Block Paving, Tarmac, Concrete and Slabs
What are Travertine, Marble Pavers and What You Need to Know About Them
What is Travertine (Marble)?
Travertine is a natural stone from the limestone family, which later on transforms into marble in time. It is also often called travertine marble. It is made of calcium carbonate and is usually found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs.
Where Could You Use It?
Since stone can withstand the ravages of weather and outdoor elements, it is unlikely to be damaged when used in the home or in the outdoors. Aside from its obvious beauty, durability is one of the elements that lead people to choose travertine for home building and home improvement projects. The truth is that travertine is highly resistant to heat, scratching, staining and acidity. It was frequently used in ancient times as a building material. It is most commonly used for countertops and flooring, but may also be used in showers and tub surrounds as well as in exterior decor.
What Colors?
Travertine is available in different colors and finishes, from natural, neutral colors such as creamy white and gold to tan and reddish brown. The color depends quite a bit on the impurities and iron content of the stone.
Which Finishes?
The different finishes include honed, polished and tumbled. Honed travertine is smooth, but unlike polished, it has a matte finish. Polished travertine is smooth, but buffed and polished until shiny. Tumbled travertine has a rougher, textured finish and often has rounded corners for an antique look. Tumbled travertine marble is the most appropriate flooring material for outdoors, especially pool decks andpatios. Chiseled travertineis a kind in which the edges are broken with a special machine to have the pavers fit together closer. Chiseled travertine marble is the most appropriate material for driveways.
Why Use Travertine Marble Pavers?
They are natural stone pavers and are able to withstand extreme cold conditions and multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Their PSI ratings demonstrate a higher degree of resilience and durability in extreme conditions than concrete, brick or other outdoor paving alternatives. Travertine Marble Pavers are also the perfect solution for tropical and humid climates. Not only are they able to withstand extreme heat without so much as a crack, their natural coolness provides a satisfying walking surface for bare feet. Plus, they naturally repel mold and mildew; so you will never have to fuss with messy bleach solutions.
Durable: Travertine Marble Pavers are stronger than poured concrete or asphalt, with no surface cracking.
Valuable: Travertine Marble Pavers add value to your house through their visual appeal and durability. Your house will worth more.
Reusable: Travertine Marble Pavers can be laid, removed and replaced easily.
Environmentally Friendly: Natural stone is a 100% natural-earth product.
When you compare travertine pavers vs. brick pavers, you will find out that travertine pavers are heat resistant so they won’t burn your feet in hot summer days or freeze in cold winter days. They also will not start crumbling like brick pavers in only a year or two.
Since travertine is a natural stone, no two pieces are the same. Your project will have a look that no one else’s will. After tens of thousands of years in nature, you will enjoy them at your house.
How to Install Travertine Pavers?
Travertine Pavers are easier to install than most other paving materials, because they can be installed dry set. They are easily laid and if necessary easily replaced. You can follow the chart at the following link for installation advice:
http://travertinemart.com/Installation.html
Eva is the Head Designer at Design Box, located in Miami.
She has worked at Lois Gries Interior Design in Chicago.
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