Using natural stone in a home gives it the natural warmth, character and style that this range of products is able to bring to a space. Travertine is definitely worth considering given that the Roman Empire built many of its buildings from this stone, some of which are still standing today. As a cousin to marble, it shares many of this stone’s ability to add a real sense of elegance and grace to a home. For more on travertine’s many other attributes hipages caught up with Tyra Periera from RMS Natural Stone.

Tell us a little about travertine.

“Travertine is a sedimentary rock that is made up of calcium based minerals which undergoes a similar formation process to marble, which is slightly denser in structure.”

Where could I specify travertine in my home?

“Travertine is versatile enough to be able to be a feature wall, flooring tiles or even as kitchen counter tops.”

What sort of colour range is characteristic of travertine?

“The minerals present during the formation of travertine create a unique and distinctive colour palette, so each tile is totally individual. This produces a whole colour range to choose from, including soft and darker browns, reds, pastel pinks all the way through to a variety of greys.”

Where is your travertine sourced from?

“We source travertine primarily from Italy or Turkey. Italian travertine is renowned for its look, including its uniform appearance and its density and variety of colours. Turkish travertine is much less denser and features more variation in the tile.”

Are there different finishes available?

“Travertine can either be vein cut which exposes the striking veins and other unique characteristics of the stone, as well as honed, polished and filled finishes. Cross cut is another finish that exposes the various calcium deposits composed in travertine.”

What if I need a slip resistant floor tile?

“You will need a honed, filled or tumbled travertine for superior traction underfoot.”

How can I be sure of the colour and quality of my travertine tiles?

“Natural stone has differences in colour and texture and will vary slightly from batch to batch. Viewing multiple samples will give you a good idea of what the end result is likely to look like.”

How do you go about choosing an appropriately sized tile?

“Generally larger tiles will make a room appear larger, though at the end of the day it does come down to personal taste.”

How do I take care of my travertine tiles?

“A mild soap detergent together with a regular cleaning schedule will help to keep your travertine looking like new. Avoid any acid based or corrosive cleaners which will only damage it.”

Does travertine require sealing?

“Yes, a sealer helps to protect your travertine tiles without discolouring them in any way.”

What else do I need to consider when installing travertine tiles?

“An installer will generally grade tiles to ensure that a blended result is achieved for colour consistency.”

What tile sizes are popular right now?

“Popular sizes at the moment including any rectangular size including 610 x 305 x 15mm, 800 x 400 x 15mm, 900 x 450 x 15mm and 1400 x 350 x 30mm.”