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If you are looking for an alternative to conventional stone materials such as marble or granite, then consider travertine.This material is a sedimentary stone that is found near hot freshwater springs. Travertine is characterised with the presence of numerous holes and open channels that are formed over the years due to the passage of hot water and water vapour through the stone. Additionally, travertine gives a rustic look and is available in earthy colour tones. Here is a quick overview to help you decide.

1. It is a luxurious material
Travertine can effortlessly bring in a luxurious as well as classic look to home decor. Although travertine is one of the oldest building materials and has been around since ages, it has seen limited use because it is brittle and prone to cracking, unlike harder stones such as marble or granite. However, now it can be hardened by treatment with resins and sealants.

2. It has a textured look
Travertine stands out because of the presence of natural pores and veining which impart an interesting texture. The stone has a raw appeal which suggests signs of considerable wear and tear. Travertine is available in various colours, ranging from light ivory to golden browns; these tones come from traces of iron that are present within the stone.

3. It’s suitable for the outdoors
Travertine has many great properties: it is extremely durable and robust, and can survive harsh external weather conditions throughout the year. It is also very slip-resistant. All this makes travertine highly suitable for areas such as outdoor walkways, driveways, patios, pool decks and other landscape elements.

4. It can be installed on walls and floors
Travertine can be used in numerous ways – as focal walls in living rooms – such as a TV backdrop, on bathroom walls, for indoor or outdoor flooring, and as an exterior cladding material.

5. It’s available in multiple finishes
Travertine is a versatile stone that is available in various finishes:

• Polished travertine is smooth, has a good reflective surface and is widely used for indoor applications such as wall cladding, like in this image.
• Honed travertine is a low-shine matte finish. It has clean and even edges and is most commonly used for travertine tiles or pavers.
• Brushed travertine has a rough texture along with a matte finish. It is highly slip-resistant and imparts a rustic look. It is great for flooring.
• Tumbled travertine has a highly textured finish, no shine, and has a worn out appearance that resembles ancient stone. It brings in an old-world charm and is widely used for outdoor applications.

Travertine maintenance tips

• One must apply a penetrating sealer, followed by a surface sealer, on travertine. It is recommended to re-seal the stone surface every year.
• The routine cleaning of travertine floors should include a gentle wipe with a mop to keep the floor spotlessly clean.
• Travertine is composed of calcium carbonate, so avoid using acid cleaners or strong soap-based cleaners as they have a tendency to corrode and damage the floor surface.