Travertine Bathroom Tile

The use of travertine tile in home bathrooms is a practical and beautiful solution that lasts a lifetime. Once used throughout ancient Europe for building walls and foundations, modern manufacturing now produces tiles and shapes that are easily incorporated into interior designs. This sturdy material is Ideal for bathroom flooring because of its non-stick surface properties. The many available patterns and colors can be used for flooring, backdrops, showers and sinks coordinated to fit a variety of decors.

Travertine Tile Characteristics

Natural travertine is a fairly hard sedimentary stone formed from carbonate minerals and mineral spring water. It is similar to limestone and marble but this porous material often features many cavities. The tile surfaces are often laden with holes and crevices that give the finished material a textured appearance.

Filled tiles are recommended for bathroom flooring. Tiles that contain larger holes or pitted surfaces can be susceptible to water buildup that may be difficult to control. Unfilled tiles are better used for exterior walkways or patios.

Most of the travertine tile available today originates from quarries in Turkey where it is manufactured into tiles and other shapes. China produces travertine sinks, bathtubs and vessels that are exported worldwide.

Sizes and Colors of Travertine Tiles

Standard tile sizes range in inches from 4 x 4, 6 x 6, 12 x 12 and 24 x 24. Mosaic travertine tiles are available in standard sizes of 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 inches. Trim and border shapes are available for countertops and wall edges.

Pure travertine is white but yellow, beige brown and gold tones appear as a result of mineral deposits. Occasionally grey or black veins may be inherent in the tiles.

Travertine sinks can be found in a variety of colors in polished or unpolished finishes. Sink diameters are 18 or 18.5 inches and 7 or 4 inch depths.

The early use of stone as a building material provided a sturdy structure that could withstand centuries of use. But the ancient builders were also aware of aesthetics. Today travertine provides both beauty and durability and is a good choice for any contemporary bathroom.