Travertine Tile

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There is just no comparing natural stone travertine tile to kitchen or wall tiles that are made of other materials. There is also the option of mixing granite, marble and even slate tile to create unusual custom patterns with this wonderful stone all mixed in. Many walls can have a portion done in sleek or dark slate tiles and then accent the windows and doorways with travertine that is rustic and then also add some slate flooring to an outdoor porch or patio or garden area and build walls of travertine in lighter colors.

The stone mixes create contrasts and design features that can be enhanced by certain types of tumbled marble, travertine and limestone. Leaving the naturally pitted area unfilled on travertine can make the tiles seem more rustic even if they have been sealed, or they can be filled and polished to match marble and gassy finishes and be sealed to last up to 15 years or more. Even in tile that is left pitted and natural, after sealing the crevices will not hold dirt and will be easily cleaned.

The key to everything with natural stone travertine tile is SEALING it properly before anything else.

Floor Tile Design and Laying Patterns

Travertine flooring will require adhesive to set in place. Flooring tiles can not just be set down without an adhesive that is right for the type of material. Laying travertine is an investment in your home which will require the services of a professional tiler. The design that you select for your floors must be discussed in advance because even stone looks nicer when staggered patterns are used. Floor tile patterns are not easy to come up with because the pattern must repeat itself and not be so large that it just looks off center when it reaches a wall or edge, and it also should be not so small and intricate that the detail of stone itself is lost in a pattern.

Floor tiling experts often have basic suggestions, but it is best to get some designs form designers because floor installation and designing are two very different matters.

If using travertine or natural stone for the walls you may consider looking at designs for tile murals which can be simple motifs that enhance the way the stone is laid.

Don't forget that you can create decorative tile patterns by cutting shapes in the stone, forming flowers or rosettes or suns or different art deco shapes. Bathroom floor tile can also be cut and made to have round or circular patterns around the drainage area or in the center of the floor or can be cut to match the ceramic wall tile pattern. The key to all of this will be using the professional installers and the right adhesive and the best tile grout possible that has been tinted or bought exclusively to go with the travertine tile natural coloring.