is travertine flooring the way to go?

Question

ok, i am conflicted. i found a beautiful 18x18 travertine tile at home depot at a great price ($2.41 per sq ft). i was planning on installing in the entry, hall, kitchen and dining room. after reading a bit, i am concerned about these scratches, stains, etc that people are writting about. how concerned should i be? if i drop a jar of pickles or a glass of water, will that cause damage? should they be sealed or not and if so, how often? should i skip travertine altogether? is regular marble a better choice? please help...i am so confused!

erica

Answer 1

I've installed travertine in many different applications and as long as you seal it, keep it clean and sealed you will have no problems. Not only that, I have it in my own home and have spilled just about everything and anything on it without having permanent stains. I also have two dogs with a lot of energy that don't harm the floor in any way. Just use a high quality sealer, like the one by TileLab, apply it with a sponge mop and do so every year or so. Take care of spills right away with a damp rag, other than that, vacuum regularly or use a duster mop. It will really add value to your home. I would choose a honed trav over marble which demands more upkeep and maintenance. Marble will cloud if alcohol based liquids are spilled on it and it will take more effort to remove it.

Answer 2

Travertine is beautiful without a doubt, but persoanlly I'd not use it on a floor, especially in areas where food is prepared,,,or spilled,,, and or in areas where soil and water might be tracked in.

Marble in general is fragile, and certainly I've installed many sq. ft. of it as well as other tile substances, commercially and residentially,,,cuz the customer is always RIGHT, but for me, I'd do walls with it before I'd do floors. Beyond that marble is a high maintenance flooring material, and often shows EVERYTHING.

If I were you I'd shop quality, patterned porcelains...AND try to find a color and pattern that goes all the way through the tile.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

yes