone.
Versatile
Not only can travertine be used for a variety of applications, but it works well in practically any style of home whether it’s modern, mid-century or something in between. It’s extremely versatile and even if you decide to update your home later down the track you won’t have to worry about changing your travertine over because it will still look great which can save you time and money.
Superior lifespan
Travertine offers exceptional durability. It can resist heavy use for a long time with little to no effect on the integrity of the stone. This is because the stone has a high hardness rating compared to some other natural stones.
More affordable than some other stone types
Travertine allows you to have a stunning paving area for a fraction of the cost. It looks expensive but is far more affordable than other stone pavers such as marble and granite. If the area you are paving is quite large, this can save you a considerable amount of money. The great thing is, even though it’s cheaper, it doesn’t mean you are compromising on quality whatsoever.
It comes in many finishes
There are several finishes that travertine can have, and some are better suited to some applications than others. For example, travertine used around a swimming pool needs to have a certain level of texture to ensure that it isn’t slippery when wet. Here are some of the different finishes:
- Polished travertine
Polished travertine has been polished, and in doing this it makes the surface entirely smooth and glossy. As the texture and divots have been removed in the polishing process, this type of finish is great at repelling stains. The only downside is that they can get very slippery so, not a good choice for areas that get wet.
- Honed travertine
This type of travertine is typically filled and then polished lightly. It still features the classic travertine look and has more of a matte finish than gloss. Honed travertine is commonly used for indoor applications.
- Tumbled travertine
Tumbled travertine has a typical travertine appearance, and features round edges and corners. It looks more rustic than polished and honed travertine. It has good non-slip properties and should be protected against stains with a travertine sealer.
- Brushed travertine
Wire brushes are used to smooth the surface of the stone, and this creates what’s known as brushed travertine. They offer more grip than honed travertine but less than tumbled. This type of travertine is the least common finish of all four.
Are there any disadvantages to travertine?
There is only one real disadvantage to choosing travertine, and that is that it can require slightly more maintenance than some other types. This is because it tends to be more porous and can be susceptible to stains. By sealing your travertine, you can avoid this issue.
We hope this post has given you an insight into travertine. It’s a great universal product that can take your hardscaping project to the next level. If you’re looking for quality travertine here in Perth, Bonita Stone can help! Check out our collection online.
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