Travertine tiles are becoming very popular as pavers, kitchen tiles, entryways, and bathroom finish. Travertine has been used for centuries as a decorative as well as a building material. In fact, many of the structures of Ancient Rome are actually constructed of travertine stone not marble as many people believe. Marble was used by the super rich and for religious and civic buildings. Of course it was also very popular as statue material but again only for the rich.
Travertine has a very nice old world appearance and has many different color options. If you plan to buy travertine pavers then you will need to decide which of the three surfaces to choose from. The three surface choices are tumbled, honed, and polished. Each has its place when choosing a surface for different applications.
Tumbled travertine tiles are have a rough texture and are porous. These are very useful around a pool or as an uncovered patio surface as it allows the water to escape and gives good footing. Honed have a smooth matte appearance. They still offer fairly good footing but are usually used in covered areas and as entryway flooring. These are also popular as wall tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.
The last surface type, polished, is smooth and shiny and is used for countertops and worktops. This surface works very well when a smooth, level top is needed. Often times the natural voids and air pockets are filled with this type of tile.
As far as color goes there are many different options available with no two tiles have the exact same hues or patterns. Travertine is a sedimentary stone which is formed as mineral deposit on the bottom of a hot spring pool. Thus, travertine is found around areas of volcanic activity like in central Italy. Travertine is also found extensively in Turkey with some quarries in Mexico and Peru.
The color of the individual tiles is determined by the mineral content at the particular time the sediment was laid down. You can find travertine tiles which vary in color from an almost white ivory to a tan and walnut to many shades of red. There is a natural earth tone travertine tile color to fit almost any home color scheme.
If you are buying online you can actually request photos of the particular tiles you will be receiving in order to check the color match of the rest of your décor. Travertine tiles are very useful as pavers outside and as floor and wall tiles inside your home. Travertine bathrooms are very popular now because of the light colors which are available.